Options for the canton

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The analysis of this part suggests several options for the canton of Zug in dealing with the language question. None of them is required, and each has advantages and disadvantages that the canton's citizens will weigh.

● * English-language court proceedings. * The canton could use the possibility created by the revised Civil Procedure Code to allow English-language proceedings in commercial disputes, possibly in cooperation with other cantons.

● * Bilingual services. * The cantonal administration could extend its English-language information and services, particularly for companies and new residents, without changing the official language.

● * Integration incentives. * The canton could strengthen incentives for international residents to learn German, for example by subsidising courses, by cooperating with employers and by offering courses adapted to working professionals.

● * Participation of foreign residents. * The canton could consider consultative bodies for foreign residents at cantonal level or, following the example of Geneva and other cantons, voting rights at municipal level for long-term foreign residents. The latter would require a change in the cantonal constitution and a vote of the citizens.

● * Housing policy. * The canton could continue to promote affordable housing, which would reduce one of the main sources of tension between the international and local communities.

● * Schools. * The canton could support bilingual programmes in public schools, which would give local children better English skills and international children an easier access to German.

The choice among these options is political. It depends on how the citizens of Zug see the relationship between their canton and its international economy. The history of the canton suggests a pragmatic approach: measured steps that make the canton more accessible to international companies and residents, combined with a firm attachment to its official language and its democratic traditions.

For general information only. This article does not constitute legal or tax advice, does not replace advice on an individual case and creates no lawyer-client relationship. It reflects the legal position as of September 2025.

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Dr Alexander Ressos, TEP

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I am a Swiss attorney-at-law and also admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and in England & Wales, with almost 25 years of experience.

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Options for the canton

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