Swiss voters, on Sunday (Mar 2) overwhelmingly backed a “historic” proposal to increase pension payments for the elderly as the country’s ageing population was faced with a rise in the cost of living. Meanwhile, the proposal to raise the statutory retirement age was comfortably defeated.

The call for adding a 13th monthly pension payment each year was made by the trade unions and backed by around 58 per cent of voters with less than 42 per cent of people voting against it.

<h2>Swiss voters support pension increase</h2>

The final polls had shown that the proposal may garner enough votes to pass, but the results show a more emphatic victory than suggested.&nbsp;

However, the separate vote to raise Switzerland’s retirement age to 66 from 65 was rejected by around three-quarters of voters. The AVIVO pensioners’ association hailed the pension increase as “a historic victory”.&nbsp;

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The proposal ‘Better living in retirement’ promoted by the Swiss Trade Union Federation and left-of-centre parties, also required the backing of a majority of Switzerland’s 26 cantons to pass. Notably, the proposal was strongly opposed by cantons with lower taxes.&nbsp;

According to the results, 10 cantons rejected the move while support in six cantons was above 70 per cent and more than 82 per cent in the western Jura region.&nbsp;

“I’m retired now and so obviously I would like a bit more,” Mery, a 65-year-old Zurich voter told Reuters, saying that increased pension payments made sense. “It should allow me to give a little something to my grandchildren.”

The Sunday vote marks the first time that Swiss voters have accepted a popular proposal to alter the country’s social security system, reported ATS-Keystone news agency.

The vote also marked the first victory of Swiss trade unions in pushing through an initiative under the country’s direct democratic system.

<h2>Why were people opposing this measure?</h2>

The government, which currently leans to the right, had called the proposal financially unsound and warned that the pension increase would cost more than $4.5 billion (four billion Swiss francs) per year, which would require tax increases and threaten the financial stability of the social security system.

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“If the initiative passes, a lot of retirees will receive a 13th social security payment even though they don’t really need it,” the government had said ahead of the vote.&nbsp;

Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest conurbation, is reportedly among the world’s most expensive cities. It was not immediately clear how the pension boost, which may take effect from 2026, will be funded.

Currently, Switzerland’s minimum old age and survivors (AHV) pension is $1,393 per month and the maximum is around $2,771. Meanwhile, for couples, it is $4,156. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Swiss voters, on Sunday (Mar 2) overwhelmingly backed a “historic” proposal to increase pension payments for the elderly as the country’s ageing population was faced with a rise in the cost of living.

Swiss voters, on Sunday (Mar 2) overwhelmingly backed a “historic” proposal to increase pension payments for the elderly as the country’s ageing population was faced with a rise in the cost of living. Meanwhile, the proposal to raise the statutory retirement age was comfortably defeated. The call for adding a 13th monthly pension payment each year was made by the trade unions and backed by around 58 per cent of voters with less than 42 per cent of people voting against it. Swiss voters support pension increase The final polls had shown that the proposal may garner enough votes to pass, but the results show a more emphatic victory than suggested. However, the separate vote to raise Switzerland’s retirement age to 66 from 65 was rejected by around three-quarters of voters. The AVIVO pensioners’ association hailed the pension increase as “a historic victory”. Also Read | Israel-Gaza war: Israel 'boycotts' Cairo talks with Hamas over unknown fate of hostages The proposal ‘Better living in retirement’ promoted by the Swiss Trade Union Federation and left-of-centre parties, also required the backing of a majority of Switzerland’s 26 cantons to pass. Notably, the proposal was strongly opposed by cantons with lower taxes. According to the results, 10 cantons rejected the move while support in six cantons was above 70 per cent and more than 82 per cent in the western Jura region. “I’m retired now and so obviously I would like a bit more,” Mery, a 65-year-old Zurich voter told Reuters, saying that increased pension payments made sense. “It should allow me to give a little something to my grandchildren.” The Sunday vote marks the first time that Swiss voters have accepted a popular proposal to alter the country’s social security system, reported ATS-Keystone news agency. The vote also marked the first victory of Swiss trade unions in pushing through an initiative under the country’s direct democratic system. Why were people opposing this measure? The government, which currently leans to the right, had called the proposal financially unsound and warned that the pension increase would cost more than $4.5 billion (four billion Swiss francs) per year, which would require tax increases and threaten the financial stability of the social security system. Also Read | Death toll rises to 10 in Russian drone attack on Ukraine's Odesa; Zelensky calls for Western air defence “If the initiative passes, a lot of retirees will receive a 13th social security payment even though they don’t really need it,” the government had said ahead of the vote. Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest conurbation, is reportedly among the world’s most expensive cities. It was not immediately clear how the pension boost, which may take effect from 2026, will be funded. Currently, Switzerland’s minimum old age and survivors (AHV) pension is $1,393 per month and the maximum is around $2,771. Meanwhile, for couples, it is $4,156. (With inputs from agencies)

