The people of Switzerland were allowed to vote on two issues: climate neutrality and a minimum tax for large international corporations. Both points were agreed.
In a referendum, the Swiss set the course for a climate-neutral country. According to the final result, 59.1 percent said yes to the climate protection law in the vote on Sunday. The goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions is to be achieved by 2050. The government wants to encourage the farewell to oil and gas heating with financial incentives. Companies should be supported in converting to climate-friendly technology. More wind turbines are also to be installed. “As of today, our country is seriously on the way to phasing out fossil fuels, which gives planning and legal certainty,” Greenpeace Switzerland welcomed the approval of the population.
Opponents of the project fear that the conversions for climate protection will lead to a massive increase in inflation and high costs. Switzerland currently still imports around three quarters of its energy. Against the resistance of landscape conservationists, large parks with solar panels are being planned in the Alps.
At the same time, 78.5 percent of the Swiss voted in favor of international corporations paying a minimum tax of 15 percent from next year. Some cantons currently have a tax below this level. The step affects companies with at least 750 million euros in annual sales – and thus around one percent of companies operating in Switzerland. Above all, Basel and Zug, where large pharmaceutical and trading groups are based, would benefit from higher tax revenues.
Business associations welcomed the move. According to the association of the Swiss tech industry, Swissmem, there was “no better alternative” to the OECD minimum tax. In addition, the yes now means legal certainty for the companies concerned.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
