Switzerland’s voters have decisively rejected two national proposals, including mandatory military service for women and a new inheritance tax aimed at climate change funding.
The nationwide referendums, held on Sunday, November 30, saw strong opposition to both initiatives.
One proposal, known as the “Citizen Service Initiative,” sought to introduce compulsory service for all Swiss women in roles such as the military or civil defense, mirroring the existing obligation for men. Over 84% of voters opposed this measure, with no canton supporting it.
Currently, Swiss men are mandated to serve in the armed forces or civil defense, with conscientious objectors able to choose alternative service or pay an exemption fee. Approximately 35,000 men undertake mandatory service annually, while women serve on a voluntary basis.
Proponents argued that mandatory service for women would enhance social cohesion and fill positions in areas like environmental protection, food security, and elder care.
However, parliamentarians largely opposed the initiative, citing concerns about significant costs and the potential economic impact of removing a large number of young people from the workforce.
The government also stated that the military and civil defense already have sufficient personnel. It further noted that while the proposal might appear to be a “step towards gender equality,” it would impose an “additional burden for many women who largely bear the burden of unpaid work in raising and caring for children and relatives, as well as housework.”
The second key proposal, which aimed to introduce a new tax on inheritances and donations exceeding 50 million Swiss Francs (approximately $56 million USD), was also overwhelmingly rejected by over 78% of voters.
Under this plan, the revenue generated from the new tax would have been allocated to combat the effects of climate change and help Switzerland achieve its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050.
The Swiss government opposed this tax proposal, warning that its approval could prompt some of the country’s wealthiest individuals to emigrate. An estimated 2,500 people in Switzerland possess assets exceeding the 50 million Swiss Franc threshold, and the proposed tax rate was 50%.
Switzerland holds national referendums four times a year, allowing citizens direct participation in shaping national policy.