In a closely watched referendum, Swiss citizens voted overwhelmingly on Sunday to keep nuclear power going strong in the country. Although Switzerland has abundant sources of hydroelectric power, voters rejected two initiatives on the ballot that would have phased out the nation's five nuclear power plants over the coming decades. Philippe de Rougemont, representative for an anti-nuke coalition, predicted that the "no" vote would discourage companies from pursuing renewable-energy projects, and he blamed the initiatives' defeat on the powerful nuclear industry. "It seems that money determines the outcome of the vote," he said. The Swiss electorate also rejected a citizens' initiative that would have established car-free Sundays in the country.
source: Planet Ark, Reuters, Karen Iley, 20 May 2003
source: Financial Times, William Hall, 19 May 2003
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