Two major proposals What you need to know now before the votes
Switzerland is deciding on two important proposals today: a national inheritance tax of CHF 50 million or more and the introduction of a citizens' service for all. Polls suggest two no votes.
30.11.2025, 08:36
30.11.2025, 08:37
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No time? blue News summarizes for you
- The Juso initiative calls for a 50 percent inheritance tax from CHF 50 million, earmarked for climate protection projects.
- Opponents warn of an exodus of the very wealthy and a threat to family businesses.
- The "Service Citoyen" wants to introduce general compulsory service for everyone; women would also be affected.
Voters in Switzerland will decide on two initiatives on Sunday (today). The first calls for a national tax on inheritances of fifty million francs or more, the second for a compulsory civic service for all. The latest polls suggest two "no" votes.
"Popular initiative for a future"
With their popular initiative "For a future", the Juso are calling for a tax of fifty percent on estates and gifts from individuals of more than fifty million francs - the first fifty million francs would be tax-free. The Confederation and cantons would have to invest the revenue in climate protection.
The Juso are calling for the richest to be held financially responsible for the climate damage they cause. Opponents warn that companies are at risk. Because of the tax owed, they could be forced to sell instead of handing over the business to a successor.
Opponents also point out that the very wealthy will avoid Switzerland and therefore no longer pay tax on their assets if the new inheritance tax is introduced. If these heavy taxpayers were absent, taxes would have to be increased for everyone.
"Service Citoyen"
The people and the cantons will also decide on the introduction of a civic service, which everyone would have to provide if they vote yes. Examples cited include civil protection, cyber defense, education and healthcare. However, the army and civil defense should always have enough personnel available.
The initiators argue that the civil service would allow everyone to contribute where they are needed, according to their abilities. With compulsory service for all, more people would be recruited and called up than the army and civil defense needed, the opponents counter.
The opponents are also bothered by the fact that women would be obliged to serve, even though they currently do most of the unpaid work. And that young people would have to work in a field that is foreign to them instead of in a profession that requires training.
blue News will be reporting on the votes in a live ticker from 11.30.
