Separatist town in Switzerland motives its shift to a different canton
Swiss Town Moutier's Decades-Long Struggle to Ditch Bern and Join Jura
On March 10th, history was made when the National Council granted the administrative transfer of Moutier from Bern to Jura, finally putting an end to a long-standing conflict between Moutier separatists and Bern authorities.
For over four decades, residents of Moutier (a town with a population of approximately 7,000) have been advocating for a change, due to historical, cultural, and political divisions that date back to the early 19th century.
A Fight for Identity
Situated within the French-speaking Bernese Jura, Moutier has historically felt a closer bond with the predominantly French-speaking Jura canton than with the German-majority Bern. This linguistic and cultural distinction, accompanied by a sense of regional marginalization, contributed to the town's desire to separate.
The Jurassian Separatist Movement
The broader Jura region, including Bernese Jura, had been seeking autonomy due to perceived political marginalization within Bern. After decades of activism, the northern, French-speaking part of Bern’s Jura region formed the new Jura canton in 1979 through a series of referendums[1][5]. However, Moutier and other southern Bernese Jura communes initially remained part of Bern, creating ongoing tension.
Political Negotiations and Persistence
Following the 1979 separation, efforts were made to resolve remaining disputes, including the 2012 declaration of intent between Bern and Jura to address institutional arrangements[1][5]. Subsequent referendums in 2013 reaffirmed divisions: most of Bernese Jura voted to stay in Bern, while Moutier pursued a separate path.
In a 2017 vote, Moutier narrowly approved (51.7%) joining Jura, though legal challenges delayed implementation[1][5]. A 2021 re-vote (54.9% in favor) further solidified local support, with the transfer expected by 2026. This shift reflects a longstanding push for alignment with Jura’s governance and cultural identity.
The saga of Moutier highlights tensions between regional self-determination and cantonal boundaries, rooted in language, governance, and historical grievances.
[1] "Jura: Historical Background and Overview." swissinfo.ch, 13 July 2017, https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/jura__historical-background-and-overview/43118938.[5] "Jura and Bern move closer towards agreement on Moutier." The Local, 20 April 2018, https://www.thelocal.ch/20180420/jura-and-bern-move-closer-towards-agreement-on-moutier.
- Despite the 2021 re-vote, Moutier's shift to joining Jura remains contingent upon resolving any legal challenges and is anticipated by 2026.
- Moutier's push for alignment with Jura's governance and cultural identity has persisted, mirroring a broader Jurassian separatist movement dating back to the early 19th century.
- The town's dissatisfaction with Bern's politics and policy-and-legislation stems from decades of perceived regional marginalization and linguistic and cultural differences.
- Unless negotiations between Bern and Jura lead to a successful resolution, the saga of Moutier's struggle for identity and autonomy within Switzerland's cantonal boundaries may continue.
