Green initiative gets early support, but not enough to win vote

A proposal by environmentalists to limit urban sprawl in Switzerland enjoys widespread support nine weeks ahead of a nationwide vote next February. But pollsters say the chances of it being approved are slim. The initiative, launched in 2015 by the youth wing of Green Party, wants to ban new development zones under certain conditions and to promote the creation of environmentally sustainable housing areas in urban areas. They are seeking to outlaw the zoning of new construction land unless the respective surface area is compensated elsewhere. New buildings outside development zones would only be allowed under strict conditions. The initiative also calls on the authorities to promote sustainable forms for housing and jobs in urban areas. An opinion poll, carried out by the leading GfS Bern research institute and published on Friday, found that supporters have a lead of more than 30%. For detail see chart below. “Two-thirds of respondents are currently in favour of the ...