Mixed voting result for Geneva leaders

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In Geneva, voters have given a very clear go ahead to keep the building of a new thermal heating network in public ownership.

The idea is to bring renewable energy to more homes and businesses in the canton. Supporters say the only way to make sure the project stays on track is to have it as a state monopoly. 

Voters agreed with the government and backed the plan by over 79%. 

The cantonal minister, Antonio Hodgers, is pleasantly surprised. He says he expected to win the vote - but not by such a clear margin.

But it wasn’t such good news for the cantonal government on the other issue of subsidized housing. Right wing parties want to increase the time someone has to live in the canton by two years before they’re eligible for state funded homes. 

By a very narrow margin, less than 1,500 votes or 50.6%, voters agreed to the extension. 

Hodgers says the new rules will only cost the canton more as it will have to house people in temporary accommodation for longer.

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