But Covid skeptics have a chance with the National Council

Thousands demonstrated, dozens of clubs formed: Covid skeptics and opponents of measures became a new political force during the pandemic. In no time the signatures for a referendum were gathered, and a second one followed. But now that the face mask obligation is a thing of the past, non-vaccinated people are also allowed to go back to the pub. That is why there are now problems collecting signatures for a third Covid referendum.

Of the 50,000 required signatures, about 30,000 were collected on Thursday, a month before the end of the collection period. About 4,000 were added in the past week. “If it continues like this, it will be a photo finish,” said Mass Voll boss Nicolas Rimoldi (28). “Many people are not aware that the end of the measures was not the end of the Covid law.”

Opponents ah

Roland Bühlmann (50), chairman of the Friends of the Constitution, also admits: “It was more difficult than expected, but I assume that it will work.” The movement of the opponents of the measures falters. Disputes arose over the leadership of some groups. At the end of last year, the Friends of the Constitution bade farewell to two board members. Two factions vie for supremacy among the Freedom Troychlers.

What remains of the spirit of optimism? What will become of the clubs – now that the topic of Corona has practically completely disappeared from citizens’ lives? Opponents of measures and Covid skeptics prefer to call themselves civil rights movements. Once their referendum is over, the sovereignty initiative will already be ready.

Like the Covid referendum, it originated with the Friends of the Constitution and Mass-Vol and aims to put national sovereignty above international treaties. The trigger was a global pandemic agreement. The covid skeptics have therefore not broken with their origins. But you are looking for new topics. They are calling for a pro-Russian peace demonstration on March 11 in Bern.

Even for the SVP on the right

The elections in Zurich showed that the movement has political opportunities, albeit small ones. The list of the relevant well-known association Aufrecht received 2.15 percent of the vote; she only failed the three percent hurdle. In the fall elections, this formation could get a seat in the National Council in Zurich – especially if it were on a list with the small EDU party.

It would be a slap in the face for SVP. For a long time, the creed of the People’s Party was: “No party to the right of the SVP.” But with Aufrecht, a new movement is now fishing in the same pool of voters. SVP Landsraadslide Roger Köppel (57) already said in his program “Weltwoche Daily”: “You prevented the SVP from getting more votes.”

Others in the party are more relaxed. “We already assume that certain votes have been lost to us,” admits Domenik Ledergerber (35), president of the cantonal section. But despite certain overlaps, Aufrecht is not on the right of the SVP. A list connection to the FDP and the center is clearly a priority. “But we are exploring all options. We will certainly also try to talk to Aufrecht,” says Ledergerber.

Source:Blick