A majority of the Fifth Switzerland supports the two OASI proposals
On 25 September 2022, Switzerland voted on four proposals on three topics : Factory Farming, the withholding tax and the OASI reform (AHV21). Like Swiss voters, a majority of Swiss Abroad support the OASI reform. In contrast, a majority of the Fifth Switzerland voted in favour of abolishing factory farming and reforming the withholding tax.
The results
While the pension reform, which raises the retirement age for women from 64 to 65, was narrowly accepted in Sunday's vote, the Swiss Abroad were more strongly in favour. The majority of voting expats were also in favour of abolishing factory farming and withholding tax unlike resident citizens.
Source: swissinfo.ch
Learn more in the article of swissinfo.ch.
Factory Farming Initiative
The minimum requirements for agricultural animal husbandry are to be increased and factory farming is to be banned.
In Switzerland, agricultural animal husbandry is regulated by law. It also stipulates the maximum number of animals that may be kept on a farm. If the popular initiative is accepted, factory farming will be banned. Animal husbandry on farms will now be subject at least to the Bio-Suisse requirements of 2018. This concerns, among other things, the housing of animals and their access to the outdoors.
Translated from easyvote.ch
OASI reform (OASI 21)
The two proposals on old-age and survivors' insurance ( OASI) are intended, on the one hand, to increase Value Added Tax (VAT). On the other hand, the retirement age for women is to be raised to 65 and made more flexible.
With the first proposal, parliament has decided to increase Value Added Tax (VAT). This requires a constitutional amendment, which is subject to a mandatory referendum.
With the second proposal, parliament has decided to amend the law on the OASI. The amendment will standardise the retirement age for women and men. The retirement age for women will therefore be raised to 65. In addition, retirement will become more flexible.
The two OASI proposals are linked to each other. In order for them to come into force both proposals must be adopted.
Translated from easyvote.ch
Withholding Tax
The withholding tax and the turnover tax on Swiss bonds are to be abolished.
If, for example, companies want to borrow money, they can sell bonds. If they have sold bonds, they pay the buyer interest on the amount received every year. In Switzerland, withholding tax of 35 per cent must be paid on this interest. Parliament has decided to abolish the withholding tax and the turnover tax on Swiss bonds. A referendum was held against this.
Translated from easyvote.ch
