The first vice-president of the canton of Zurich has collected more than 7,000 signatures for the so-called “anti-chaos” initiative. The text wants to toughen the law against unauthorized demonstrations or other political actions.
The Zurich SVP text is aimed in particular at climate activists, but also at May 1 demonstrations, far-right demonstrations or even illegal building occupations or during squatting construction. It was raised this week in the cantonal chancellery.
In particular, the party wants to oblige the organizers and demonstrators to bear the costs during the interventions of the police and emergency services, in the context of demonstrations without permission. It also targets individuals who disrupt authorized events.
Enough political tools in Switzerland
For Zurich’s first vice-president Camille Luth, there are enough tools today in Switzerland, between authorized demonstrations, votes or initiatives, to take part in political life. So the police have to be stricter, for example during unauthorized events.
“We would like to change the law and force people who demonstrate without permission to pay costs [occasionnés]”, explique-t-elle samedi dans le 12h30 de la RTS. everybody”.
Elevate the debate to the national level as well
The SVP has recently been critical of national highway shutdowns by climate activists, citing his fatigue. For Camille Luth, the debate deserves to be taken to the national level.
The Green Party elected to the Zurich cantonal parliament Florian Herr does not share this observation of the right-wing party. It refutes the vision of an increasingly chaotic situation against which it will be necessary to move swiftly.
“Subject to deciding what bothers or not”
“Contrary to what the UDF says, we don’t need to change the law, 99% of the protests are peaceful and it goes smoothly,” he says. “UDC puts a lot of different situations in one bag and decides it’s messy. It’s a problem.”
“Determining what does or doesn’t bother you is always subjective,” says Florian Herr. “We should be able to carry out acts of civil disobedience to some extent as long as they are not harmful.” The environmentalist-elect also says he’s concerned about the senior vice president’s regular attacks on basic rights.
Zurich residents will be invited to vote on the cantonal initiative.
Camille Digot/Awang