On March 3rd, the people and the cantons will decide on two popular initiatives for pension provision. On the one hand they have to decide on the introduction of a 13th AHV pension and on the other hand on the pension initiative.
A “thirteenth” for all pensioners
The Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB) is behind the initiative “For a better life in old age (initiative for a 13th AHV pension)”. This requires a 13th month pension for AHV pensioners.
The pro-committee justifies the demand with rising living costs and speaks of a pension increase that is favorable for employees. Since 2021, inflation and health insurance premiums have eaten up monthly pensions, advocates argue.
Opponents argue that a yes to the initiative would result in additional expenditure for the AHV of around five billion francs in 2032. Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter is convinced that a 13th AHV pension can only be financed with an increase in VAT or higher wage contributions.
Gradual increase in the AHV age
Also on the ballot is the Young Liberals’ popular initiative “For secure and sustainable retirement provision (pension initiative)”. This is intended to link the retirement age to the average life expectancy. In a first step, it would be increased to 66 years. After that, the retirement age should increase by 0.8 months for every month of additional life expectancy.
The initiative committee sees the financing and long-term security of the AHV at risk. Without reform of the AHV, pension provision would face bankruptcy. And because the adjustment would make more skilled workers available to the Swiss labor market, the initiative could also slow down immigration, advocates argue.
According to the no committee, the initiative is not suitable for reforming pension provision. An automatism anchored in the constitution that links pensions and life expectancy is too rigid. Other factors such as the labor market or people’s health would also have to be taken into account.
The referendum next March will be the first in which new transparency requirements will apply. For the first time, political actors must disclose campaign budgets of 50,000 francs or more and the names of senders of donations of 15,000 francs or more.