Initiave to confirm Federal Councillors by vote

A new initiative is calling for the people to confirm the position of the seven federal councillors every two years.

The government is chosen by parliament every four years – the next vote will be at the end of the year after the federal elections. 

The campaign, called the ‘Swiss Freedom Movement’ is calling for the people to confirm the position of each individual. 

The press suggests the group seems close to the Swiss People’s Party.

The initiative is not asking for direct election of the government – that was rejected by the people 10 years ago.

But it argues the people should confirm each one midway through the term. If they fail to achieve a double majority – that is most of the people and most the cantons, then parliament should elect a replacement.

Campaigners have until November next year to collect 100,000 signatures. 

 

 

 

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