- This Sunday the initiative for a 13th AHV pension will be voted on.
- According to the first SRG trend calculation, it appears that the proposal will be yes.
The popular initiative for a 13th AHV pension requires a “thirteenth” for the AHV pension, as many working people know it. Specifically, all retirees should be entitled to a supplement amounting to one twelfth of their annual pension; This would therefore be increased by 8.3 percent.
The initiative also demands that the supplementary benefits (EL) are not affected even if the 13th AHV pension is introduced. It does not provide any guidelines for financing the 13th AHV pension.
“Dwindling purchasing power” versus “watering can principle”
The popular initiative was launched by the Swiss Trade Unions (SGB). The proponents argue primarily with dwindling purchasing power and rising rents. Since 2021, inflation and health insurance premiums have consumed an AHV monthly pension.
The opposition calls a 13th AHV pension based on the watering can principle anti-social and expensive. The opponents do not deny that there are needy pensioners who have to get by on little money. However, she and Social Affairs Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider advocate targeted support for pensioners with low incomes.
Controversial cost issue
The federal government assumes costs of 4.1 billion francs for the introduction of a thirteenth in 2026. Five years later it would be 5 billion francs – due to the increasing number of pensioners. In the opinion of the initiators, the AHV currently has enough financial cushion to cover the additional expenses. Only from around 2030 would wage contributions from employers and employees each have to be increased by 0.4 percentage points.
Opponents are of the opinion that wage contributions and/or VAT would have to be increased immediately after a yes vote in order not to endanger the AHV. We are talking about 0.7 percentage points higher wage contributions and an increase in VAT by one percentage point to 9.1 percent.
Hurdle stands more
However, the majority of estates could become a decisive hurdle for the popular initiative.
It is therefore entirely possible that the proposal will reach popular support – but will ultimately fail due to the veto of the cantons.