National Council rejects democracy initiative

Di Valerie Linc ·

The National Council has rejected the initiative to halve the time required for citizenship to 5 years. Here's what changes for cross-border workers.

Contesto

In brief - National Council rejects initiative for citizenship in 5 years - 130 votes in favor, 62 against - Procedure goes to the States ## Key facts - What: Initiative to halve citizenship times - When: 1 May 2026 - Where: Swiss National Council - Who: National Council - Amount: 130 votes in favor, 62 against The National Council has clearly rejected the popular initiative 'For a modern right to citizenship (Initiative for democracy)'. The proposal, which aimed to halve the legal residence period required to aspire to Swiss citizenship from ten to five years, was rejected with 130 votes in favor and 62 against. The plenary also decided not to oppose any counter-project to the constitutional amendment, as instead hoped by the red-green camp and the Swiss People's Party (SVP). The dossier is now in the hands of the States. The popular initiative 'For a modern right to citizenship' aimed primarily to centralize naturalization procedures, making them the responsibility of the Confederation. The proposal provided for the right to grant citizenship after five years of legal residence in Switzerland, provided that the interested party had not been sentenced to a custodial sentence of more than one year, did not compromise the internal and external security of the country and possessed basic knowledge of a national language. ### Reactions and debate The debate in the chamber saw a sixty deputies take turns at the podium. The 'bourgeois' camp (SVP, Liberal Radical Party (FDP), Centre and Green Liberals) opposed a solid wall against the initiative, arguing that it would mean an attack on federalism. Federal Councillor Beat Jans recalled that the distribution of competences in matters of naturalization has not prevented parliament from recently intervening to facilitate the...

Dettagli operativi

Analysis of the implications The decision of the National Council to reject the initiative for democracy has raised several questions about the implications for cross-border workers residing in Switzerland, particularly in the Canton of Ticino. Currently, the naturalization process is managed at the cantonal and communal level, which can result in different procedures and varying waiting times. ### Current procedures In the Canton of Ticino, the naturalization process generally requires ten years of legal residence, unless married to a Swiss citizen or other specific conditions are met. Procedures can vary from one municipality to another, which can make the process complex and lengthy. Centralizing the procedures, as envisaged by the rejected initiative, could have simplified the process for many cross-border workers, making it more uniform and predictable. ### Comparison with other regions In other regions of Switzerland, naturalization procedures can be different. For example, in some cantons, the process can be faster or require fewer years of residence. Centralizing the procedures could have led to a more uniform system throughout Switzerland, facilitating the process for cross-border workers moving from one canton to another. ### Future scenarios Despite the rejection of the initiative, it is possible that the debate will continue and that other reforms of the naturalization system will be proposed in the future. Cross-border workers should closely monitor developments and stay informed about the current naturalization procedures in the Canton of Ticino. It is also important to consider the tax and pension implications of naturalization, such as withholding tax and AVS contributions. ### Practical advice For cross-border workers considering naturalization...

Punti chiave

Concrete actions for cross-border workers For cross-border workers considering naturalization, it's important to know the current procedures and the implications of the National Council's decision. Here are some concrete steps that can be taken: ### 1. Consult local authorities The first step is to consult local authorities to obtain up-to-date information on naturalization procedures in the Canton of Ticino. Each municipality may have its own rules and requirements, so it's important to get precise and accurate information. ### 2. Check requirements Ensure you meet all the requirements for naturalization, such as knowledge of a national language and the absence of criminal convictions. It's also important to check if you meet the residency requirements, which are currently ten years in the Canton of Ticino. ### 3. Consider fiscal and pension implications Naturalization can have fiscal and pension implications, such as withholding tax and AVS contributions. It's important to consider these implications and consult a tax or pension expert for personalized advice. ### 4. Monitor developments The debate on the reform of the naturalization system is far from over. It's important to monitor developments and stay informed about any changes to the naturalization procedures in the Canton of Ticino. ### 5. Use online tools There are several online tools that can help cross-border workers better understand the naturalization procedures and the fiscal and pension implications. For example, the tax calculator can help estimate withholding tax and AVS contributions. ### Conclusion The National Council's decision to reject the initiative for democracy represents a step backward in the reform of the Swiss naturalization system. However, cross-border workers can still take...

Punti chiave

{"q":"What are the current requirements for naturalization in the Canton of Ticino?","a":"Currently, in the Canton of Ticino, the naturalization process generally requires ten years of legal residence. It is also necessary to meet other requirements, such as knowledge of a national language and the absence of criminal convictions. Procedures may vary from one municipality to another, so it is important to consult local authorities to obtain precise and up-to-date information."},{"q":"What changes with the decision of the National Council?","a":"The decision of the National Council to reject the initiative for democracy means that the naturalization system will remain managed at the cantonal and municipal level. This can result in different procedures and varying waiting times. Centralization of procedures, as envisaged by the rejected initiative, could have simplified the process for many cross-border workers."},{"q":"What are the tax and pension implications of naturalization?","a":"Naturalization can have tax and pension implications, such as withholding tax and AVS contributions. It is important to consider these implications and consult a tax or pension expert to obtain personalized advice. Using online tools such as the [tax calculator can also be useful to estimate withholding tax and AVS contributions."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current requirements for naturalization in the Canton of Ticino?
Currently, in the Canton of Ticino, the naturalization process generally requires ten years of legal residence. It is also necessary to meet other requirements, such as knowledge of a national language and the absence of criminal convictions. Procedures may vary from one municipality to another, so it is important to consult local authorities to obtain precise and up-to-date information.
What changes with the decision of the National Council?
The decision of the National Council to reject the initiative for democracy means that the naturalization system will remain managed at the cantonal and municipal level. This can result in different procedures and varying waiting times. Centralization of procedures, as envisaged by the rejected initiative, could have simplified the process for many cross-border workers.
What are the tax and pension implications of naturalization?
Naturalization can have tax and pension implications, such as withholding tax and AVS contributions. It is important to consider these implications and consult a tax or pension expert to obtain personalized advice. Using online tools such as the [tax calculator](nav:calculator) can also be useful to estimate withholding tax and AVS contributions.

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