Earlier this week a thin majority of Switzerland’s parliament rejected a plan to tax flights out of Switzerland. 93 voted against, 88 in favour, with 8 abstentions, according to RTS.
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The vote was part of a project looking at the country’s emissions rules.
More than 10% of greenhouse gas emitted by Switzerland comes from flying, according to data from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). Aviation’s share of emissions is relatively high in Switzerland compared to the rest of the world. Figures from the European Commission show a world average of 2% and an EU average of 3%.
Emissions from flying in Switzerland have risen 68% since 1990. Proponents of the tax argued it would encourage people to fly less.
The tax would have been up to CHF 30 for european flights and up to CHF 50 for intercontinental flights. It would have started in 2022.
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RTS article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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