Le Matin. On Sunday, the canton of Neuchâtel asked voters if foreigners holding C permits, with at least five years of residence, should be allowed to run for political seats in cantonal elections. The result: 54% voted “no”. If the initiative, the first of its kind in Switzerland, had succeeded, around 23,000 foreign residents would […]
Geneva votes to reduce tax deductions for costs of getting to work
Today, Geneva voted on whether to cap tax deductions for the costs of getting to work. The initiative was seen as a way to increase tax revenue. 57.66% of voters were in favour of the change. A map showing the districts voting yes in green, shows a possible correlation between proximity to Geneva’s centre and the chance of voting yes. Currently, […]
25 September 2016 Swiss referenda results – new surveillance powers approved
The only vote to pass today was the Intelligence Service Act referendum, which passed with 65.5% voting “yes”. Both the vote to increase state pensions by 10% (40.6% “yes”), and the Green initiative (36.4% “yes”), failed. These results are in line with the positions held by the Swiss federal council and parliament. The vote to increase state […]
Swiss to vote on whether to give government snooping powers
On 25 September 2016, the Swiss electorate will vote on the Intelligence Service Act. If successful, the referendum will allow Switzerland’s Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) to monitor private communications, such as those by post, internet and telephone. The government says it needs these powers to protect the country from terrorism, cyber attacks and spying. Terrorist and cyber […]
Swiss to vote on state pension increases
On 25 September 2016, Swiss will vote on a plan to increase state pensions. Vote initiator, Switzerland’s Socialist Party, wants basic state pensions to go up by 10 percent. It argues that because costs have gone up, and returns on savings have declined, an increase is required to make up the difference. In Switzerland, everyone is entitled to an […]
Swiss to vote on a plan to cut ecological footprint by two thirds
On 25 September 2016, the Swiss electorate will vote on the ‘Green Economy’ initiative, the work of the Green party. Switzerland’s per capita consumption of the earth is far from sustainable. The Green party says three earths would be required if everyone on the planet consumed natural resources, such as water, air, soil or raw materials, […]
