Despite months of protests, Swiss citizens have overwhelmingly voted to keep the country’s system of Covid vaccination certificates in place. A promise of financial support was added to the agreement, sweetening it for voters.
Some 62% of voters chose on Sunday to maintain the country’s coronavirus measures. The controversial Covid vaccination certificate system, which is required to be present in bars, restaurants and public places since September, are part of these measures. Majorities in 24 of Switzerland’s 26 cantons backed the law, with only the tiny cantons of Schwyz and Appenzell Innerrhoden rejecting the measures.
All of Switzerland’s political parties with the exception of the right-wing Swiss People’s Party supported the law, which was brought to a vote after anti-lockdown groups gathered nearly 200,000 signatures to challenge it earlier this year. Under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, any initiative can be brought to a vote with 100,000 signatures.
In June, 60% of voters backed the measure’s introduction. However, protests have erupted in Swiss cities in recent months over vaccine certificates. To disperse the crowds that broke through bars outside Bern’s parliament building, police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon.
“The democratic process has been respected but the law is still unconstitutional,” Michelle Cailler of the ‘Friends of the Constitution’ group said after the vote on Sunday. Cailler’s group was one of several who campaigned against the law.
Céline Amaudruz of the Swiss People’s Party, which is currently topping opinion polls in Switzerland, called on the government to take “coherent and measured”Instead of treating the outcome as an afterthought, take action. “blank cheque”To impose coronavirus-related policies as it pleases.
It provides for vaccine passports, but it is more. Some voters may not have been convinced by this provision, which provides additional financial support to citizens and businesses affected.
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