Swiss Voters Face Biodiversity and Pension Referendums

On September 22, 2024, Swiss voters will decide on a biodiversity initiative aimed at enhancing the protection of the country's declining ecosystems and a reform of the occupational pension system. The biodiversity proposal, backed by environmental groups, seeks to increase public funding for conservation efforts, but recent polls indicate waning support, with opposition from the federal government and rural voters who deem it too costly. Concurrently, the pension reform aims to address unsustainable annuity rates amid rising life expectancy and low interest rates, proposing a reduction in the conversion rate from 6.8% to 6%. While the government and parliament support this change, unions criticize it as detrimental to already low pensions. Polls suggest both proposals may face rejection, reflecting a divided electorate on these critical issues. Early voting results are anticipated shortly after polls close on Sunday.