Geneva group backs votes for foreigners

Voters in Geneva will be deciding if foreigners should have the right to vote on June 9th.

Supporters of the move say it’s an injustice that non-Swiss don’t get a say in local affairs and point out that at 40% Geneva has the largest percentage of a population that don’t have the right to vote – they also complain that the path to naturalization is too restrictive, especially language requirements.

Davide de Filippo from the group Geneva Action Community, says many were unable to vote on issues that directly affected them – such as the minimum wage and shop opening hours. 

Currently only cantons Neuchâtel and Jura allow non-Swiss to vote. Although the City of Geneva gives foreigners a vote on communal issues. 

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