The Thurgau Parliament has rejected the citizenship application of a Syrian man, despite a 2023 Swiss Federal Court ruling in his favor.

The man, who has lived in Switzerland for nearly 20 years, was denied due to 11,500 francs in debt, which the Federal Court deemed too minor to block his naturalization.

The court also questioned the legality of Thurgau's financial stability requirement, as it is not recognized under federal law.

Despite this, Thurgau's Justice Commission argued that local laws take precedence over the Federal Court's decision.

The Parliament voted 42 to 72 against the man's application, citing financial and integration concerns.

Critics argue this defiance risks costly legal battles, as the man's lawyer plans to challenge the decision.

The case highlights tensions between federal authority and cantonal autonomy in Switzerland.