Swiss 'Responsible Business' Initiative Gains Unprecedented Support

New corporate ethics initiative attracts 287,000 signatures, nearly triple required threshold, pushing for stricter human rights and environmental standards for Swiss companies.

Key Takeaways

The new 'Responsible Business' initiative collected over 287,000 signatures.
The number of signatures collected is nearly three times the required threshold for a nationwide vote.
The initiative was launched at the beginning of 2025 and submitted in May 2025.
The previous Responsible Business Initiative in 2020 won the popular vote but failed due to the cantonal majority rule.

By The Numbers

287,000+

signatures collected

100,000

signatures required

support multiplier

They Said

"The fact that the new initiative came about so quickly shows the great support for the issue."
— Stefan Müller-Altermatt

"Laws are being passed elsewhere, [but] no progress is being made in Switzerland."
— Coalition for Corporate Responsibility

Public Outcry Shatters Records

Demanding Global Accountability

The Ghost of 2020 Returns

Switzerland vs. The World

The Battle Lines are Drawn

Sources & References

Swiss voters to decide again on imposing ethical behaviour on companies

SWI swissinfo.ch