Anchoring of Cash Supply in the Federal Constitution Decided

Introduction

Cash remains constitutionally protected in Switzerland. In a referendum on Sunday, 73.4 percent of citizens voted for a federal decree that secures coins and banknotes as official currency. The franc and the cash supply by the Swiss National Bank are now directly enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

In light of debates over digital money, the Digital Euro, and the possible abolition of cash, Switzerland is sending a clear signal. Is cash being abolished? This question moves people worldwide. We show what the decision means in concrete terms, what signaling effect it has internationally, and how the cash debate is developing in Europe.

73.4 Percent Vote for Constitutional Protection of Cash

Clear Majority for Counter-proposal

The Swiss electorate accepted the counter-proposal from the Federal Council and Parliament with 73.42 percent “Yes” votes. Voter turnout was 55.37 percent. All cantons approved the counter-proposal.

The counter-proposal adds two sentences to the currency article in the Constitution. First, it establishes that the franc is the currency of Switzerland. Second, the Swiss National Bank guarantees the supply of cash.

The amendment elevates a regulation that previously only existed at the legislative level into the Constitution. In the future, these provisions can only be changed by a referendum requiring a majority of the people and the cantons.

Cash Initiative Fails with 54.4 Percent “No” Votes

The popular initiative “Cash is Freedom” was rejected with 54.42 percent “No” votes. Of the 23 estates (cantons), 14 rejected the initiative.

The initiative by the Free Movement Switzerland (FBS) demanded more far-reaching changes. It specifically wanted to name “coins and banknotes” in the Constitution. The Confederation would have had to ensure that these were always available in sufficient quantities.

Furthermore, the Swiss franc would have had to be maintained as the only national currency. Replacement by another currency would only have been possible with the consent of the people and the cantons.

The Federal Council and Parliament considered the concern justified, but these demands went too far for them. The counter-proposal formulated the goals more leanly.

What Changes Specifically for Swiss Citizens?

Nothing changes in everyday life. Neither the initiative nor the counter-proposal has practical effects. No new tasks or additional costs arise.

The Swiss National Bank already fulfills the mandate to ensure the supply of cash today. The franc as the Swiss currency is already anchored in the law.

Citizens can continue to choose freely whether to pay with a smartphone, card, or cash. The vote primarily has a symbolic effect. The voting population thus underscores the importance of cash.

Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter explained that nothing would change for the economy and the population. Cash still holds great importance in Switzerland.

Is Cash Being Abolished? Swiss Secure Coins and Banknotes

Cash is Disappearing from Everyday Life

At the latest since the pandemic, fewer and fewer people are paying in cash. Only every fourth purchase is paid for with coins or bills today. Six years ago, it was almost every second purchase.

The share of cash in all payments fell from 48 percent in 2019 to 24 percent. This is a halving within just a few years.

Parallel to this, the infrastructure is disappearing. In the last five years, around 1,000 ATMs have been removed. Almost one in two people feels that access to cash has deteriorated.

Nevertheless, eight out of ten Swiss people continue to carry cash with them. On average, they have 50 francs in their wallet or pocket. Some even have 130 francs. And 200 francs at home in the nightstand drawer.

Digital Money on the Rise

The smartphone has become the most important means of payment. Already 31 percent of all payments are processed via mobile phone. In 2019, it was only 3 percent.

The driver of this development is Twint. The banks’ payment app has over 6 million users and more than 800 million transactions per year. In addition, there are Apple Pay, Google Pay, and mobile banking apps.

For many, it is worse if they forget their phone than if their wallet stays at home.

Why the Swiss Still Hold on to Cash

A contradiction emerges here. The more digital everyday life becomes, the stronger the desire for a physical counterweight seems to be.

A large majority of 95 percent wants to keep cash in Switzerland. And 71 percent clearly reject abolition. Three years ago, it was 60 percent.

Cash is seen as a safety cushion. A large proportion of respondents have already experienced technical failures—whether with card terminals, apps, or network outages. Therefore, they like to fall back on cash in emergencies.

SNB surveys show: only what is used today will also exist in the future. However, the vast majority would like to have the option to pay with cash in the future as well.

International Signaling Effect: Role Model Against the Abolition of Cash

Brett Scott: “An Important Signal to the World”

The South African anthropologist and activist Brett Scott calls the Swiss decision an “important signal to the world”. Banks have been promoting digital money for decades. Therefore, it is important when a country takes a clear position and wants to protect cash.

Scott knows many reasons why people hold on to cash. Elderly people or people with visual impairments rely on it. Those who have little use cash for a strict budget. At the same time, people with low incomes often do not trust the banking sector.

There are also security experts who are concerned if access to cash is lacking. Libertarian circles worry about the surveillance of digital systems. Many want to preserve an informal sphere without institutions in every area of life.

