- Written by Imogen Folkes
- BBC News, Geneva
image source, AFP (via Getty Images)
Additional pension supporters across the country celebrated the referendum result, like this photo from Bern
Swiss voters are giving themselves an extra month’s pension each year in a nationwide referendum focused on living standards for older people.
The government had warned that the increased payments would be too high to pay.
But Sunday’s poll found nearly 60% of voters said yes. Separately, 75% rejected raising the pension age from 65 to 66.
The maximum monthly state pension amount is €2,550 (£2,180, $2,760), but many say this is not enough to survive in Switzerland.
Health insurance premiums, which are compulsory for everyone, are rising rapidly, and seniors can struggle to pay their premiums.
Women who may have taken time off from work to support their families, and immigrants who were recruited decades ago to work in Swiss factories, restaurants and hospitals, may find it particularly difficult to make ends meet. There is sex.
An increasing number of people are working into their 70s not by choice but out of necessity. Meanwhile, work-related stress and burnout are on the rise among younger generations.
A proposal to increase pensions was put forward by trade unions, but was opposed by the Swiss government, parliament and business leaders who said it was unaffordable.
Swiss voters often accept government advice on money matters. A few years ago, the government was actually denying people an extra week of vacation per year.
This time, they used Switzerland’s system of direct democracy to vote them an extra month’s pension each year to claim enough is enough.
The initiative also secured the necessary dual majority: the popular vote and majorities in most of the country’s 26 states.
Avivo, a Swiss organization that protects the rights of current and future pensioners, described the result as a “historic victory for retirees”.
The move brings the state pension in line with Switzerland’s salary system, which is also paid in 13 installments, meaning workers will receive double the payment in November.
The scheme was originally designed to help people prepare for Christmas and their annual tax payments. As Swiss retirees pointed out, pensions were also taxed and the Christmas fun didn’t stop when they turned 65.
They also overwhelmingly rejected raising the retirement age, a sign that Swiss people are becoming increasingly aware that their lives should not be all work and no play.
The government has reiterated that these votes must be paid for.
But voters look at Switzerland’s booming economy, see that its success is largely due to the hard work of its people, and clearly believe their country can afford it.
