In view of the large number of speakers, the National Council is postponing its deliberations on the popular initiative concerning the abolition of the Billag fees until 25 September 2017 and will then complete its deliberations on the popular initiative in an open-ended session.
The federal popular initiative "Yes to the abolition of radio and television fees (abolition of Billag fees)" was submitted on 11 December 2015 with 112 191 valid signatures. It wants to abolish reception fees for licensed radio and television broadcasters with a performance mandate.
In accordance with its message of 19 October 2016, the Federal Council is of the opinion that Switzerland needs a comprehensive public service in the media sector and that this cannot be financed exclusively by commercial means. The Federal Council is therefore asking the Federal Assembly to recommend that the popular initiative be rejected by the people and the cantons.
The Council of States had already approved the Federal Council's decision on the popular initiative "Yes to the abolition of radio and television licence fees (abolition of Billag fees)" in its session on 8 March 2017.
Due to the large number of 69 speakers, the session of the National Council on 14 September 2017 was suspended for the time being and will be continued on 25 September 2017. The previous minutes of the National Council can be found here.
