to ease the financial burden. The people will have the final word on this decision as well. A single health insurance, coordination or streamlining? The political parties are backing various solutions: the SP is once again raising the idea of a single public health insurance fund. This would end the pseudo-competition between the 45 private health insurance funds and thus save money. The Centre wants to force cantons to coordinate with each other on hospital planning. The FDP and SVP, on the other hand, are arguing for a reduction in the catalogue of treatments covered by health insurance. Until now, however, voters have always rejected any proposals that might have limited insurance coverage. In an emergency, everyone wants the best possible medical care for them and their loved ones. Antivaxxers out of luck On 9 June, two additional proposals were put to the vote. By giving a clear Yes (68.7 per cent) to the Electricity Supply Act, the Swiss paved the way to bolstering domestic energy production from renewable sources like water, sunlight and wind. The initiative against “mandatory vaccinations” had no such luck, however. Critics of the anti-Covid measures sought to have a corresponding ban entered into the constitution. But 73.7 per cent of voters saw this as unnecessary: it is already the case that people cannot be vaccinated against their will. Electricity Supply Act 0 5 1015202530354045 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 76.2% With a clear majority of 68.7 per cent across the country, Swiss voters expressed their unequivocal support for the rapid development of renewable energies in Switzerland. Support was also unanimous among the cantons. The Swiss Abroad furthermore gave a decisive vote in favour. Swiss Abroad Electricity Supply Act – yes votes in per cent Initiative against “mandatory vaccinations” 0 5 1015202530354045 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 28.8% Almost three-quarters of voters (73.7%) and all cantons rejected the initiative “For freedom and physical integrity”. Critics of the anti-Covid measures wanted to have a ban on “mandatory vaccination” added to the constitution. The Swiss Abroad also voted no. Swiss Abroad Stop compulsory vaccination initiative – yes votes in per cent Overview of the ballots on 22 September 2024 Biodiversity initiative In the view of nature and environmental organisations, Switzerland is doing too little to preserve diverse habitats. One-third of all species of animals and plants in Switzerland are endangered or already extinct. The biodiversity initiative would enshrine stronger protection for natural habitats in the constitution. The government would provide more land and greater funding for this purpose. The Federal Council initially wanted to amend legislation in order to accommodate the aims of the initiative. However, this indirect counter-proposal was shot down in the Council of States – not least due to resistance from farmers (more on the farming lobby in the Focus on pages 4-7). Opponents of the biodiversity initiative feel that its demands go too far. They are concerned that the restrictions placed on using land for farming, electricity production or tourism will be excessive. Link to the initiative: www.biodiversitaetsinitiative.ch “No” movement: www.biodiversitaetsinitiative-nein.ch Occupational pension reform Pensions from pension funds – the 2nd pillar of old-age pensions after the OASI – have been under pressure for a while. The main reason is the increasing life expectancy of the population. The reform of occupational pensions (OPA) approved by parliament should secure financing for the OPA, including by lowering the conversion rate from 6.8 per cent to 6.0 per cent. This will lead to lower benefits, which are to be offset via pension supplements for the transitional generation. The Swiss Federation of Trade Unions has launched a referendum against the proposal. In its view, the compensation for lower pensions is insufficient. In addition, workers will have to pay more, in the form of higher wage deductions. Centre-right supporters of the initiative, however, feel that the reform will strike a fair balance between the young and the elderly. They also point out that part-time workers on low incomes will be insured under the second pillar for the first time. Link to the referendum: www.rentenabbau.ch “Yes” movement: www.ja-bvg.ch Swiss Review / July 2024 / No.4 19
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjYwNzMx