Are 100,000 signatures still enough for a popular initiative?

A federal popular initiative requires 100,000 valid signatures collected within 18 months. That number has remained unchanged while Switzerland’s population has grown. With roughly 9.1 million residents, the threshold now corresponds to just over 2% of eligible voters.

When the current requirement was introduced in the second half of the 1970s, Switzerland had about 6.3 million inhabitants. Before the increase, the 50,000 signatures required represented around 4% of the electorate. This is why proposals to adjust the threshold in line with population growth regularly return to the political debate.

A percentage comparison does not settle the issue, however. Political scientist Sean Müller, interviewed by RSI, notes that initiatives do more than amend the Constitution. They can prompt Parliament to respond, place neglected issues on the political agenda and help new alliances emerge in civil society.

Who would bear a higher threshold

An increase would probably reduce the number of initiatives. Major parties, national associations and well-funded interest groups would, however, be better placed to clear the new hurdle than young movements or committees formed around a single concern. The reform could therefore mean fewer votes while also narrowing access to the instrument.

Collecting 100,000 signatures remains a complex operation. Social media can help mobilisation, but it cannot replace a local network, volunteer coordination and the formal validation of signatures.

The number of initiatives reaching a public vote has risen. In one recent year there were eight, the fourth-highest figure recorded. Müller argues that the increase is not explained by the threshold alone. Political polarisation and parties’ growing use of popular rights to mobilise supporters and gain visibility also matter.

The decisive question is therefore not only how many citizens should have to sign. It is also what balance Switzerland wants between managing the political workload and allowing groups outside established structures to place an issue on the national agenda.