Political Rights: The National Council Committee continues to reject the voting age of 16

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No, no, and no again. The State Political Committee of the National Council (SPK-N) does not want to know anything about the voting age of 16. Their decision was made on Friday by a vote of 15 to 10. The Commission has already expressed itself in this direction several times in the past. But because the Council has repeatedly outvoted the Commission, the discussions are not over yet.

The deal goes back to a 2019 parliamentary initiative by national councilor Sibel Arslan (Greens/BS), which wants to give 16- and 17-year-olds active, but not passive, voting rights. The political involvement of young people has increased significantly, Arslan explained her initiative. In addition, they are often those who are affected by political decisions, such as a climate law or the design of pension provision.

Against different age limits

During the consultation, the request met with widespread resistance, especially from the cantons. Nevertheless, in the summer of 2023, the National Council decided not to write off the initiative, contrary to the committee’s request.

The SPK-N maintains its negative position for known reasons, it was said. A voting and voting age of 16 years would be in unjustified contrast to the civil or criminal rights and obligations applicable to Swiss citizens from the age of 18. The Commission also considers it problematic to separate the age limit for active and passive voting rights.

The National Council Committee wrote that the newly constituted Council should be given the opportunity to fundamentally decide on this issue again. In an initial response, the SP criticized the committee’s decision. The commission prevents voters from voting on such an important democratic issue. (SDA)

Source:Blick