Publication date: Press releasePublished on November 19, 2025
Author: Federal Commission on Migration FCM
Source: admin.ch
Publication date: November 19, 2025
Summary reading time: 3 minutes
Executive Summary
The Federal Commission on Migration FCM identifies structural democratic deficits in Swiss society: Long-term residents without citizenship are excluded from political participation, which both violates individual fundamental rights and endangers social integration. This diagnosis raises fundamental questions about the balance between nation-state sovereignty and inclusive democracy – with direct impacts on the labor market, social stability, and the future of direct democracy.
Critical Key Questions
- Where is the line between legitimate naturalization requirements and systematic exclusion of productive members of society?
- What innovation opportunities do municipalities and cantons miss when qualified long-term residents remain politically marginalized?
- How can direct democracy maintain its legitimacy when a growing portion of the population is systematically excluded from decision-making processes?
Scenario Analysis: Future Perspectives
Short-term (1 year):
Intensified political debate about voting and electoral rights at the municipal level. Pilot projects in urban areas for expanded political participation. Possible escalation of social polarization.
Medium-term (5 years):
Decentralized solutions through progressive cantons and municipalities. Adjustment of naturalization procedures under economic pressure from skilled labor shortages. Emergence of a "two-tier democracy" becomes more visible.
Long-term (10–20 years):
Fundamental reorganization of the citizenship concept through demographic change and globalization. Either progressive opening or consolidation of exclusive structures – with corresponding impacts on international competitiveness and social cohesion.
Main Summary
Core Topic & Context
The FCM addresses a structural democratic deficit: People with long-term residence status remain excluded from fundamental political rights despite social integration. This diagnosis occurs against the backdrop of growing migration, skilled labor shortages, and social diversity.
Most Important Facts & Figures
- Long-term residents without Swiss passports are systematically excluded from political participation
- Those affected live permanently in Switzerland and contribute to economic performance
- Democratic legitimacy is challenged by a growing share of non-voting residents
- ⚠️ [To be verified: Concrete figures on affected persons are missing in the available text]
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
Directly affected: Long-term residents without Swiss citizenship, migration organizations, political municipalities
Institutionally relevant: Cantons, Federal Council, parties, employers, trade unions
Socially: Entire Swiss democracy and its international reputation
Opportunities & Risks
Opportunities: Strengthening democratic legitimacy, better integration, utilization of the full social potential of all residents, international role model function
Risks: Progressive social fragmentation, political radicalization of excluded groups, loss of legitimacy of democratic institutions
Relevance for Action
Decision-makers should proactively examine decentralized participation opportunities and promote dialogue between all social groups. Time pressure arises from demographic developments and international competition for qualified workers.
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
Verification status: ⚠️ Limited data availability – The available text excerpt contains only the basic statement of the FCM. Concrete figures, recommendations, and proposed solutions still need to be verified for completeness of the analysis.
Bibliography
Primary source:
FCM Annual Conference 2025 - Press Release
Verification status: ⚠️ Basic data checked on 19.11.2025 – Complete source analysis pending