Swiss People's Party inspired referendum on EU labour movement today.

[Twin Towers]

Europe's only genuine democracy takes to the referendum polls today to decide the continuation of its labour treaty with the 25 EU captive states and the extension of the accord to Bulgaria and Romania.

The Swiss People's Party that consolidated their leading position in the federal election of 2007 are recommending a 'no' to unlimited EU immigration of workers and benefit tourists and 'no' to allowing free Bulgarian and Romanian access under the current treaty.

Let the people decide!

[greengoose]

Some results around already These are francophone cantons. I wonder what the swiss german lot will vote.

Any heads up on that Pauli?

[Catalpa]

Good Luck over there

- I notice RTE have given this some cover

- presumably they find it safer to raise these issues when they are happening elsewhere!

[Pauli]

Some results around already These are francophone cantons. I wonder what the swiss german lot will vote.

Any heads up on that Pauli?

Been following this only sporadically. The prognosis is that in Zürich, Aargau, Basel, (Stadt) and Zug will pass this but the picture is less clear in La Suisse Primitive (Schwyz, Uri, Nidwalden, Obwalden) and Glarus and Graubunden. Will update later as the news comes in.

[Pauli]

Here is the most up-to-date report from the NZZ

Klares Ja zur Personenfreizgigkeit absehbar (Schweiz, NZZ Online)

It a No in Schwyz, Appenzell Innerroden and Glarus but a Yes elsewhere in the Deutschschweiz ranging from just over 50% to 59%.

Bad news for Blocher and the SVP.

[greengoose]

Here is the most up-to-date report from the NZZ

Klares Ja zur Personenfreizgigkeit absehbar (Schweiz, NZZ Online)

It a No in Schwyz, Appenzell Innerroden and Glarus but a Yes elsewhere in the Deutschschweiz ranging from just over 50% to 59%.

Bad news for Blocher and the SVP.

Looks like it's definitely a YES! At least they can vote on these issues and have their decision respected.

Blocher rattles cages and that's not a bad thing.

[Hansa]

Very interesting vote. Only the Italian speaking part (Tressin/Tricino) have voted strongly against it. Couple of cantons still to declare, but I would imagine that he likes of Zurich will vote yes.

Agree with Pauli, its bad news for Blocher. So much for countries turning towards protectionism in a recession!

[PhoenixIreland]

The results aren't in yet, why isn't Barroso out contradicting the predicted result? "it's still alive" etc..

[Hansa]

Swiss TV are predicting a 59% Yes overall.

[greengoose]

Swiss TV are predicting a 59% Yes overall.

Seuls résultats définitifs déjà tombés: Appenzell Rhodes- Extérieures dit oui à 57,3 % alors que Glaris refuse à 51 %. Les premiers résultats partiels de Genève donnent le «oui» à 62,2 %. Vaud accepterait la libre circulation à 69,7 % et Neuchâtel à 68,1 %. Le oui l'emporterait aussi à Fribourg et dans le Jura.