Projected results show that Swiss voters have rejected proposals to enhance biodiversity protections and a pensions reform in dual referendums on Sunday.
Despite Switzerland’s reputation for pristine landscapes, concerns over endangered ecosystems have been raised by environmentalists who urged voters to support broader biodiversity protections.
However, the biodiversity proposal was unsuccessful, receiving only 37 percent of votes in favor with a voter turnout of 45.2 percent, according to provisional results released by federal authorities around 1430 GMT on Sunday.
Additionally, voters declined a proposed reform to the financing of Switzerland’s pension system, according to the results.
– Nature reform proposal –
The initial proposal had the support of various environmental protection groups, such as Pro Natura and BirdLife.
These organizations highlighted the decline in Switzerland’s biodiversity.
They stated that Switzerland has one of the highest rates of threatened species and environments among European OECD countries, as reported by the European Environmental Agency.
While the cantons of Basel-City and Geneva supported the proposal, it was ultimately rejected.
The Swiss Union for Arts and Crafts expressed relief at the rejection, claiming that the initiative could have jeopardized electricity and food production if passed.
Some political parties had mixed reactions to the outcome, with the Green Liberal Party considering it a missed opportunity to preserve natural heritage, while the UDC hoped it would allow farming families to work without interference from environmentalists.
– Biodiversity investment –
Currently, the Swiss federal government invests approximately 600 million Swiss francs ($700 million) annually in biodiversity preservation.
The organizations behind the referendum argued that this was insufficient and sought voter approval to increase the biodiversity budget and expand protected areas.
According to a landmark biodiversity agreement reached in Montreal, at least 30 percent of the planet’s lands and oceans should be protected by 2030. However, Switzerland falls short of this target, with only 13.4 percent of its territory dedicated to biodiversity conservation.
The situation is considered alarming by referendum supporters, emphasizing the direct impact of species extinction on humans.
Despite the organizations’ concerns, the government and parliament opposed the proposal, asserting that Switzerland is already taking adequate measures and warning of potential negative impacts on the economy, agriculture, construction, and energy production.
– Pensions reform proposal –
The government-backed reform of pension financing was also rejected by Swiss voters on Sunday, with 67.1 percent opposing it according to projections.
The proposed reform aimed to address underfunding in the second pillar of Swiss pensions due to low financial returns and increasing life expectancy, requiring higher contributions from employers and workers into occupational funds.
However, unions viewed the reform as detrimental, arguing that it would lead to increased contributions while reducing pension payments for individuals.
The Swiss Trade Union Federation criticized the proposals as a “scam”.
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