Swiss gov't proposes optional referendum on closer ties with European Union

Swiss Government Proposes Referendum on EU Agreement

ZURICH (Reuters) - The Swiss government suggested holding an optional referendum on the country's new agreement with the European Union, the cabinet said on Wednesday, making it easier to win support for the deal.

Under Swiss law a popular vote on a new treaty can be held if 50,000 signatures are gathered within 100 days, leaving it up to citizens to decide on the need for a vote.

A simple majority of voters is needed for the optional referendum to pass, rather than a double majority of voters and of the country's 26 cantons under some compulsory referenda.

(Reporting by John Revill, editing by Ariane Luthi)