Swiss Green Party Backs Fossil Fuel Phase-Out and New Airline Ticket Tax

The Swiss Green Party has drawn a definitive line in the sand, demanding an immediate and aggressive roadmap to eradicate fossil fuels from the Swiss economy. Meeting in Liestal, Canton Basel, party members overwhelmingly backed a resolution that refuses to accept the status quo of slow incrementalism. This is not merely a suggestion; it is a mandate for a "socially just climate transition" that ensures no citizen is left behind as the nation pivots away from oil and gas.

The urgency of this resolution comes at a critical juncture. With global energy markets roiled by conflict in the Middle East, Switzerland’s dependence on foreign oil has never been more precarious. The Greens are arguing that energy independence is now synonymous with ecological survival. By pushing for a rapid phase-out, the party is positioning itself as the vanguard of a necessary industrial revolution, challenging the government to move faster than ever before to secure a sustainable future.

Air travel is squarely in the crosshairs as the Green Party throws its full political weight behind a controversial new tax on airline tickets. Endorsing the mobility initiative launched by the environmental association umverkehR/actif-trafiC, the Greens are doubling down on the principle that polluters must pay. The objective is clear and uncompromising: curb the soaring growth of air traffic and funnel the generated revenue directly into making rail transport the undisputed king of Swiss mobility.

This move signals a confrontational stance against the aviation industry. While air travel remains a staple for many, the party argues that the environmental cost is unsustainable. By making flying more expensive, they aim to force a behavioral shift, making the country's renowned rail network not just a greener option, but a more economically attractive one. It is a bold gamble that prioritizes long-term climate health over short-term consumer convenience.

In a fierce rebuke of right-wing isolationism, the Greens have issued a resounding "No" to the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) initiative, which seeks to cap Switzerland's population at 10 million by 2050. With the June 14 federal vote looming, the party argues that such a rigid demographic ceiling would disastrously marginalize Switzerland. They warn that erecting walls during an "already tense geopolitical situation" is a recipe for economic and diplomatic suicide.

The Greens contend that the "No to a 10-million Switzerland!" initiative threatens to sever vital ties with European partners just when stability is needed most. By framing the initiative as a tool of isolation rather than management, the party is appealing to voters who value Switzerland's interconnectedness with the wider world. They assert that prosperity cannot be maintained by closing doors, but by managing growth through sustainable infrastructure and social policy.

The party is also sharpening its ideological claws regarding national service, rejecting reforms to the civilian service with a stinging critique of military spending. In a bold declaration, the Greens asserted that civilian service is "an institution that is much more useful to Switzerland than the billions invested in the army." This statement underscores a deep-seated priority shift: valuing social and environmental contribution over traditional military expenditure.

Amidst these policy battles, the party has refreshed its leadership to steer this aggressive course. Léonore Porchet, a parliamentarian from Vaud, has been appointed as the new vice-president, succeeding Nicolas Walder. Meanwhile, Lisa Mazzone secured re-election as president, solidifying her mandate to lead the party through the upcoming political storms. With a confirmed team of vice-presidents including Sibel Arslan and Marionna Schlatter, the Greens are consolidating their ranks for a combative year ahead.