Swiss to vote on right-wing push to slash licence fee for public broadcaster
The move is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, which says the current fee is unjustified because of the high cost of living.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
""Two hundred francs really is enough.""
— Manfred Bühler , Politician
""Cuts to the licence fee would undermine Switzerland's national cohesion.""
— Fabian Molina , Politician
""Our focus is to reduce the SBC licence fee to 200 Swiss francs, to ease the burden on households and businesses.""
— Susanne Brunner , Politician
"Two hundred francs really is enough."
— Manfred Bühler , Politician
"Cuts to the licence fee would undermine Switzerland's national cohesion."
— Fabian Molina , Politician
"Our focus is to reduce the SBC licence fee to 200 Swiss francs, to ease the burden on households and businesses."
— Susanne Brunner , Politician
"There are many indications that the no to the SBC initiative will win, but we cannot guarantee this."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
"This more marked refusal can be explained by the political behaviour of the diaspora, which tends to live in large urban centres and traditionally votes more to the left."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
"The no trend affects all strata of the population."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
"Historically, women are more in favour of publicly funded services."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
"The halving initiative weakens Switzerland."
— Swiss People's Party , Politician
"While a 'No' victory isn't guaranteed, the indicators are flashing red for the initiative's proponents."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
Key People
Member of parliament for the Social Democrats.
Member of parliament representing the right-wing Swiss People's Party.
Martina Mousson is a political scientist at the gfs.bern institute.
Committee member leading the campaign to cut the licence fee.
A right-wing political party in Switzerland advocating for reduced public broadcasting fees.
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The move is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, which says the current fee is unjustified because of the high cost of living.
Swiss voters are set to decide on a proposal to sharply reduce the annual licence fee for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, with the right-wing Swiss People's Party advocating for the cut, citing the high cost of living.
A recent poll indicates that 54% of Swiss voters oppose the initiative to reduce the radio and television licence fee, showing a shift in sentiment during the campaign period ahead of the March 8 vote.
An upcoming popular initiative on March 8th seeks to nearly halve the licence fee for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), with supporters arguing for financial relief and opponents warning of risks to national cohesion and democracy.
A new poll reveals that 54% of voters now oppose the initiative to reduce the radio and television licence fee, indicating a growing resistance as the March 8 vote nears.

The move is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, which says the current fee is unjustified because of the high cost of living.
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