On the 25 September 2022 the Swiss electorate will vote on the Factory Farming Initiative. Switzerland’s current legislation on the protection of animals is among the strictest in the world. The dignity and welfare of animals are both protected under the law. In 1992, Switzerland became the first nation to consider the dignity of animals […]
Swiss to vote on abolition of withholding tax and stamp duty
Currently, Switzerland levies a withholding tax of 35% cent on income from interest. People living in Switzerland can claim most of this tax back if they declare the interest in their tax return. However, foreign residents cannot. This means Swiss companies avoid issuing bonds from Switzerland. The federal government would like remove the withholding tax […]
Swiss to vote on government’s pension reform plan
Across much of the developed world pension finances are getting squeezed as populations age, baby boomers in particular. Switzerland’s government has a reform plan. However, some who don’t like it called a referendum to oppose it. Arguments for and against the changes are being aired before a vote on 25 September 2022. The proposed changes, […]
Swiss parliament rejects plans to grant foreign residents voting rights
On 8 June 2022, Switzerland’s parliament voted against a Green Party plan to allow foreigners with at least 5 years of residency to vote and be elected in federal elections, reported ATS. A total of 113 members versus 63 voted against the plan. Foreigners living in Switzerland who wish to participate in democratic life are […]
Swiss vote results on Frontex, organ donation and a 4% levy on international streaming services
On 15 May 2022, Swiss voters voted on three federal initiatives on increased support of the Schengen border agency Frontex, presumed organ donation consent and whether to introduce a 4% levy on international streaming services in favour local film production. Voting this weekend was a clean sweep in favour of the federal government. Majorities were in favour […]
Swiss to vote on opt-out organ transplant permission
On 15 May 2022, the Swiss electorate will vote on the (organ) Transplantation Act. Over the past five years, an average of around 450 people in Switzerland have received one or more organs from a deceased person each year. However, the need for organs is much greater. Currently, a transplant is only possible if the […]
Swiss to vote on Frontex
On 15 May 2022, the Swiss electorate will vote on the Adoption of the Regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, which makes it party to the control of the area’s borders by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) an organisation that Switzerland […]
Swiss to vote on “Netflix tax”
On 15 May 2022, the Swiss electorate will vote on an Amendment to the Federal Act on Film Production and Film Culture. In Switzerland, domestic television broadcasters are obliged to invest 4% of their turnover in Swiss filmmaking. However, films and series are increasingly also offered by global companies via streaming services such as Netflix. […]
New initiative aims to create compulsory universal service for men, women and foreign residents
In Switzerland military service is compulsory for all young men with Swiss citizenship. Women and foreign residents are not required serve. An initiative to create a universal community service obligation that would include women and to some extent foreigners living in Switzerland was launched on Tuesday. Vote organisers have until 26 October 2023 to collect […]
Swiss to vote on higher retirement age
In Switzerland the official retirement age is different for men (65) and women (64). The federal government wants to create a universal retirement age of 65 for everyone. However, a number of people are opposed to the move and have called for a referendum and hope to overturn the government’s decision. This week, a referendum […]
