Review of the final weekend
On the third and final weekend of its working phase, the Citizens' Assembly 2025 discussed and voted on its ten reform proposals for health promotion and prevention and adopted its final report. 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 Parliament – a special and impressive experience for many participants. The participants of the Citizens' Assembly held their discussions in the very room where the members of the Federal Parliament usually meet. The debate was a highlight: participants presented their arguments in person at the lectern in the plenary chamber – an opportunity that many found moving and empowering. Martin Schwendimann from Rheinfelden was one of them: "Being in the Federal Parliament today is a special experience – it's my first visit here. Debating in the National Council Chamber and standing at the lectern was unique. I took the opportunity to express my opinion on the reform proposals.“
Beforehand, National Council President Maja Riniker addressed the Citizens' Assembly. She praised the participants' commitment and wished them every success in the final discussions: ”It is essential that those who have spent months working on an issue also receive recognition from politicians. Commitment can no longer be taken for granted today – which makes it all the more commendable that people are focusing on prevention and health promotion in these challenging times."
Day 2: Voting and final report
On Sunday, the Citizens' Assembly met at PROGR for the second part of the weekend. This was where the final votes on the reform proposals took place. Eighty members of the Citizens' Assembly took part. The decisions were made digitally with the options yes, no, or abstain. Immediately afterwards, the participants evaluated which arguments were particularly decisive for their decision. These assessments are included in the graphically presented results in the report. The participants then prioritized all the proposals that had been accepted before the final report was adopted. This report documents the results and the entire process of the Citizens' Assembly.
Visit from the Federal Office of Public Health
Finally, the Citizens' Assembly welcomed Anne Lévy, Director of the Federal Office of Public Health. In an open exchange, she commented on the results of the Citizens' Assembly and placed them in the context of current health policy. She was impressed by the approach 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 pros and cons were presented in a differentiated and clear manner.”
What happens now?
The results of the Citizens' Assembly will be presented for the first time at a media conference in mid-April. The final event of the Citizens' Assembly will take place on May 20. The final report will be handed over to Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, and a political panel will discuss the reform proposals and place them in a political context.
Loïc Schwab