Switzerland votes on the pension for the thirteenth month, which is a “historic” step.

International – A small earthquake among the Helveti tribe. Switzerland, whose elderly population faces rising costs of living, voted on Sunday, March 3 in favor of retirement for the 13th month, a step forward. “Historical” According to its defenders.

The proposal in favor of retirement for 13 months received 58.24% of the votes in the country, according to the final results, with a participation of just over 58%.

They also show that he received a majority of votes in 16 of the 26 Swiss cantons, more than half, which was a condition for its adoption. On the other hand, the proposal to gradually raise the retirement age from 65 to 66 years was largely rejected by 74.72% of the votes.

“Live your retirement better”

The thirteenth annual month of pension, like the thirteenth month of salary for many workers in Switzerland, was a union proposal entitled “Live your retirement better”.

“It's historic.”commented Pierre-Yves Maillard, president of the Swiss Confederation of Trade Unions (SGB) who campaigned for ” Yes “. because, “There is, as everywhere else, a crisis in purchasing power in Switzerland. The standard of living of pensioners is eroding.”confirmed.

This is the first time that unions have succeeded in getting a proposal adopted through direct democracy. What makes matters even more surprising is that the proposal received the support of the left and not the right, the majority in the country since the founding of the modern state.

The right warns against increasing taxes on finance

The maximum monthly social security pension in Switzerland is 2,450 Swiss francs (2,570 euros) for a single person and 3,675 francs for a married couple, in a country that is regularly ranked among the most expensive countries in the world. In the city, the rent for a three-room apartment is at least 3,000 francs (3,150 euros). The coffee costs more than five francs.

The Green Party also welcomed B “Big victory” For many retirees. The leftist parties supported this initiative, but it was met with strong opposition from the right and center parties. As do the government and parliament.

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

He also estimated that the proposed change, for all retirees regardless of their financial situation, would bring only limited social benefit.

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