Support for pension reforms soften

Support for a 13th month pension payment seems to be collapsing.

When the initiative was launched, there was strong backing - but that’s now weakening according to a new poll by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. 

While still ahead at 53% - that’s a drop of 8% since January. 

It’s a common trend that support for initiatives weaken as the voting day gets closer. Pollsters say it’s too close to call. Especially as it’s a vote which needs a double majority – most of the people and most of the cantons. There are five cantons in which the outcome is uncertain. 

Unsurprisingly, there’s a strong generational divide. Many pensioners remain in favour, but even those are realising it’s the young who will bear the burden of paying for it. 

The polls also show it’s unlikely the other pension vote will pass. Raising the retirement age to 66 – and then the age being linked to average live expectancy afterwards. 62% of the people – and the government – are against it. 

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