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Swiss voters on Sunday approved a measure to tighten the Alpine nation's gun laws, bringing the country in line with many of its European partners despite the objections of local gun owners, Swiss media reported, citing official results.
Switzerland's public broadcaster said more than 63% of voters nationwide agreed to align with European Union firearms rules adopted two years ago after deadly attacks in France, Belgium, Germany and Britain.
The vote Sunday was part of Switzerland's regular referendums that give citizens a direct say in policymaking. It had stoked passions in a country with long, proud traditions of gun ownership and sport and target shooting. Switzerland, unlike many other European nations, allows veterans of its obligatory military service for men to take home their service weapons after tours of duty.
The Swiss proposal, among other things, requires regular training on the use of firearms, special waivers to own some semi-automatic weapons and serial number tracking system for key parts of some guns. Gun owners would have to register any weapons not already registered within three years, and keep a registry of their gun collections.
(Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 23 2019, @03:47PM
For Switzerland, no. The country has lost much prestige since the 80s, but it is still a government of and for the people.
For the EU, yes. The union is run by unelected second-rate and retired politicians from the national governments, the Western members being under intense working by international capital and media elites. The people haven't got much chance there to influence their government at the ballot box, and their rights get eroded every day. Look at France: Would the government want a possibility of yellow vests arming themselves?