Poverty Gap Widens In Switzerland

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

22 August 2002

Despite Switzerland's reputation as one of Europe's wealthiest countries, the gap between rich and poor is increasing according to the Swissinfo news service.

Reporting on calls from family organisations such as the Federal Commission on Family Policy, and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) Pro Familia, and Pro Juventute for measures to rescue those living below the poverty line, Swissinfo revealed that families are now more likely than any other group to struggle.

President of the Family Policy Commission, Jurg Krummenacher confirmed this, observing that: 'Sixty per cent of people living in poverty in Switzerland are in families. We have 120,000 children below the poverty line.'

Measures proposed by the three organisations this week included the introduction of a nationwide child benefit scheme with a minimum payment of SFr200 per month per child, rising to SFr250 for young people still in education, the creation of more institutionalised childcare, and paid maternity leave.

It has been estimated that to implement these initiatives would cost the Swiss government some SFr720 million per year.

http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=105&sid=1285142

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