BERN - The first major November survey put the Civic Duty Initiative on a steep hill, with a yes well below 30 percent. A chunk of left-leaning voters said they preferred to fix the existing army and civil protection rather than invent a new duty for everyone.
Campaigners on the yes side said there were three weeks left. Campaigners on the no side said the three weeks were for turnout, not for a conversion.
Administration as a weapon
The government's cost argument is dry and effective. Swiss voters have killed more ideas with a calculator than with a flag.