Switzerland’s burka ban is mainly symbolic

Voters on the left also supported the ban

Unusual political factors explain why the initiative succeeded. The proposal found favour not only on the conservative side of the spectrum, but among left-leaning women’s rights activists who believe face veils symbolise a fundamentalist ideology that violates the dignity of women with impunity. Full-face coverings are anathema to a free society, the activists argued. However, feminist motives were also behind people opposing the initiative, with critics saying that women had the right to wear what they wanted. In their view, putting on a niqab was integral to religious freedom.

Party politicians have framed the yes outcome as a vote against radical Islam and female oppression. According to SVP President Marco Chiesa, it is about “defending certain values and prerequisites that are essential for society to function”. SVP National Councillor Walter Wobmann of the Egerkingen Committee, which spearheaded the initiative: “In Switzerland, our tradition is that you show your face. Veils symbolise this extreme, political Islam that has no place in Switzerland.” But banning them does not solve any tangible problem, says FDP leader Petra Gössi, adding that clothing rules do nothing to fight terrorism. SP co-president Cédric Wermuth agrees. In his opinion, the ruling will not improve the lives of any of the Muslim women it targeted.

“We must now do something to ensure that these women are truly liberated.”

Cédric Wermuth

SP co-president

Second success for the Egerkingen Committee

This is the first time that voters have approved any popular initiative at national level since 2014. And it is already the second referendum victory of its kind for the Egerkingen Committee. The group, known for its critical stance on Islam, managed to ban the construction of new minarets on mosques in 2009 – a result that took many by surprise and hit the headlines abroad. However, political commentators believe that the ban on full-face coverings cannot be compared with the controversy back then. Although supporters tried to exploit anti-Muslim feeling again, Switzerland is not the only country to outlaw face veils. A yes vote was therefore on the cards, they say.

The cantons of Ticino and St. Gallen already had burka bans in place. Furthermore, people attending demonstrations or sports events in 15 cantons are not permitted to cover their face. The cantons are responsible for use of public space, so it would be up to them to enforce the new national ban. However, the cantons are waiting for the federal government to take the lead with a uniform solution. Berne intends to make a proposal by the summer.

Had the decision been left to the Swiss Abroad, Muslim women would still be able to wear full-face coverings in public. Some 51.1 per cent of expatriate voters rejected the initiative. Tourist destinations were also opposed, with 64 per cent voting against in the city of Lucerne for example. The overriding fear was that wealthy guests from the Gulf States would stay away in future.

E-ID is off the agenda

On 7 March, the electorate rejected plans by the Federal Council and parliament to introduce an electronic identity (e-ID) scheme, with 64.4 per cent voting no. In particular, the prospect of the private sector getting involved in the scheme was unpalatable for many. Both opponents and supporters of the rejected initiative now want an exclusively government-driven solution as soon as possible. The Swiss Abroad also dismissed the proposal, albeit a little less emphatically, with 53.2 per cent voting against. E-voting could have become fully digital as a result of e-ID. It will now remain post-reliant for the foreseeable future, because PINs still have to be sent by paper mail.

Free trade with Indonesia

The electorate approved the controversial free trade agreement with Indonesia on 7 March. It was a close-run thing, with 51.7 per cent in favour. The majority of voters from the “Fifth Switzerland” rejected the agreement, which will remove customs duty on imports and exports, including on those of sustainably produced palm oil under certain conditions. Consequently, environmental and social standards have been formalised in a free trade agreement for the first time ever. The standards are likely to have a bearing on future trade agreements.