Swiss voters will decide on two federal questions on June 14th, the Federal Council confirmed on Wednesday: a popular initiative to cap population growth and a tightening of access to civilian service, challenged by referendum. Civil service under scrutinyThe second vote concerns a reform designed to tighten access to civilian service, the alternative to compulsory military service for conscientious objectors. Parliament approved the changes in September with the aim of reducing the number of soldiers transferring to civilian service from roughly 6,600 to 4,000 a year. The government says the reform is intended to preserve civilian service as an exceptional solution for genuine conflicts of conscience, while shoring up the ranks of the armed forces and civil protection. As in the immigration debate, critics warn that tightening access risks exacerbating staff shortages in socially valuable sectors.

Source: Le News February 13, 2026 03:31 UTC