Swiss parliament approves lifting ban on new nuclear power plants
The lower house of Switzerland's parliament has approved a government proposal to lift the country's ban on constructing new nuclear power plants, paving the way for a nationwide referendum that will determine whether the nation reverses its 2017 phaseout decision.
The House of Representatives on Thursday backed a government proposal to lift Switzerland's ban on new nuclear power plants, reopening the door to atomic energy nearly a decade after voters endorsed a gradual phaseout.
Legislative approval
The measure had already secured approval in the Senate and represents a counterproposal to the "Stop the Blackout" popular initiative, according to Swiss public broadcaster Swissinfo. Swiss voters will eventually be asked to decide on both the initiative and the government's alternative proposal in a nationwide vote.
Energy security debate
During debates, Swiss Energy Minister Albert Rosti argued that maintaining the nuclear option was necessary to safeguard the country's long-term energy security, the report said. Support for the proposal came primarily from center-right and right-wing political parties, which have emphasized electricity demand growth and fossil fuel reduction goals.
Opposition challenge
Left-leaning parties opposed the measure, arguing that Switzerland should continue focusing on renewable energy sources rather than investing in new nuclear generation. The decision would reverse a 2017 referendum in which voters approved an energy strategy prohibiting new plant construction while allowing existing reactors to continue operating. The Green Party has announced plans to seek a referendum against the legislative change, ensuring the issue will ultimately be decided by Swiss voters.
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