Popular vote on 15 May 2022

Votazione
Vote

On 15 May 2022, Swiss citizens will vote on the following three questions:

Amendment to the Federal Act on Film Production and Film Culture

Domestic television broadcasters are obliged to invest 4 per cent of their turnover in Swiss filmmaking. In so doing, they make an important contribution to local film production. However, films and series are increasingly also offered for download on the internet (streaming). For the streaming services, which are often globally active, there has so far been no investment obligation inSwitzerland.

The amendment to the Film Act stipulates that streaming services must in future also invest 4 per cent of the revenue generated in Switzerland in local filmmaking. They can either participate directly in Swiss film and series productions or pay a substitute levy that benefits Swiss film promotion. In addition, 30 per cent of the streaming services’ content must consist of films or series produced in Europe. A referendum has been called against the amendment.

The question: 

Do you accept the amendment of 1 October 2021 to the Federal Act on Film Culture and Production (Film Act, CinA)?

Recommendation of the Federal Council and Parliament YES

The Federal Council and Parliament believe that the amendment to the Act will close a loophole created by the digital transition. It will remedy the unequal treatment of television channels and streaming services, strengthen our film creation and contribute to the cultural diversity of the digital offer, which is increasingly important.

Recommendation of the referendum committee NO

The Referendum Committee considers it unfair that the amendment to the law requires streaming services to offer 30% European films. Films from all over the world, which are nevertheless appreciated, will be penalised. The committee is also convinced that the obligation to invest will increase the price of subscriptions.

 

Transplantation Act

Over the past five years, an average of around 450 people in Switzerland have received one or more organs from a deceased person each year. However, the need for organs is much greater. Today, a transplant is only possible if the deceased person has consented to the donation during his or her lifetime (consent solution). However, the wish of the person concerned is often unknown. It is then up to the relatives to decide. In the majority of cases, they are against organ donation.

The Federal Council and Parliament want to increase patients’ chances of receiving an organ. They are therefore seeking to change the rules regarding organ donation: Anyone who does not wish to donate their organs must state this during their lifetime (contradiction solution).

If a person has not objected, it is assumed that they are willing to donate their organs. The relatives are involved regardless. They can refuse organ donation if they know or suspect that the person concerned would have chosen not to do so. If no relatives can be contacted, no organs may be removed. The amended Transplantation Act is a counter-proposal to the popular initiative ‘Encourage organ donation – save lives’. This also calls for a move to the contradiction solution, but does not regulate the role of the relatives.

It was withdrawn on condition that the amended Transplantation Act comes into force. Because a referendum has been sought against the law, it will be put to the vote.

The question:

Do you accept the amendment of 1 October 2021 to the Federal Act on the Transplantation of Organs, Tissues and Cells (Transplantation Act)?

Recommendation of the Federal Council and Parliament YES

Organ donation can save lives. The Federal Council and Parliament therefore consider it important that all organs that people can and wish to donate on their death are actually transplanted. The new procedure will ensure that relatives can be consulted and will ease their burden in a difficult situation.

Recommendation of the Referendum Committee NO

The committee believes that, with the new law, there will always be people who do not know that they should have expressed their opposition to the donation of their organs. It adds that it will be acceptable for organs to be removed from people who were opposed, in violation of the right to self-determination and physical integrity.

 

Adoption of the Regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (Development of the Schengen Acquis)

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) provides operational support to the Schengen states in controlling the external borders of the Schengen Area. Switzerland has been working with Frontex for over ten years.

Moves have been under way since the end of 2019 to expand Frontex. The Federal Council and Parliament have decided that Switzerland would participate in the expansion of Frontex. A referendum has been sought against such a move. Opponents argue that Switzerland is partly responsible for alleged human rights violations by Frontex due to its financial support for the agency.

Frontex will receive more money and staff as a result of the expansion. In addition, it is taking on new tasks such as the return of migrants required to leave the Schengen Area. In addition, the staff of the Fundamental Rights Office will be increased. It helps to protect the fundamental rights of those involved in operations at the Schengen external borders. Under the bill put forward by the Federal Council and Parliament, Switzerland would play its part in this reform. Its financial contribution to Frontex would gradually increase. And It would also provide more staff and material.

If Switzerland rejects this further Schengen development, its cooperation with the Schengen and Dublin states would end automatically – unless the EU states and the European Commission were prepared to accommodate Switzerland.

The question:

Do you accept the Federal Decree of 1 October 2021 on the approval and implementation of the exchange of notes between Switzerland and the European Union concerning the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 on the European Corps of Border Guards and Coastguards and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624 (development of the Schengen acquis)?

Recommendation of the Federal Council and Parliament YES

The Federal Council and Parliament consider that Frontex plays a central role in controlling the external borders and ensuring the security of the Schengen area, which also benefits Switzerland. By participating in Frontex, Switzerland assumes its responsibility and takes part in decision-making. A no vote could lead to Switzerland’s exclusion from Schengen/Dublin.

Recommendation of the referendum committee NO

The committee believes that Frontex is co-responsible for the violence, misery and deaths on Europe’s doorstep. However, it is planned to expand the agency massively, partly with Swiss funds. If we really want to protect refugees, we must say no to this project.

 

VoteInfo

VoteInfo is an application launched by the Confederation and the cantons to provide voters with information on federal and cantonal votes on their smartphones.

The platform is able to provide explanations and results for all federal and cantonal votes. In addition, during Sunday’s vote count, the application will provide provisional results from 12 noon onwards and will update them until the final results are known. 

Users can also request push notifications to remind them to vote and to alert them when news, videos or results are posted online.

The app is available for iOS and Android and can be downloaded for free at  App Store and Google Play.

Source: https://www.admin.ch/gov/it/pagina-iniziale/documentazione/votazioni/20220515.html

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