Review of the closing event
On May 20, 2025, the Citizens' Assembly came to an end with a dignified and inspiring closing event at the Kornhausforum in Bern. Over 100 invited guests from politics, science, and administration were present as participants of the Citizens' Assembly presented their findings.
Federal Councilor recognizes commitment
Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider opened the event with a welcome address in which she expressed her sincere gratitude to the participants. She emphasized how important new forms of citizen participation are for democracy. "The idea of a Citizens' Assembly sends an important signal at a time when democracies around the world are under pressure. In times when filter bubbles only reinforce our own opinions, people are actively seeking dialogue, even with those who think differently. More democracy is therefore not only being demanded, but also practiced. Or, as we might say in Switzerland, the land of referendums, initiatives, and popular votes: even more democracy," said Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.
Participants report – and hand over the report
The focus of the evening was on the voices of the participants themselves: Nicolina Onofrei and Albert America described the six-month process from their perspective. Augusta Simoni-Bullo and Rebeca Meier then presented the six reform proposals that had been jointly negotiated during the meetings. The topics ranged from strengthening health literacy and fairer access to care to structural issues of financing and quality assurance. The four then presented the final report to Federal Councilor Baume-Schneider to applause from the audience.
Exchange and classification
The audience then got involved themselves, exchanging views with their neighbors and completing short surveys on their smartphones. It became clear that the results were generating interest and raising important questions, such as their feasibility and political viability.
These questions were addressed directly by the panelists immediately afterwards. In a lively discussion, Barbara Gysi (National Council member, SP), Benjamin Fischer (National Council member, SVP), Giorgio Fonio (National Council member, Die Mitte), Jörg Mäder (former National Council member, GLP), and Maya Graf (Council of States member, Grüne) reflected on their impressions and the significance of the findings. There was particular discussion about how the concerns raised in the report could be incorporated into parliamentary debates in the future.
The last word – and a beginning
The participants themselves brought the evening to a close: in a final discussion, they looked back on their experiences and formulated what they had learned from the process – and what they would like to pass on to politicians and the public. It became clear that the Citizens' Assembly had not only produced proposals for reform, but had also made a difference to the participants themselves.
Andri Heimann from the Center for Democracy in Aarau summarized the key findings and emphasized that the conclusion of the Citizens' Assembly was not the end, but rather the beginning of an in-depth public and political debate on the results. During the reception that followed, many guests took the opportunity to continue their discussions and make new contacts.