Swiss voters support renewable energy, reject health insurance subsidy cut, and reject mandatory vaccinations

Swiss voters have given the green light to a government plan aimed at boosting domestic renewable energy sources. The decision will pave the way for the construction of solar and wind power plants in the Swiss Alps and ensure that subsidies for renewable energy continue. Early results suggest that the proposal will be officially approved, following a challenge by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party through a referendum.

In addition to supporting renewable energy, voters also rejected a proposal by the Social Democrats to limit personal expenses for health insurance. This decision will help save the budget from potentially incurring a significant hit of up to $5 billion per year. Despite concerns about additional fiscal expenditure influencing voters’ decisions, polls leading up to the vote indicated that this proposal would be rejected.

A successful plebiscite earlier in the year to increase pensions has put pressure on the government to secure funding, with a potential increase in value-added tax being considered to cover the costs. Two other proposals on the ballot involved Covid-related initiatives – one to prevent mandatory vaccinations and another to reduce the number of health treatments covered by mandatory insurance. Both of these proposals were rejected by voters.