More More A global stress test for freedom of expression One of democracy's fundamental pillars is under attack and under scruntiny across the world. The law mainly defines the conditions for financial support from the state for individuals and companies hard-hit by restrictions, including temporary closures or limited access rules, imposed since March 2020.OpponentsExternal link – a diverse group of citizens, critics of vaccination programmes and hygiene masks -, have accused the Swiss government of acting as a power-grabbing authority, violating in the country's federalist constitution and its system of direct democracy.Financial backing could also be provided without the so-called Covid-19 law, government critics said.They collected enough signatures to challenge the law to a nationwide vote , without official support by any of the main political parties or interest groups.RisksHowever, the government says it had to act quickly to try to prevent a collapse of the country's health system and avert a serious economic crisis. The contested law is fully in line with the constitution and democratic principles, according to supporters of the law. Newsletter Sign up for our free newsletters and get the top stories delivered to your inbox. Last year, the government spent more than CHF30 billion ($33 billion) on financial compensation schemes, loan guarantees and medical goods, including vaccines, to offset the impact of the pandemic, according to the finance ministry.It also stressed that the Covid-19 law does not cover the vaccination policy or define the government's role under emergency rule.The campaign about the law and the government's alleged authoritarian policies was overshadowed by the other four issues on the ballot sheet on Sunday.Results votes June 13, 2021Reducing fossil fuel emissions (CO2 law) 48.4% yes 51.6% no'Drinking water' initiative 39.3% yes 60.7% no'Anti-pesticide' initiative 39.4% yes 60.6% noPreventing extremism (Anti-terrorism law) 56.6% yes 43.4% noGovernment pandemic policy (Covid-19 law) 60.2% yes 39.8% noTurnout: 59.7%About 5.5 million Swiss citizens, including registered expat Swiss, were eligible to take part in the votes.There were also additional ballots in 12 of the country's 26 cantons and at local levels on June 13.End of insertion Articles in this story A global stress test for freedom of expression MENAFN14062021000210011054ID1102268310