Swiss political alliance submits referendum to maintain nuclear ban

An alliance of left-wing and centrist parties in Switzerland, including the Socialist Party, Greens, Green Liberals, and members of the Centre Party, has submitted over 131,800 signatures to preserve the existing ban on constructing new nuclear power plants.

Proponents of the referendum argue that nuclear energy is an outdated and expensive technology that creates long-term radioactive waste issues. Conversely, critics of the ban, such as the “Stop the Blackout” initiative, contend that renewable sources like solar are too intermittent to meet winter demand. Switzerland currently relies on imports to cover a projected 6.8 TWh gap in electricity during the 2025–26 winter period.

While solar power production is increasing, with over 2TWh generated last winter, supporters of renewable energy fear that lifting the nuclear ban could divert investment away from solar and hydropower expansion.