Swiss voters approved in a consultation promoted by the unions with the support of the left that the principle of an additional 13th was enshrined in the constitution. The government and parliament are responsible for determining the modalities
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In Switzerland, a thirteenth salary is being introduced for all pensioners. When Swiss voters were called to the polls on Sunday the 3rd, they actually agreed in a referendum sponsored by the unions with the support of the left. The federal popular initiative “Live better in old age (initiative for a 13th AHV monthly payment)” was approved by 58.24% of those eligible to vote and a majority of 16 out of 26 cantons.
The initiative enshrines the principle of an additional 13th income in the constitution, but it is now up to the government and parliament to determine the exact methods for implementing and financing the reform.
This is how federal pensions work
Old-age and survivors' insurance (AHV), the first pillar of the pension system, is the foundation of social security in Switzerland. According to government figures, more than 2.5 million pensioners currently receive an AHV pension.
For the committee that pushed the initiative, this minimum is no longer guaranteed and the 13th has become “indispensable” as a growing number of pensioners struggle to make ends meet due to price increases.
The highest proportions of votes for the reform proposal were recorded in the cantons of Jura (over 82% yes), Neuchâtel (78%), Geneva (75%) and Vaud (74%). In Ticino the yes vote is 71%.
Pensioners' association Avivo called the vote a success and said it was a “historic day for pensioners”. The Swiss union also spoke of a “clear” result and called for the reform to be implemented quickly.
Right and Economiesuisse critics
On the other side are the right-wing parties and Economiesuisse, the umbrella organization of the Swiss economy: “We will have to find solutions for financing in a situation in which more and more people are entitled to this pension and fewer and fewer young people are making contributions,” said Economiesuisse director Monika Rühl on Swiss radio.
The government and the majority of Parliament were against the proposal as they believed there was no financial scope for a 13th. Also today, a second referendum on the pension system failed. The text, which proposed raising the retirement age by adjusting it to life expectancy, was rejected by 74.7% of voters.
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