The e-voting rollout continues – now in two more cantons. The popular votes of September 2026 marked the first time that the canton of Lucerne’s expatriate voters were able to have their democratic say online. Swiss Abroad affiliated to the canton of Neuchâtel will be able to do likewise from November. Unlike in Lucerne, eligible voters in Neuchâtel will have to register once before using the system. Further information is available on the official Neuchâtel cantonal website: Le vote électronique dans le Canton de Neuchâtel. E-voting makes it easier for Swiss Abroad to exercise their political rights. Postal votes from the “Fifth Switzerland” often arrive at the ballot box too late. (MUL)
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Luzern und Neuenburg führen E-Voting ein
The Federal Council has hit the brakes on the 30 km/h speed limit. Cities and municipalities can no longer reduce the speed limit on “traffic-oriented roads” to 30 km/h of their own accord, but must first submit an expert assessment proving that any speed reduction will not push traffic into residential areas. This rule, which came into force on 1 October, reflects growing opposition to the 30 km/h speed limit, particularly from motorist groups (see also “Swiss Review” 1/2025). Cities and municipalities, on the other hand, have been clamouring for speed limits. (MUL)
Switzerland wants to be able to procure ammunition quicker, more easily and more cost-effectively – not least because the war in Ukraine has complicated the European security landscape. This is why it has joined the NATO-run Ammunition Support Partnership (ASP), which now enables 27 participating states, including Switzerland, to procure ammunition jointly – a process offering significant cost savings. The Federal Council believes joining the ASP is consistent with the principles of neutrality, arguing that the ASP is purely a procurement consortium and that Switzerland can withdraw from the partnership at any time. (MUL)
The Swiss Army provides many non-military services to society, such as erecting infrastructure for Swiss wrestling festivals, other sporting events, and major music festivals. According to information obtained by the “NZZ”, the army devoted a total of 26,000 service days to civilian deployments in 2025. Army commanders have now decided there is no basis for this work, nor is it viable anymore. In future, the army will refocus on enhancing its defensive capabilities. Although this aligns with the Federal Council’s new guidelines on the future of the armed forces, the change in direction remains controversial amid realities on the ground: army helicopters had to airlift emergency water supplies to drought-stricken farms in the Swiss Alps this summer. (MUL)
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