Yesterday, the Swiss set the course for a climate-neutral country in a referendum. According to the final result, 59.1% said yes to the climate protection law. The goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions must be achieved by 2050. The government wants to encourage the move away from oil and gas heating with financial incentives.
Businesses must be supported in converting to climate-friendly technologies. More wind turbines will also be installed. “From today, our country is taking a serious step towards phasing out fossil fuels, which gives planning and legal certainty,” said Greenpeace Switzerland and welcomed the population’s approval.
Large energy imports
Opponents of the bill fear that climate-protection conversions will lead to inflation and high costs. Currently, Switzerland still imports around three-quarters of its energy. Against resistance from landscape conservationists, large parks with solar panels are being planned in the Alps.
Higher taxes for multinational companies
At the same time, 78.5% of Swiss people voted in favor of international corporations paying a minimum tax of 15% from next year. Some cantons currently have a tax below this level.
The measure affects companies with at least €750 million in annual sales and therefore around one percent of companies operating in Switzerland. Above all, Basel and Zug, where large pharmaceutical and retail groups are based, would benefit from higher tax revenues.