The political left in the militarily neutral Alpine country has called a referendum against a new law aimed at making civilian service less attractive and less accessible, warning that the move is "dangerous" and could ultimately lead to that alternative option being scrapped altogether.The latest opinion poll by gfs.bern, published last week, showed the two sides neck-and-neck, with 48 percent in favour of more restrictions, compared to 46 percent opposed.Switzerland has compulsory military service for men, who serve in a unique militia system which sees army conscripts do at least four months' service before being called up repeatedly over a decade for weeks-long refresher sessions.But since 1996, people who conscientiously oppose military service have been permitted to perform civilian service instead.
Switzerland has compulsory military service for men, who serve in a unique militia system © FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP
That option is currently open to anyone fit for military service but claiming a conflict of conscience.They perform one and a half times the number of days they would have committed to military service, and are put to work in areas of public interest, including in the social sector, education and healthcare.Those considered unfit for military service fall into a different category called civil protection, where they carry out other duties to protect the public in the event of disasters or other emergencies. 'Problematic'Since access to civilian service was simplified in 2009, the numbers choosing that option have steadily climbed to a record 7,211 people last year, according to the Federal Statistics Office.Nearly 26,000 were considered apt for military service in 2025.The Swiss government considers this development problematic when mounting geopolitical tensions are spurring countries to hike their defence spending and troop numbers.During a parliamentary debate in April, Swiss President Guy Parmelin warned that civilian service had "become a problematic mass phenomenon", insisting on the need to ensure the option remains "the exception".The Swiss parliament last year adopted a bill aimed at limiting the appeal and significantly reducing the numbers accessing the option.
