Two referendums shape Fribourg’s September 28 vote
Voters across the canton of Fribourg weighed in on two high-profile proposals on Sunday: a major investment to replace the central prison in Bellechasse and a constitutional initiative aimed at protecting Lake de la Gruyère and its shores. The results reveal a clear split between infrastructure and environmental safeguards, with a strong endorsement for the prison project and a decisive rebuff for the lake-protection initiative.
Prison project gains broad backing
The cantonal government secured approval for a 53.1 million francs credit to construct a new central prison at Bellechasse. Official results show the proposal passing with 67.8 percent in favor. Supporters argue the project is essential to modernize facilities, improve safety, and relieve overcrowding in existing jails. The Council of State had endorsed the plan, framing it as a necessary step to strengthen the canton’s justice system. If all goes to plan, construction would begin in 2026, with the facility slated to be in operation by the summer of 2028.
Critics voiced concerns about the long-term cost and the potential impact on local services, but backers say the investment is a practical response to aging infrastructure and rising demand for secure, humane detention conditions. The 53.1 million-franc credit will be accompanied by monitoring measures to ensure efficiency and transparency as the project progresses.
Lake Gruyère protection initiative rejected
In contrast, voters rejected the constitutional initiative “Pour la sauvegarde du lac de la Gruyère et de ses rives,” commonly known as “Sauvez les Laviaux.” The measure would have enshrined the protection of Lake de la Gruyère and its banks in the cantonal constitution, creating a constitutional obligation to preserve the lake’s ecosystem and landscape. The initiative drew support from a segment of the left, but failed by 59.8 percent. Proponents argued the move would provide stronger safeguards against development and preserve a key environmental and tourism asset; opponents warned it could constrain growth, complicate land-use decisions, and limit the canton’s ability to respond to evolving needs.
What comes next
With the prison project moving forward, the canton faces a multi-year construction phase that will influence budgets, staffing, and local planning in Fribourg and Bellechasse. The 2026 start date aims to modernize detention capacity and align with contemporary standards, while the expected 2028 opening marks a milestone for the canton’s justice system. The lake initiative’s defeat leaves room for future environmental protections to be pursued through legislation rather than constitutional amendment, allowing the cantonal government and advocacy groups to explore alternative tools for safeguarding Lake de la Gruyère without altering the constitution.
Analysts say the results reflect a pragmatic balance: investing in public safety and infrastructure while deferring sweeping constitutional changes. As Fribourg moves into the next phase of planning and implementation, residents, authorities, and environmental groups will monitor how both tracks unfold and influence regional development, tourism, and quality of life in the years ahead.
