Continued Billions for Highways - Federal Council's Politics Not Supported by Majority
29.01.2026 | from VCS Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz
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29.01.2026, The Federal Council today decided on the next steps in the project 'Transport '45', thereby sticking to the transport policy course of the past. Despite the clear signal from the electorate against capacity expansions, it intends to persist with the projects in Bern, Basel, and Eastern Switzerland for later construction and press ahead with expansions in Aargau. The VCS Verkehrs-Club of Switzerland sharply criticizes this decision.
The electorate demanded a halt to highway expansion with their 'no' vote, yet the Federal Council ignores this verdict and continues business as usual. This is an affront to direct democracy and a dangerous policy shift at the expense of future generations. Furthermore, money is being wasted," says VCS Co-President Jelena Filipovic.
According to a representative Demoscope survey commissioned by the VCS, almost 60 percent of the population demand the expansion of public transport and cycling infrastructure instead of new highways. The 'Transport '45' report also showed: A sustainable traffic future can be achieved through better use of existing infrastructure.
Instead of promoting mobility that is climate-friendly, land-efficient, and serves the people, the Federal Council relies on the old and outdated recipe: more (and wider) roads, more traffic, more expansion, and more CO2. It is particularly galling that the Federal Council simply ignores direct democracy. The parliament will need to correct this in line with the electorate's wishes.
The VCS will decisively oppose the Federal Council's obstinacy in the consultation process and would fight a package like the one outlined today with a new referendum in due course.
For further information, please contact:
-
Jelena Filipovic, Co-President VCS Switzerland, 079 289 06 41
- VCS Media Office, 079 708 05 36, medien@verkehrsclub.ch
VCS Verkehrs-Club of Switzerland
Aarbergergasse 61
P.O. Box
3001 Bern
Media Office
079
708 05
36
medien@verkehrsclub.ch
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VCS Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz
The VCS is a registered association located in Bern. It is non-profit and politically independent.
The VCS advocates for environmentally friendly mobility and optimal integration of car, bicycle, train, and pedestrian traffic. It supports public transport, environmentally friendly cars, and safe roads.
Additionally, it offers its members motor vehicle insurance, roadside assistance, and travel protection letters.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: VCS Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz, Press release
Original article published on: Weiterhin Milliarden für Autobahnen - Bundesrat politisiert nicht mehrheitsfähig