Switzerland says no to expanding civil service and new inheritance tax

Voters in Switzerland took to the polls on Sunday, November 30 to decide on two national proposals. The results are in and Switzerland has said no to expanding compulsory conscription and to inheritance tax on assets over 50 million Swiss francs.

Switzerland says no to Civic Duty Initiative

The Civic Duty Initiative, proposed by the Service Citoyen Initiative in 2023, sought to make conscription compulsory for all Swiss citizens. The alpine nation has delivered a resounding “no” to the proposal, with 84,1 percent rejecting it. The initiative failed in all 26 Swiss cantons and was the “second most decisive rejection in the last 25 years”, reports 20 Minuten.

Prior to the vote, the majority of Swiss political parties expressed that they did not support the initiative because it would take people out of work and could impact the economy. "The initiative went far beyond current needs and would not have been economically sound," said Defence Minister Martin Pfister.

Switzerland rejects inheritance tax proposal

The second national proposal on the referendum agenda was the Initiative for a Future. The Young Socialists of Switzerland, JUSO, proposed introducing a 50 percent federal inheritance tax on estates and gifts worth over 50 million Swiss francs. The money raised would be put towards Switzerland’s climate change policies. 78,3 percent of voters rejected the proposal. 

The federal government had recommended rejecting the initiatives due to concerns that it could result in wealthy people leaving Switzerland. Karin Keller-Sutter, President of Switzerland, said, "Such a tax would have thrown our tax system out of balance. The voters have rejected a risky experiment." 

JUSO President Mirjam Hostestmann commented that, despite the loss, "[she is] convinced that [the party] will continue to fight for wealth equality."

Two cantons reject giving expats voting rights

Several proposals were also on ballot papers across the Swiss cantons. Notably, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Vaud voted against giving international residents the right to vote. 

Zurich accepted a new law allowing the cantonal government to set speed limits on roads throughout the canton, along with a counterproposal which will give local councils more funds to build cheaper housing. Zurich voters rejected a proposal that would have seen the cantonal government increase its contributions to health insurance premiums. 

Lucerne accepted a new childcare law which will see low and middle-income families receive more support from the government to cover the cost of childcare. In Fribourg, voters rejected the introduction of a minimum wage of 23 Swiss francs per hour. 

Lastly, Obwalden health insurance premiums may be lower in the future, as canton voters accepted an amendment that allows residents to claim a deductible of between nine and 12 percent of their income. Take a look at 20 Minuten’s summary of all the cantonal votes that took place.