On Sunday, Swiss voters will say what they think about the country’s pandemic policy, including when it comes to demands for a corona passport.
This is the second time in four months that the country is holding a referendum on pandemic policy. This time it happens while the infection is rapidly on the rise and the authorities warn of a fifth wave of infection.
In June, the referendum was held after the government was criticized for giving itself too broad powers at the expense of citizens’ rights.
At that time, more than 60 per cent of voters still said yes to the law, which gives the government broad powers to implement infection control measures.
Skepticism about corona passports
This time it is again critics who have taken the initiative for a referendum. They want a no to an adjustment of the law that gives the right to introduce requirements for corona passports for everyone who participates in public events and gatherings.
Corona passes should be given to fully vaccinated, those who have recovered from a coronary infection, and those who test negative.
The law to be voted on has also made it possible for the authorities to allocate billions of Swiss francs to workers and companies affected by the pandemic.
Opinion polls suggest that a solid majority will vote in favor of the bill, but in recent weeks opponents have raised large sums of money and also received foreign support for their campaign.
From mid-October to mid-November, the average number of infections has increased fivefold over the last seven days. It is now at over 5,200 pr. day. The curve is the same as in neighboring Germany and Austria.
–Has stepped up security
Demonstrations against the proposed measures have lasted for several weeks. Several have ended up in street fights. Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas to deal with crowds. The resistance is according to BBC largest in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.
The country has among the lowest vaccination rates in Western Europe. Just under two thirds of the population are fully vaccinated.
Observers that Sunday’s referendum will increase tensions, and that vaccine opponents can resort to violence if they do not win.
Police have stepped up security around politicians, including Health Minister Alain Berset. Federal police say the number of threats has increased since the beginning of the pandemic.
On Sunday, fences were erected around government buildings and the National Assembly in Bern
– No longer a country of consensus
Professor of political science Pascal Sciarini at the University of Geneva points out that the tradition of direct democracy in Switzerland gives people the opportunity to have their say. It will put a damper on more extreme and violent forms of protest.
– This is about to change. Switzerland has become a country like any other. It is no longer a country of consensus, Sciarini believes.
All the political parties support the proposed measures, with the exception of the populist right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP).
SVP is the largest party in Switzerland. Professor Sciarini believes the party is trying to score political points in support of the growing uprising.
– SVP breathes life into the embers, he claims.
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