Nuclear opt-out clears first hurdle
A government plan to phase out nuclear power by 2034 has passed the first review stage in parliament.
The House of Representatives approved motions to this effect by a two-to-one majority on Wednesday.
A Green Party motion calling for the phasing out of nuclear power was accepted by 108 votes, with 76 against and nine abstentions.
Parliamentarians also agreed that no new power stations would be built. A centre-right Christian Democrat motion banning the building of replacement stations was backed by 101 votes against 54, with 35 abstentions. Those stations that meet safety requirements can continue to operate, but will be completely phased ou.
The motion had the support of all parties except the pro-business centre-right Radicals, who abstained, and the rightwing Swiss People's Party who voted against.
The motions will go before the Senate in the autumn at the earliest.
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.