Switzerland Votes on Mandatory National Service for All, Including Women
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In a significant referendum, Swiss voters are deciding whether women should be required to participate in national service, just like men. The 'citizen service initiative' aims to boost social cohesion by adding jobs in areas like environmental protection, food security, and elderly care. However, the government and parliament strongly oppose the idea, citing cost concerns and the potential economic impact of removing tens of thousands of young people from the workforce. Supporters of the initiative argue that mandatory national service would promote a sense of responsibility and unity among citizens, helping Switzerland prepare for potential crises such as cyberattacks, energy shortages, and war in Europe. They point to individualism and growing social tensions as major concerns. The government counters that the army and civil defence already have sufficient staff, and recruiting more people would be unnecessary. While compulsory military service for women might be seen as a step toward gender equality, the government argues that it would place an additional burden on women who already handle a significant portion of unpaid household and childcare responsibilities. If approved, the measure would require all Swiss citizens, including women, to participate in national service, doubling the number of participants and costs. It would also give parliament the option to extend public service to foreigners living in Switzerland. While initial polls suggested a close contest, a recent survey indicates that the initiative is likely to fail. The outcome of this referendum will provide insight into how European populations view mandatory national duty, a topic of growing importance amidst global uncertainties.