Swiss overwhelming vote in support of ‘historic’ pension increase

The French Senate on Thursday voted 201-115 to raise the retirement age by two years to 64 even as protests continued across the country. The Senate, dominated by the conservative Les Republicains party voted in favour of the motion, giving President Emmanuel Macron his first mini-victory in the ongoing saga.

The French Senate on Thursday voted 201-115 to raise the retirement age by two years to 64 even as protests continued across the country. The Senate, dominated by the conservative Les Republicains party voted in favour of the motion, giving President Emmanuel Macron his first mini-victory in the ongoing saga. Macron's government is facing a midnight Sunday deadline to finalise the legislation. The Senate on Thursday voted in favour of article 7 of the reform legislation while the remaining articles are expected be approved later this week. Afterwards, the proposal will be sent to a meditation committee comprising lawmakers from the Senate and the National Assembly. The passing of the bill comes a day after fuel deliveries from refineries across the country were blocked by striking workers. According to official figures, on the biggest day of demonstrations so far, 1.27 million people participated in the protest on January 31. Read more: France hit with new round of protests against pensions reform plan Why is the government extending the age limit? The government is of the view that extending the pension age will prevent the French service system from collapsing under the weight of deficits. Notably, the workers in France tend to retire much earlier than their European Union (EU) counterparts. The direct repercussion is that the French exchequer has to foot a bigger pension bill than most countries in the bloc. The French pensioners also receive 54.4 per cent of their last pay slip as pension on average. Comparatively, the average EU pension amount stands at 46.2 per cent. WATCH | WION Fineprint: French pension reforms face backlash In January, taking a stern approach, Macron said he will get the reform bill passed this year only. “This year will indeed be that of a pension reform that aims to guarantee the equilibrium of our system in the years and decades to come,” he had said in a televised address. Despite the resistance, the Macron government has remained steadfast that it will pass the legislation, having failed to do so on previous occasions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Mini-victory' for Macron as French Senate vote approves raising retirement age to 64

France is preparing for a "hellish&nbsp;Thursday", as officials say most trains will be cancelled, with flights also being&nbsp;affected and Paris' subway heavily disrupted, as part of a nationwide strike against a wildly unpopular pension reform plan.&nbsp;

The proposed reforms, which are currently being debated in parliament, would increase the minimum amount of contributions needed to get a full pension and raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.

According to opinion polls,&nbsp;&nbsp;a vast majority of French oppose the planned reform.

The Thursday strike will be the first time in 12 years that all unions in France have come together since the retirement age was raised from 60 to 62.

"It'll be a hellish Thursday," Transport Minister Clement Beaune told broadcaster France 2 on Tuesday, urging all those who could, to work from home.

The public transportation company in Paris, RATP, issued a warning that services will be curtailed due to the closure of three metro lines and the partial operation of ten others.

Only two automated lines will be used for services, but they may become crowded, it said.

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National railway operator SNCF reported that numerous high-speed trains will be out of service elsewhere in the nation, with only one in five continuing on some routes. Most slow intercity trains would be stopped too.&nbsp;

The education ministry has stated that up to 70 per cent&nbsp;of teachers in nursery and primary schools may also choose not to report for duty.

As per opinion polls, almost two-thirds of French citizens are against raising the retirement age. This is despite the fact that the country is still recovering from the Covid&nbsp;outbreak and that there is high inflation.

