Closing weekend

At the third and closing weekend of its work phase, on 29–30 March 2025, the Citizens’ Assembly discussed its ten reform proposals on health promotion and prevention, voted on them, and adopted the final report (PDF, 6 MB). The event took place on Saturday at the Federal Palace and on Sunday at the PROGR in Bern.
 

Day 1: Debate in the National Council chamber
On Saturday, the Citizens’ Assembly gathered in the National Council chamber of the Federal Palace – a special and impressive experience for many participants. In the very place where members of the Swiss Parliament usually convene, the participants of the Citizens’ Assembly held their debates. A highlight was the plenary debate: participants presented their arguments personally at the lectern – an opportunity that many found moving and empowering. This was also the case for Martin Schwendimann from Rheinfelden: "Being at the Federal Palace today is a special experience – it is my first visit here. Debating in the National Council chamber and stepping up to the lectern was unique. I took the chance to share my views on the reform proposals."

Beforehand, National Council President Maja Riniker addressed the Citizens’ Assembly. She praised the commitment of the participants and wished them every success for their final discussions: "It is essential that those who have dedicated months to a topic also receive recognition from politics. Commitment is no longer a given today – all the more commendable that people are engaging with prevention and health promotion in these challenging times."

Day 2: Final Votes and final report
On Sunday, the Citizens’ Council met at the PROGR for the second part of the weekend. This was where the final votes on the reform proposals took place, with 80 council members participating. The decisions were made digitally, with the options Yes, No, or Abstain. Immediately afterwards, participants evaluated which arguments had been particularly decisive for their choices. These assessments are reflected in the visually prepared results presented in the report.

The participants then prioritized all the approved proposals before the final report (PDF, 6 MB) was adopted. This report documents the results and the entire process of the Citizens’ Assembly.

Visit from the Federal Office of Public Health
To conclude, the Citizens’ Assembly welcomed Anne Lévy, Director of the Federal Office of Public Health. In an open exchange, she commented on the Assembly’s results and placed them in the context of current health policy. She expressed her admiration for the process and the quality of the debates: "I am impressed – not only by the quality of the proposals, but above all by the depth and clarity of the discussion. The pro and con arguments were presented in a nuanced and transparent way."

What happened next?
In mid-April, the results of the Citizens’ Assembly were presented publicly for the first time at a press conference. On 20 May, the closing event of the Citizens’ Assembly took place. At this event, the final report (PDF, 6 MB) was handed over to Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, and a political panel discussed the reform proposals and placed them in the broader political context.