Overview: Vaud’s political week brings both setbacks and openings
The canton of Vaud found itself at a political crossroads this weekend, with voters delivering a mixed verdict on several measures. While the electorate rejected a proposal to shorten the residence requirement for foreign residents to vote and be elected at the communal level, it also endorsed reforms aimed at strengthening the representation of smaller parties in the Grand Council. Add to this the regional debate on the Mormont hillside and a cultural milestone in the comics world, and Vaud’s political and cultural landscape appears increasingly dynamic ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Droit de vote des étrangers: results and implications
On the question of extending the right to vote for foreigners, the final results after counting stood at 103{,}874 votes against 81{,}980 in favor, with turnout at 45.6%. The Vaud Constitution requires that foreign residents have lived in Switzerland at least ten years and be domiciled in the canton for at least three years. The government decree that would have reduced the wait time stemmed from an initiative in the cantonal parliament initiated by the left-wing deputy Hadrien Buclin. The defeat signals a clear stance among Vaudois voters on how inclusive the canton should be in granting municipal-level political participation.
Observers note that the result preserves a stricter approach to eligibility, underscoring the ongoing tension between inclusion and concerns about integration and administrative practicality. As campaigns and debates close, political actors will have to recalibrate their messaging around participation, governance, and the local implications for communities with significant immigrant populations.
Access for small parties to the Grand Council: a step toward broader representation
In a separate electoral question, the vote on easing access to the Grand Council for smaller political parties shows a contrasting trend. With about 90% of the ballots counted, supporters recorded 90{,}073 votes in favor to 79{,}547 against, with a turnout of roughly 45.5%. The reform aims to adjust the quorum during cantonal and communal votes and would apply to the next elections for councils elected by proportional representation in March 2026.
This initiative has its roots in a broader reform debate that began in 2021 around the LEDP (Law on the Exercise of Political Rights) and the desire to reduce barriers for smaller parties to gain seats in the Grand Council. If fully implemented, the measure could alter the balance of power by enabling more voices to sit in the cantonal legislature, potentially reshaping policy priorities in the years ahead.
Initiative Sauvons le Mormont: ecological protection via law, not constitution
The initiative “Sauvons le Mormont” — named after the hill near Eclépens once dominated by a ZAD — appears to have fallen short. The anti-initiative side rallied around a counter-project from the Cantonal Government, which would safeguard the area through statutory protection rather than constitutional change. After around 87% of ballots were counted, the counter-project appeared to be on track for approval at roughly 67.7%, while the initiative itself drew about 38.8% support. Turnout hovered around 45.3%.
The Mormont’s notoriety had grown beyond Vaud during the ZAD era of 2020–2021, influencing discussions on land use and environmental protection. The result signals a preference for flexible, law-based protections that municipalities can adapt over time, aligning with broader Swiss sensibilities regarding environmental stewardship and regional planning.
BDFIL-Caran d’Ache 2025: Maria Komatsu wins and awaits a vibrant future in comics
The BDFIL-Caran d’Ache 2025 prize, awarded during a ceremony at the Musée de la machine à écrire in Lausanne, celebrates the next generation of Swiss and international comics talent. Japanese artist Maria Komatsu took the top prize, with compatriots Célestine Braillard (2nd) and Julie Magnollay (3rd) also honored. The award amounts were 2{,}000 CHF, 1{,}500 CHF, and 1{,}000 CHF respectively. The year’s theme, “Bleu de travail,” is highlighted in an accompanying exhibition at the museum through October 26.
Komatsu, who resides in Tokyo, was praised by jurors for her mastery of sequence, dramaturgy, and visual rhythm. The jury noted her distinctive style—playful yet controlled—and her ability to invite readers into her worlds through clever perspectives and color work. The prize, open to participants aged 15 and older from anywhere in the world, drew nearly 140 submissions from 31 countries, underscoring the event’s international reach and its role in shaping the next wave of graphic storytelling.
Lausanne Nautical Innovation Days: a catalyst for sustainable mobility on the Léman
In a forward-looking blend of sport, research, and industry, the Lausanne Nautical Innovation Days (LNID) will take place on Saturday, 4 October, at Place de la Navigation in Lausanne. The event, organized with support from the City of Lausanne, EPFL, CGN, and a host of partners, aims to accelerate decarbonized maritime mobility. Esteban Garcia, founder of Realteam Spirit, frames LNID as a platform to showcase local know-how, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and demonstrate how public, academic, and private actors can co-create cleaner, more efficient waterborne transport solutions.
Discussions will spotlight projects from EPFL labs, industry players like CGN, and innovative ventures such as Zero Emission Boat, Mobyfly, Almatech, and Dhamma Blue. Attendees will be able to observe new vessels and technologies up close, with the event designed to engage the public and spark dialogue about sustainable mobility on Lake Geneva.
Looking ahead: Vaud’s evolving political and cultural landscape
Taken together, these votes and events reflect a canton navigating complex questions about inclusion, representation, environmental stewardship, and cultural excellence. As Vaud looks toward the 2026 electoral cycle, policymakers, civic groups, and cultural actors will continue testing new ideas—whether it’s broadening participation, refining representative mechanisms, protecting landscapes, or celebrating emerging artistic voices through initiatives like BDFIL-Caran d’Ache.
