Parliament now says 'yes' to nuclear power

Parliament has reversed course on new nuclear power plants.

The National Council voted 108 to 87 to approve the Federal Council's counter-proposal to the "Stop the Blackout" initiative, lifting the ban on building new reactors. 

The vote marks a 180-degree turn from the 2017 referendum that committed Switzerland to phasing out atomic power. 

Energy minister Albert Rösti argued the country needs the nuclear option to guarantee long-term electricity supply, particularly given the war in Ukraine. 

The Greens have already announced a referendum, meaning the public will likely have the final say, likely early next year.

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