Thurgau cantonal parliament Abolition of property tax to be put to the people in Thurgau

The left-green side of the Thurgau cantonal parliament held a referendum on Wednesday against the abolition of property tax. This will lead to a cantonal referendum on this tax on property owners.

The majority of the 130 members of the Thurgau cantonal parliament supported the abolition of the property tax on Wednesday. 45 members of parliament from the SP and the Greens, with the help of some centrist politicians, then took the council referendum. The issue will therefore be put to the people.

Supporters criticize double taxation

The canton of Thurgau levies a property tax of 0.5 per thousand of the taxable value of the property in question. This generates annual revenue of around CHF 20 million for the municipalities and around CHF 15 million for the canton.

Civic members of parliament demanded the abolition of this "unfair" tax. Property owners are already burdened accordingly with property tax and imputed rental value.

The government rejected the abolition - also in view of the canton's current tense financial situation. In the earlier debate, various municipal presidents and the left-green section of the council also spoke out in favor of maintaining the current situation.

The SP wants to prevent "a financial policy mess" with the referendum, it wrote in a press release. It is unacceptable that the voters of Thurgau "should not have the last word on this massive loss of revenue" amounting to more than CHF 35 million. According to the SP, a yes vote would lead to further cantonal austerity measures.