MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French
Federal Council
Bern, 27.09.2024 – In Switzerland, we have the legal basis and the necessary instruments to enable the population to participate in the planning and organisation of the Olympic Games and other major events. This is the conclusion of the report drawn up in response to the postulate of the Committee for Science, Education and Culture NC (21.3022) “Olympic Games and other major events. Participation in the process”. The Federal Council approved the report in question at its meeting on 27 September 2024.
The Swiss population has sufficient opportunities to participate in the planning and organisation of the Olympic Games and other major events. There is therefore no need to adapt the existing legal framework to ensure greater involvement of the population and Parliament. This is the conclusion reached by the Federal Council in its report in response to the postulate of the Committee on Science, Education and Culture CN (21.3022) “Olympic Games and other major events. Participation in the process”. The report in question concerns the participation of the population and Parliament in the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games only. However, the conclusions reached can also be applied to other major events that are not necessarily in the sporting sphere.
Decisive involvement of the local population
The challenge of planning and organising the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games is primarily faced by the host regions and localities in Switzerland. It is therefore very important that the local and regional population can be involved in the process.
All cantons already have an effective instrument in place with the financial referendum, which allows the population to express their views. Other tools (such as the consultative vote) ensure the participation of those directly affected in the municipalities and regions.
Sufficiently solid existing legal bases
At the level of the Confederation, the Federal Assembly makes decisions on expenditure. It is not possible to launch a financial referendum here. However, Parliament could, by means of a decision of principle or planning decision (Art. 28 of the Parliament Act), define general conditions – for example concerning financing, sustainability objectives, etc. – that would have to be taken into account in the future when planning and organising Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Switzerland. If Parliament also validates the scope of such a decision, it would then be subject to an optional referendum.
All other essential conditions are already regulated in the existing legal bases, which also apply to the support and organisation of the Olympic Games. The Federal Council therefore concludes in its report that there is no need to establish new legal bases.
Address for sending questions
Communication OFSPO 41 58 467 61 33info@baspo.admin.ch
Author
Federal Councilhttps://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil.html
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.