The first polls ahead of a series of votes next month have been published – and it looks set the campaign to end intensive farming in Switzerland will pass – thanks to broad support in urban areas.
The Tamedia survey shows 55% will vote to end the practice – with only 2% undecided, which is very low at this stage of the campaign.
Some argue a new law is unnecessary as Switzerland already has some if the strictest animal welfare laws in the world.
Even so, a spokeswoman for the Swiss Farmers Union, which opposes the initiative – says polls often show support at the start of the campaign – but then can fade away.
Voters are clearly uncertain about the issue of withholding tax. It’s a complicated issue which is reflected by the numbers showing 20% still don’t know which way they’ll vote.
The government wants to abolish the tax as it says it will help Switzerland’s attractiveness to international investors – but left-wing parties are heavily opposed.
Other issues on the ballot next month relate to pensions – a rise of VAT to finance the system and a change in the retirement age of women.
Speed limit decrease in parts of Lausanne
Population increase forecast for Vaud
UBS share price increases
Warmer than average end to the month
New CERN collider still under consideration
Citizenship remains one of the hardest on continent
