voters approve a 13th month for retirees, but reject the starting age at 66

A surprise in a traditionally liberal Switzerland. The voters of the confederation approved the creation of a 13th month of retirement during a vote, Sunday March 3. This proposal, far from being unanimous within the political class, was approved by 58.2% of voters, and won a majority of the votes in more than half of the Swiss cantons, a condition for its adoption.

In Switzerland, the minimum pension is equivalent to 2,570 euros for a single person and 3,830 euros for a married couple. A level to put into perspective with the cost of living, in a country where the average rent for a three-room apartment in the city often exceeds 3,150 euros per month.

Those in favor of granting 13th month for retirees, like that enjoyed by many employees, campaigned emphasizing the weight of inflation.

Government threatens tax hikes

This is the first time that the unions have managed to get a proposal adopted through direct democracy. Left-wing parties supported the initiative, but it was fiercely opposed by right-wing and centrist parties.

The government said the proposed increase would cost more than four billion Swiss francs a year, warning it would require tax increases and could threaten the financial stability of the social security system.

The Swiss were also due to vote on Sunday on raising the retirement age from 65 to 66. A proposal refused by more than 74% of voters.