Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, security fears have grown, pushing Switzerland, a traditionally neutral country, into openly debating a plan to extend compulsory military service to women. Swiss voters are holding a referendum on the measure on the 30th (local time), while the government remains opposed.
According to AP and AFP, Switzerland has put to a vote the "civic service initiative," which would expand conscription, currently applied only to men, to women so that they contribute to the country in some form—military, civil defense, or alternative service. Switzerland operates a direct democracy in which all major national issues are decided by referendum.
Proponents argue that expanding service would strengthen social cohesion and crisis response and is also desirable for gender equality. Noemi Rotten, who led the initiative, said the current system both places the burden only on men and excludes women from networks and experience gained through military service, disadvantaging both sides.
About 35,000 men in Switzerland are required each year to serve in the military or civil defense, and conscientious objectors can choose alternative service at hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities. The government opposes the measure, saying military and civil defense personnel are already sufficient and that expanding mandatory service would reduce the workforce and increase expense. It also noted that in a reality where unpaid labor such as housework and childcare makes up a large share, imposing additional obligations on women would not help gender equality.
The plan drew considerable attention early on, but a recent gfs.bern poll showed 64% of respondents opposed, suggesting it is likely to be voted down. On-site voting runs until noon, and initial tallies combining the results of early voting are expected to be released in the afternoon.
A proposal to strengthen inheritance taxes on the "super rich" being put to a vote the same day is also drawing interest. Proposed by the youth wing of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland, it would impose a 50% inheritance tax on assets of 50 million Swiss francs (about 91.4 billion won) or more to fund climate measures. About 2,500 households are estimated to be subject to the tax. Proponents say it could secure 6 billion Swiss francs (about 10 trillion won) in annual revenue and argue it should be used for building insulation upgrades, expanding renewable energy, and investing in transportation infrastructure.
However, the government and business circles warn that it could prompt the ultra-wealthy to leave the country, weakening the economic base, and oppose the measure. This proposal, too, is seen as unlikely to pass in the referendum.