Swiss referendum against new nuclear plants secures over 125,000 signatures

Signature collection surpasses threshold

The Swiss campaign against the construction of new nuclear power plants collected over 125,000 signatures across three months, more than double the legal requirement for a national ballot. Under Swiss constitutional rules, any federal legislative amendment must be submitted to a nationwide referendum if at least 50,000 citizens provide verified signatures. The anti-nuclear coalition launched its signature drive on 30 June 2026 and confirmed the count on 19 September 2026, following initial reporting by the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper. Campaigners reached the threshold with almost three weeks remaining before their official collection window closed. The alliance will deliver the signatures to the Federal Chancellery on 6 October 2026.

Parliamentary clash over nuclear ban

The referendum opposes legislation passed by the Federal Assembly during its summer session in June 2026. Parliament approved an indirect counter-proposal to the popular initiative titled 'Electricity for all at all times (Stop the blackout)'. That legislative measure revoked Switzerland's statutory ban on building new atomic power stations, a restriction established in the country's previous energy framework. Following the narrow parliamentary vote, the original initiative sponsors conditionally withdrew their measure, stating that parliament's decision achieved their goal of removing the prohibition. In response, environmental organisations and left-leaning lawmakers mobilised immediately to challenge the legislative decision.

The referendum committee stated that the Federal Council and lawmakers had disregarded earlier democratic decisions.

The success of this signature collection shows that the population rejects the return of atomic energy, an expensive and dangerous technology that reinforces our dependence on uranium imports, particularly from Russia.

Broad political and environmental alliance

The 'No to new nuclear plants' alliance brings together the governing Social Democratic Party, the opposition Greens, the Green Liberal Party, and segments of The Centre party. In contrast, the right-conservative Swiss People's Party has been the principal advocate for constructing new reactors. The anti-nuclear coalition also includes approximately 30 civil society groups, among them Greenpeace Switzerland, the Swiss Energy Foundation, WWF, Swissolar, Pro Natura, and the Transport and Environment Association. The coalition maintains that Switzerland is increasingly meeting its energy needs through domestic solar, wind, and hydroelectric generation, making atomic energy both financially and environmentally unnecessary.

Democratic precedent and next steps

Opponents of the nuclear measure point out that Swiss voters have consistently supported an energy transition centered on renewables across three separate national votes. Electorates previously approved the Energy Strategy 2050 in 2017, the Climate Protection Act in 2023, and the Electricity Act in 2024. The coalition argues that lifting the nuclear ban disregards these established popular mandates. Following the formal handover of signatures on 6 October 2026, the Federal Chancellery will validate the submissions. If the required threshold is officially certified, Swiss voters will decide on the legislative change at the ballot box. The earliest possible date for the referendum is 28 February 2027.