Council of States backs broader intelligence powers with ban on political surveillance
Published · Updated
What happened
The Council of States on 16 September 2026 supported broader competences for the Federal Intelligence Service (SRC/NDB) and at the same time rejected political surveillance. This is a concrete parliamentary step in an ongoing legislative process on intelligence powers.
Why it matters
The parliamentary vote gives momentum to a law-and-security file that still requires further legislative agreement. The next stages could change the operating scope of Swiss intelligence services and may also create a channel for organized opposition if the final text is seen as going beyond the limit signaled by the upper chamber.
On 16 September 2026, the Council of States approved a step to expand the Federal Intelligence Service's powers while also drawing a limit by rejecting political surveillance. The vote moves the intelligence-law file further through Parliament and turns the next phase into a test of whether Bern can widen security authorities without building a referendum-ready civil-liberties coalition. The live issue is no longer whether reform is discussed, but how far the chambers can align on a text that remains legally durable and politically saleable.
Watch for
National Council Security Policy Committee publication of its next agenda or report on the intelligence-powers file by 2026-09-20 Federal Assembly parliamentary tracker showing the next chamber debate date or amendment package on the NDB/SRC powers bill by 2026-09-20 Named Swiss civil-liberties groups or parties filing or announcing a coordinated referendum-preparation committee after 2026-09-17 Federal Council or DDPS statement clarifying operational limits on political surveillance in follow-up to the 2026-09-16 Council of States vote
Sources
- Pas de surveillance des activités politiques par le SRC · swissinfo.ch
- Mehr Kompetenzen für den Nachrichtendienst des Bundes · parlament.ch
- Ständerat sagt "Ja, aber" zu mehr Kompetenzen für Nachrichtendienst · parlament.ch
- Loi sur le renseignement – Révision et nouvelle régulation des activités de renseignement · vbs.admin.ch
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