Parliament remains strict: National Council does not want to facilitate access to the Swiss passport

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The factions of SVP, FDP and Mitte each almost unanimously said no to four motions for “fair play in naturalization”. They don’t want to change the revised civil rights law that went into effect five years ago.

In the recent past, parliament has repeatedly rejected relaxation of naturalization requirements – including two parliamentary initiatives that would have given foreigners more participation rights after five years in Switzerland. The four motions that have now been defeated show that civil rights reforms are struggling in Switzerland.

10 year waiting period

Foreigners would have to live in Switzerland for ten years before they can apply for a Swiss passport. The GLP motion, which wanted to shorten the length of residence to seven years, was defeated by 107 votes to 83 with one abstention.

In addition, the sometimes high minimum length of stay in communities should not be reduced to one to three years. This initiative failed with 102 votes in favour, 89 against and one abstention. Today, the cantons are obliged to provide for a minimum stay of two and a maximum of five years.

In addition, it must remain possible for persons entitled to vote in a municipal council to decide on an application for naturalisation. Katja Christ (GLP/BS) wanted in any case to hand over the decision to a parliament, an executive, a committee of authorities or a similar body. The National Council rejected this by 104 votes to 87 and one abstention.

No exceptions for children

Finally, the naturalization thresholds for children of foreigners should not be lowered, as the Grand Chamber decided by 105 votes to 85 with one abstention. Long-term students also have to take an integration test.

However, naturalization remains on the political agenda. Just two weeks ago, a new citizens’ initiative was launched, which aims to lower naturalization barriers.

In particular, the initiative “For a modern civil rights (democracy)” calls for naturalization to be possible after five years of legal residence in Switzerland, regardless of residence permit. The initiative committee now has until November 23, 2024 to gather the 100,000 signatures needed to bring it about.

About a quarter of people in Switzerland currently hold a foreign passport. Switzerland has the second strictest naturalization rules in Europe after Cyprus, according to a study. (SDA)

Source:Blick