Digital Euro and the Cash Debate in Europe

Cash is legally anchored at the constitutional level in the EU. The ECB is working on a new generation of Euro banknotes, which are expected to be introduced in a few years. The Digital Euro is intended only to supplement cash, not replace it. The Bundesbank emphasizes that it does not want to harm cash. Data protection and privacy are top priorities for the European legislator.

Justified Concerns

However, many reports are circulating that cash is to be abolished or that state surveillance is to be introduced via the Digital Euro. Jan Rathje from the Center for Monitoring, Analysis, and Strategy believes it is definitely sensible to take a critical look at digital currencies. However, this must take place on a factual level.
What risks digital currencies can pose is shown by authoritarian states like China. There, WeChat is used for payment and used by the government as an instrument for surveillance.

What’s Next? Cantons Discussing Acceptance Requirements

Geneva Leading the Way: Gastronomy Businesses Must Accept Cash

The constitutional vote was just the beginning. Several cantons are already going further and debating specific obligations to accept cash.

Geneva is the furthest along. In October, the cantonal parliament obliged gastronomy businesses to accept cash. The trigger was an initiative by the 30-year-old SVP politician Virna Conti. She was annoyed that at the Geneva football stadium, a portion of fries could only be paid for by card.

Conti argued that it was about consumer choice. Cash does not exclude anyone and causes no commissions for electronic payment systems. The SP and the Greens supported the move. They pointed out that not all elderly people own a credit card.

The FDP and the Center warned against an disproportionate obligation for businesses. The transport of cash is expensive for companies. Nevertheless, the business was accepted with a comfortable majority.

Hotel Ruby Claire filed a complaint with the Geneva Constitutional Court. The operators see a security risk for employees and a violation of economic freedom.

Demands for Public Service and Transport

In Aargau and Bern, members of the Grand Council from the Center and SVP are demanding similar regulations in the Gastronomy Act. A motion is pending in the Zurich Cantonal Council to oblige the transport association to accept cash.

The Zurich government is examining whether public institutions such as swimming pools or museums can be obliged to do so. Those who want contracts from the canton could be obliged to accept cash in the future.

Following the National Council and the Council of States, passengers in public transport should continue to be able to pay for tickets with cash in the future. Transport companies must ensure that no one is disproportionately disadvantaged.

Symbolic Victory with Real Consequences

Gastrosuisse rejects a cash obligation. It belongs to entrepreneurial freedom to decide for oneself which means of payment are accepted.

The Federal Council considers a mandatory acceptance requirement to be too strong an intervention in the freedom of contract. The initiative does not change the current design.

Nonetheless, political initiatives are gaining additional momentum through the vote. The debate shows: cash remains politically relevant.

Conclusion

The Swiss vote clearly shows: cash remains relevant. At the same time, we observe how digital payments shape everyday life. This contradiction is characteristic of our time. People want to keep both options.

We have seen that symbolic decisions can have real consequences. The cantons are already acting and discussing specific acceptance requirements. The vote was thus more than just a sign. It was the starting signal for a broader debate on payment freedom in the digital future.

FAQs

Q1. What exactly was decided in the Swiss cash vote?
In the referendum, 73.4 percent of Swiss citizens voted for constitutional protection of cash. The franc as the official currency and the cash supply by the Swiss National Bank are anchored directly in the Federal Constitution. However, the more extensive “Cash is Freedom” initiative was rejected with 54.4 percent.

Q2. Does anything change in the everyday life of the Swiss as a result of the vote?
No, nothing changes in everyday life. Citizens can continue to choose freely whether to pay with a smartphone, card, or cash. The Swiss National Bank already ensures the supply of cash today. The vote primarily has a symbolic effect and underscores the importance of cash for the population.

Q3. How has cash usage in Switzerland developed in recent years?
Cash usage has declined significantly. Only every fourth purchase is paid for with coins or bills today—six years ago it was almost every second. At the same time, around 1,000 ATMs have been removed in the last five years. Nevertheless, eight out of ten Swiss people continue to carry cash with them.

Q4. What international signaling effect does the Swiss decision have?
The vote sends an important signal to the world that a country is actively taking a position for the protection of cash. This is particularly relevant against the backdrop of debates about digital currencies such as the Digital Euro. The decision shows that cash remains important as a safety cushion and for maintaining freedom of choice.

Q5. Is there an obligation for shops in Switzerland to accept cash?
So far, there is no nationwide acceptance requirement. The canton of Geneva, however, obliged gastronomy businesses to accept cash in October. Other cantons such as Aargau, Bern, and Zurich are discussing similar regulations. However, the Federal Council considers a mandatory acceptance requirement to be too strong an intervention in the freedom of contract.

Cash Initiative: 73.42 Percent Yes-Votes
Cash is disappearing more and more: Only every fourth purchase
ECB Digital Euro: Cash is legally anchored at the constitutional level in the EU
Gastronomy businesses must accept cash
Acceptance requirement for cash: Hotel Ruby Claire filed a complaint