Jura and Bern voters to decide Moutier’s fate

A crucial vote will take place on September 22 regarding the future of the town of Moutier in northwestern Switzerland. Citizens in cantons Bern and Jura will decide on Moutier’s wish to leave German-speaking canton Bern and join French-speaking canton Jura. Following the decision of the citizens of Moutier in March 2021 to switch cantons, a document laying out the main modalities for this cantonal change was drawn up. It aims to ensure continuity in terms of administration, education, hospital care and legal issues. The agreement is the result of lengthy negotiations and has been validated by the Bern and Jura governments and the two respective cantonal parliaments. It is now up to the populations of the two cantons to decide simultaneously in a vote on September 22. If a majority of voters in one of the two cantons rejects the proposal, the entire process will be abandoned and Moutier will remain part of Bern. But not many people are keen on this scenario, at least among ...