Switzerland’s high-profile debate on lifting a ban on nuclear power will continue beyond is scheduled days after about 100 elected officials and several minority groups asked to be heard.

The National Council, Switzerland’s lower house of parliament, said the debate, originally scheduled to end after two days on 9 June, will continue on 15 June. It said the issue is “highly controversial” and the Swiss People's Party (SVP) and the Liberal Party (FDP) need the support of the Centre party to get the proposal approved.

Between them the SVP and FDP hold 90 seats in the 200-seat chamber. The Centre party holds 29 seats. The left, the Green Liberal Party, and a minority of centrists opposed the proposal.