70% of residents want stricter gun laws in Switzerland, survey finds

While not widely known for it globally, Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe. However, following a string of tragic incidents in recent years, an overwhelming majority of the population is now in favour of harsher gun laws, according to a new survey.

Seven out of 10 residents favour tighter gun rules 

A recent poll conducted by the LeeWas research institute for 20 Minuten and Tamedia between September 24 and 27 revealed that 70 percent of Swiss citizens are in favour of introducing stricter laws on firearm access and ownership, reports Blick. 

When asked whether “access to and possession of firearms” should be tightened, 50 percent of survey respondents answered “yes”, and 20 percent answered, “somewhat yes”. On the other hand, 27 percent opposed the suggestion.

Opinions varied among the 10.858 survey respondents depending on demographic factors. Women were almost 20 percent more in favour of tightening gun laws than men, 78 percent and 61 percent respectively, while retirees proved more supportive than younger generations (79 percent compared to 62 percent, respectively).

Swiss political parties also demonstrated clear divides: supporters of the Social Democratic Party expressed the most support (92 percent), followed by the Greens (85 percent), the Green Liberal Party (80 percent), the Centre Party (71 percent) and the Liberal Party (63 percent). 

Members of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) were the most divided, with 51 percent favouring stricter rules while 47 percent were against, of whom 35 percent completely ruled out support and voted “no”.

Aarau shooting opens nationwide gun ownership debate

The political debate emerged following an attack at a rave in Aarau in late August, where a gunman killed one woman and injured six. The shooter used an AK-74 assault rifle and two pistols to carry out the attack. 

Following the incident, reports revealed that the gunman from Jura had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, prompting calls to introduce a psychiatric evaluation before anyone buys or owns a gun in Switzerland. 

A massive 80 percent of survey respondents would support such a measure, with only 10 percent against it. 

Firearms regulation in Switzerland is closely connected to its history and traditions, with residents who carry out military service often keeping their service weapons at home. The exact number of guns owned in Switzerland is “unclear”, according to 20 Minuten, but it was estimated to be around 2,3 million in 2018. 

With that said, there are still strict requirements on gun ownership, and they vary depending on whether you are a Swiss citizen or an expat.