Overview of the federal votes on 9 June 2024 Initiative to cap health insurance premiums The SP wants to boost state relief and place a cap on health insurance premiums. Under its proposal, no policyholder would pay more than 10% of their income on health insurance premiums. This would mainly ease the financial burden on families while protecting purchasing power. Opponents of the initiative warned of prohibitive costs for the government. Parliament is in favour of moderate premium reductions via cantonal subsidies. More on pages 4–7. Cost brake initiative The Centre is trying to reduce health insurance premiums by putting a brake on healthcare costs. The aim of its initiative is to force policymakers to intervene if healthcare costs rise excessively relative to general wages. Opponents fear this would lead to a reduction in policyholder benefits. Instead of a cost brake set in stone, parliament wants the Federal Council to stipulate cost and quality targets every four years. More on pages 4–7. Initiative against mandatory vaccination Critics of Covid restrictions during the pandemic have tabled an initiative calling for an end to mandatory vaccination. Their proposal goes too far, say opponents. It is already the case that no one can be vaccinated against their will. In an epidemic, vaccination can be made mandatory for certain types of groups at increased risk of exposure and/or hospitalisation. People in these groups who subsequently fail to get vaccinated can be excluded from certain types of work, e.g. at hospitals. Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources Parliament has approved a law that lays the foundation for the rapid expansion of Switzerland’s energy production from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar and wind. The Franz Weber Foundation has called a referendum to contest the bill, arguing that the construction of solar farms and wind turbines has a detrimental effect on flora, fauna and the natural landscape. Supporters of the measure include most of the political parties as well as major environmental organisations like the WWF and Greenpeace. 13th OASI pension payment 0 5 1015202530354045 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 65.3% A majority of 58.3 per cent voted for the initiative. The Swiss Abroad were even more in favour, with 65.3 per cent saying yes. The 13th OASI pension payment also received the thumbs up in 15 out of 23 cantons, with the level of approval highest in French-speaking Switzerland. The No votes came from central and eastern cantons. Increase in the retirement age 0 5 1015202530354045 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 Only a small minority of 25.2 per cent voted yes. Approval among the Swiss Abroad was slightly higher, at 34.2 per cent. Not a single canton endorsed the proposal. Swiss Abroad Swiss Abroad Increase in the retirement age – yes votes in percent 13th OASI state pension payment – yes votes in percent Swiss Review / May 2024 / No.3 19
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