The three topics on the Swiss ballot on March 7, 2021

To the people the choices on the ban on concealing one’s face, the law on electronic identification systems and the economic partnership agreement with Indonesia

On March 7, 2021, Swiss citizens will vote on three issues: “Yes to the ban on concealing one’s face”, “Federal Law on Electronic Identification Services (EI Law)” and “Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia”

Popular initiative “Yes to a ban on facial concealment”.

The issue of facial concealment has been animating debates for several years. The cantons of Ticino and St. Gallen have introduced a ban on concealment.
A further 15 cantons have opted for a ban on covering one’s face at events or sporting occasions.
In this context, a committee has launched the popular initiative “Yes to a ban on facial concealment”.
The idea is to ban facial concealment in all public places such as streets, transportation, stores, restaurants, administrative offices and even in nature. With some exceptions: in places of worship, for local customs, for medical or climatic reasons or for security.
The initiative is based on three elements: in his opinion, covering one’s face is incompatible with the idea of living together in a free society; covering one’s face is an expression of the submission of women and therefore incompatible with the equal rights of men and women and, finally, banning facial concealment is an element in favor of security and the fight against crime.

Switzerland and the “fantastic four” of direct democracy
The ethic of competitiveness and the spirit of federalism
Waldstätte and the “forest” cantons at the dawn of Switzerland…

The Federal Council and Parliament oppose the idea of a national law and the initiative, which they consider to be excessive.
First of all, because the phenomenon of veiled women in Switzerland is marginal; secondly, because in this area it is up to the cantons to establish the rules that are best suited to their context. Moreover, anyone who forces a woman to conceal her face against her will is already punishable by law.
However, the Federal Council and Parliament are submitting an indirect counter-proposal to close a specific loophole: the idea is to introduce an obligation to show one’s face in the event of an identity check and to provide for projects in favour of women’s rights. The counter-proposal will come into force only if the initiative is rejected.

The question on the ballot:
Would you like to accept the popular initiative “Yes to a ban on concealing one’s face”?

Federal Law on Electronic Identification Services (EI Law)

On the internet we buy more and more goods or services. To do this it is necessary to identify ourselves with user names, passwords, etc.. This kind of identification is currently free from specific rules, no security guarantee is given by the federal authority. In order to fill this gap, the Federal Council and the Parliament have elaborated the Law on Electronic Identification (LSIe). which intends to regulate the identification of people on the Internet, so that all the actors of the network can be sure of the identity of their interlocutor.
A referendum has been launched against this law. What is reproached to the new norm? The referendum committee contests in particular the management by third parties (and not by the State as it happens for the passport or the identity card) of this identification system with a consequent risk of data abuse.
The Federal Council and Parliament defend their project, stating that although the technical implementation is actually entrusted to third parties (companies, cantons, municipalities), the Confederation remains the sole guarantor.

The Presidency of the Swiss Confederation from 1848 to the present day
Swiss monuments? A “hidden” treasure to be enhanced…
Athenian democracy? Revive between Glarus and Appenzell…

Data protection is increased, going beyond the requirements of the Data Protection Act:
no data will in fact be provided without the consent of the holders of the Electronic Identification, and the information obtained may only be used in this identification sphere;
moreover, only the data necessary for the transaction (for example, if the user is of age or not) will be provided and not all those available on the EI.
Finally, no one will be required to have an EI if they do not want it.

The question on the ballot:
Do you wish to accept the September 27, 2019 Federal Electronic Identification Services Act (EI Act, ESI Act)?

Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia

Switzerland has access to foreign markets thanks to a series of agreements that facilitate trade and economic relations and thus ensure the prosperity of our country.
Recently, Switzerland has negotiated a new agreement with Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world (271 million inhabitants) and in full growth: the intent is to reduce customs duties and trade barriers, facilitating trade imports/exports between the two countries.
A referendum has been launched against this agreement. A bone of contention: the planned reduction of customs duties on palm oil. According to the referendum committee, the planned controls and sanctions will be ineffective.
The Indonesian government is in its opinion unreliable and the palm oil produced at low cost is harmful to the Indonesian ecosystem as well as fueling competition from Swiss crops such as rapeseed oil, sunflower oil or butter.

The Europe of small states and a barely sketched federalism…
Download the brochure “The Swiss Confederation in brief” 2021
swisstopo digital geodata available free of charge

In contrast, the Federal Council and Parliament are of the opinion that the agreement with Indonesia (including the chapter on palm oil) not only respects the economic interests of both countries but also makes an important contribution to sustainable development.
In fact, there will be no reduction in customs duties for Indonesian palm oil if production does not respect human rights and strict environmental requirements. To this end, it will be mandatory to present irrefutable evidence.

The question on the ballot:
Would you like to accept the federal decree of December 20, 2019 approving the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the EFTA States and Indonesia?