Voters in Switzerland are heading to the polls in a historic referendum that could reshape the nation's concept of civic duty. The central question is whether women should be required to perform national service, just as all male citizens have been for decades.
A Nation Divided on Civic Duty
The ballot, which closed on Sunday 30 November 2025, asked citizens to decide on the so-called "citizen service initiative." This proposal would mandate that all Swiss citizens, including women who currently volunteer, must complete national service. This service could be in the military, civil protection teams, or newly defined roles in areas like environmental prevention, food security, and elderly care.
Campaigners in favour of the measure have framed it as essential for national resilience. They argue that in a time of growing geopolitical instability, including the spillover of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and domestic challenges like landslides and cyberattacks, a unified national service is the answer. "By proposing a national service for all young people, the initiative responds to exactly what we need," they stated, suggesting it would build a stronger, more cohesive Switzerland.
Government Opposition and Cost Concerns
Despite these arguments, the Swiss government and parliament have overwhelmingly opposed the initiative. Their primary concerns are financial and economic. The government estimates that the current system, which involves about 35,000 men annually, costs nearly 1 billion Swiss francs (approximately $1.25 billion) in allocations and insurance. Approving the measure would roughly double both the headcount and the cost.
Furthermore, officials worry that forcibly taking tens of thousands of young people out of the workforce could significantly crimp the Swiss economy. On the issue of gender equality, the government presented a nuanced counter-argument. While compulsory service for women might seem like a step towards equality, they cautioned it would "place an extra burden on many women, who already shoulder a large part of the unpaid work" of childcare and household management.
What the Vote Reveals
Although early polls suggested a tight race, more recent surveys indicated the initiative was on track to fail. The outcome of this vote is being closely watched across Europe as a barometer of public sentiment towards mandatory national duty in an increasingly uncertain world.
The proposal also contained a provision that would grant parliament the option to require foreigners living in Switzerland to perform public service, expanding the scope of civic responsibility beyond just citizens. For now, young Swiss men must complete service or pay an exemption fee, while women's participation remains a voluntary choice, pending the final count of this landmark decision.
