The Swiss population is now deciding on two important questions regarding pensions.
The Swiss are deciding today whether they will soon be able to receive a 13th pension from the state pension fund AHV. In surveys before the referendum, the vote was almost yes.
However, in addition to the majority of votes, the majority of the 26 cantons must also be in favor. Because there are many smaller cantons in which a majority of the population is often against additional state benefits or requirements, many popular initiatives fail at the second hurdle. The people can also vote on whether the retirement age should be further increased beyond 65 years. According to surveys, this is likely to fail.
The issue of pensions electrified voters: the municipalities reported an unusually high turnout by mail. In Switzerland, more than 90 percent of people vote by postal vote. The last polling stations close at 12 p.m. The result should be available during the afternoon.
The highest voter turnout since women’s suffrage was introduced in 1971 occurred in 1992: when asked whether Switzerland should join the European Economic Area (EEA), 78.7 percent of those entitled to vote took part. They were narrowly against it. Normally the voter turnout for votes is closer to 55 to 60 percent.
Among the many regional and local votes in the canton of Zurich is whether two runways at the local airport can be extended. It is close to the German border.
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.
