FLSW - To lockdown or not? The Swiss hold a referendum

How far should governments go to limit social interactions during a pandemic? Are lockdowns effective in combating COVID-19? These questions are being debated by governments across the globe, but Switzerland's system of direct democracy will take the issue directly to the people.In a referendum to be held as soon as June, Swiss voters will decide on whether to repeal last year's COVID-19 Act, which ordered bars, restaurants and other leisure spaces to close (and was tightened last week to shut down all non-essential retail). Supporters of the "optional referendum" say they are trying to make sure the COVID-19 legislation doesn't set a precedent for future emergencies.How does the system work? While Switzerland's parliament passes new bills and amendments to existing legislation, any 50,000 Swiss citizens (or eight cantons) can trigger an optional referendum that can pass with a simple majority. Other types of referendums include mandatory and popular initiatives, which

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To lockdown or not? The Swiss hold a referendum