Swiss Voters Reject Tax And Pension Reforms
Swiss voters delivered a crushing blow to the country's government at the weekend,
rejecting a key package of tax and pension reforms. A nationwide vote on tax cuts for shareholders, property owners and families,
a proposed increase in VAT, and a rise in the retirement age for women from
64 to 65 was held on Sunday. Final results showed that the tax cuts were rejected by 65.9% of voters, the
VAT hike by 68.6%, and the pension reforms by 67.9%. The referendum was forced by the centre left, which argued that the tax cuts
would benefit the wealthy at the expense of lower income taxpayers, and would
force the cantonal authorities to cut spending in areas such as health and education. According to reports in the Swiss media, the government has insisted that the
reforms contained in the package were necessary, and Interior Minister, Pascal
Couchepin has announced that he intends to present another proposal to increase VAT. .
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