BERN (AP) – Swiss voters approved a proposal to give pensioners a thirteenth month in a referendum on increasing old-age pensions. The referendum was put forward by trade unionists who believe pensions are lagging far behind in light of rising costs of living and inflation. According to Swiss media, about 60% of voters agree. The required majority of cantons was also obtained for this proposal.
Thus, retirees can count on an increase in their pensions of about 8.3 percent. However, developing this proposal is up to Parliament and the government, and they have not yet begun to do so.
Another proposal on pension reform, including raising the retirement age, did not obtain a majority in any canton, according to Swiss media. Switzerland has special days for “voters”, usually Sundays. But you can also vote by email or letter the week before.
They usually involve a lot of referendums on local politics or other issues. In Zurich, for example, a majority of voters approved expanding the airport's runways. In canton Zug, a plan for a major infrastructure project, including the construction of an expensive tunnel, was voted down.
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