Swiss to vote in referendum on government's COVID-19 measures

Ski stations in Switzerland have become an epicentre of tensions between Alpine neighbours during the pandemic.
Ski stations in Switzerland have become an epicentre of tensions between Alpine neighbours during the pandemic. Copyright AP Photo/Jamey Keaten
By Euronews with DPA
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Campaigners say the measures, which include the closing of bars and restaurants, are "disproportionate" and "demonstrably ineffective".

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Swiss campaigners have triggered a referendum on ending the government's COVID-19 restrictions.

The association Freunden der Verfassung (Friends of the Constitution) has filed a petition to the Federal Chancellery with 90,000 signatures.

Swiss law means any petition that is backed by more than 50,000 people will go to a national referendum.

The association has argued the government's legislation, passed by parliament in September 2020, is "dangerous, unethical, and unnecessary".

Last month, Swiss authorities announced plans to shut restaurants, bars, sports facilities, and cultural institutions until the end of February.

But Friends of the Constitution say the move is "disproportionate" and "demonstrably ineffective". The association's spokesperson, Christoph Pfluger, is a known critic of the country's COVID-19 measures.

Opponents also say the bill focuses too much on financial measures that the government can already regulate by federal decrees, without the need for emergency powers.

Others believe the law gives the government too much power to enforce a "compulsory system with poorly tested vaccines", something that the Federal Council has repeatedly denied.

"People and companies who have been pushed to the brink by the irresponsible dictates of the Federal Council must be helped," the group said in a statement.

Any referendum vote on the government's measures will take place after June 2021, when the law will have been in force for nine months.

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