Swiss Citizens Vote on Civic Duty and Climate Tax Initiatives

Swiss voters are casting their ballots today, March 10, 2024, on two significant initiatives: a proposal to establish compulsory civic duty for both men and women and a climate tax targeting the super-rich. Current polls indicate that neither initiative is expected to gain traction, yet they have ignited considerable debate in the affluent nation.

Under Switzerland’s direct democratic system, any issue can reach a popular vote with the support of 100,000 signatures. This allows Swiss citizens to weigh in on a broad spectrum of topics multiple times each year at national, regional, and local levels. The Swiss government and parliament have urged voters to reject both initiatives, emphasizing concerns about potential economic repercussions and significant costs.

Civic Duty Proposal Faces Opposition

The Civic Duty initiative, which aimed to replace the existing men-only military conscription with a requirement for all Swiss citizens to engage in national service, initially received strong support. However, recent polling data from the market research firm gfs.bern shows that 64 percent of respondents now oppose the initiative. Proponents, including committee leader Noemie Roten, argue that mandatory service for both genders would foster social cohesion and promote “true equality.”

Roten described the current military service system as discriminatory, stating that while men are compelled to serve, women are largely excluded from valuable experiences and networks. “Be it in the army, civil protection, civil service, or voluntary firefighters, the idea is for every young person to contribute to the collective wellbeing,” she told AFP.

Conversely, critics assert that the initiative does not address the reality faced by women in Switzerland. Cyrielle Huguenot, who heads equality, family, and migration issues at the Swiss Trade Union Federation (USS), stated that women already shoulder the majority of unpaid work in society. “Asking women to provide even more unpaid service would only exacerbate the imbalance,” she emphasized.

Climate Tax Initiative Struggles for Support

The second item on the ballot, known as the “initiative for a future,” proposes a new climate tax targeting significant inheritances. This initiative appears even less likely to pass, with a staggering 68 percent of respondents opposing it in the latest gfs.bern poll. Proposed by the youth wing of the Socialist Party, the initiative seeks to impose a 50-percent inheritance tax on fortunes exceeding 50 million Swiss francs (approximately $63 million), affecting an estimated 2,500 households.

Under the slogan “tax the rich, save the climate,” advocates argue that the new tax could generate around 6 billion Swiss francs annually. This revenue would be allocated towards ecological initiatives, such as building renovations, renewable energy development, and expanding public transportation.

Opponents of the climate tax raise concerns that wealthy individuals might relocate to avoid the tax, thereby undermining the economy. Critics also warn that family businesses could suffer, as inheritors face steep financial burdens.

Polling stations opened early this morning and will close at noon (1100 GMT), with initial results anticipated by mid-afternoon. The outcomes of these votes could significantly influence future discussions on civic responsibility and environmental funding in Switzerland.