Switzerland: Federal Council recommends rejecting the ‘fireworks initiative’

On 16 October 2024, the Federal Council adopted its message on the popular initiative ‘For a restriction of firework displays’, which had been submitted on 3 November 2023. It recommended that the initiative be rejected.

Despite the study carried out on behalf of the FOEN, which confirmed a violation of Art. 12 of the TSchV, because, for example, birds would show escape behaviour not only for a short time but for several weeks after fireworks, the Federal Council relies on the time limit of the negative effects. In addition, it would be already possible for cantons and municipalities to restrict the sale and use of fireworks in terms of time and location. Therefore, new, nationwide restrictions would not be necessary.