Switzerland votes for increased elderly pension in referendum

Switzerland approves a referendum to increase pension payments for the elderly, prioritizing social welfare over financial concerns

Switzerland voted decisively to increase pension payments for the elderly in a referendum on Sunday, as concern over living costs and support for a stronger social safety net trumped questions about how to afford it.

The government had warned that the increased payments would be too expensive.

But almost 60% of voters said “yes” in the poll. Separately, 75% rejected raising the pension age from 65 to 66.

The maximum monthly state pension is 2,550 euros ($2,760) – not enough, many say, to live on in Switzerland.

The cost of living in Switzerland, particularly in cities such as Zurich and Geneva, is among the highest in the world.

Health insurance premiums, which are obligatory for everyone, have risen fast, and older people sometimes struggle to pay them.

Source: Newsroom

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