Lucerne initiative calls for digital-first public services

A popular initiative would require Lucerne canton and its municipalities to make public services available digitally wherever possible. SRF reports that the cantonal government and parliament oppose the proposal and support a counterproposal that would also protect in-person and other analogue services.

The initiative, put forward by Lucerne’s Young Liberals, would enshrine the principle of “digital first” in the cantonal constitution. If approved, Lucerne would be the first canton to do so, SRF reported. The proposal calls on authorities to regularly consider whether services can be offered digitally, while reducing the need for counter visits and paper forms.

The Young Liberals say more digital services would cut costs and significantly reduce fees for residents, businesses and organisations obtaining official extracts and certificates.

The cantonal government broadly supports expanding digital services, noting that about 160 are already available online, including services related to changes of address and contacts with the passport office and road traffic office.

However, the government opposes the initiative because it does not require authorities to continue offering analogue options, such as phone calls or in-person visits to a counter. Government member Reto Wyss said all channels should remain available and that this should be set out in law.

The cantonal parliament unanimously approved the counterproposal and rejected the initiative. The Young Liberals received support only from their parent party, the FDP.