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The most prolonged strike on the Paris transportation system in thirty years followed President Emmanuel Macron's last effort at pension reform in 2019, which was abandoned a year later when Covid&nbsp;struck Europe.

The 45-year-old centrist made the problem the centrepiece&nbsp;of his successful re-election campaign the previous year, citing predictions that the system would have a significant shortfall by the end of the decade.

(With inputs from agencies)

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France is preparing for a "hellish Thursday", as officials say most trains will be cancelled, with flights also being affected and Paris' subway heavily disrupted, as part of a nationwide strike against a wildly unpopular pension reform plan.

France is preparing for a "hellish Thursday", as officials say most trains will be cancelled, with flights also being affected and Paris' subway heavily disrupted, as part of a nationwide strike against a wildly unpopular pension reform plan. The proposed reforms, which are currently being debated in parliament, would increase the minimum amount of contributions needed to get a full pension and raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. According to opinion polls, a vast majority of French oppose the planned reform. The Thursday strike will be the first time in 12 years that all unions in France have come together since the retirement age was raised from 60 to 62. "It'll be a hellish Thursday," Transport Minister Clement Beaune told broadcaster France 2 on Tuesday, urging all those who could, to work from home. The public transportation company in Paris, RATP, issued a warning that services will be curtailed due to the closure of three metro lines and the partial operation of ten others. Only two automated lines will be used for services, but they may become crowded, it said. Also read | In pics | France's Eiffel Tower lights up in solidarity with Iranians National railway operator SNCF reported that numerous high-speed trains will be out of service elsewhere in the nation, with only one in five continuing on some routes. Most slow intercity trains would be stopped too. The education ministry has stated that up to 70 per cent of teachers in nursery and primary schools may also choose not to report for duty. As per opinion polls, almost two-thirds of French citizens are against raising the retirement age. This is despite the fact that the country is still recovering from the Covid outbreak and that there is high inflation. Also read | Europe finds favour among the Chinese, US not so much: Survey The most prolonged strike on the Paris transportation system in thirty years followed President Emmanuel Macron's last effort at pension reform in 2019, which was abandoned a year later when Covid struck Europe. The 45-year-old centrist made the problem the centrepiece of his successful re-election campaign the previous year, citing predictions that the system would have a significant shortfall by the end of the decade. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France prepares for 'hellish Thursday' as nationwide pension strikes loom

French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;in&nbsp;his address&nbsp;on Saturday&nbsp;announced that the upcoming year will witness the much-delayed and widely unpopular overhaul of the country’s pension system. This comes after his initial proposal had led to widespread protests as the move would force&nbsp;people to work longer.&nbsp;

“This year will indeed be that of a pension reform that aims to guarantee the equilibrium of our system in the years and decades to come,” said Macron. He added, “We have to work more.”&nbsp;During the televised speech, the French president also said that the reform will be implemented by the end of summer, the details for which,&nbsp;will likely be revealed by January 10.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-government-seeks-to-end-unrest-by-resuming-pension-talks-272609">France: Government seeks to end unrest by resuming pension talks</a>

Notably, a key aspect of the proposed reform&nbsp;that has provoked outrage, is raising the minimum age to collect government benefits from 62 years to 65. Meanwhile, major worker groups and student groups have threatened to strike and protest. The French president who has always been in favour of raising the age of retirement has met with fierce criticism and resistance from unions in the past.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-march-against-pension-reform-macron-govt-temporarily-withdraws-pivotal-age-limit-273790">France: March against pension reform, Macron govt temporarily withdraws pivotal age limit</a>

In 2017, when he first came into power, fixing France’s complicated pension reform was one of the most important election promises Macron had made. However, the initial proposal was met with weeks of protests and transport strikes and was later put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reportedly, the French president’s idea of pension reform is widely unpopular with the public.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-vows-to-raise-retirement-age-to-65-up-from-62-528710">French president vows to raise retirement age to 65, up from 62</a>

During his address, Macron also urged people to conserve energy, as one of the ways that the country can avoid power cuts, as almost all European countries continue to face the fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis. Furthermore, France has also reportedly brought back nuclear reactors into service after breaks for maintenance to mitigate the power shortages&nbsp;and make it through the winter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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French President Emmanuel Macron in his address on Saturday announced that the upcoming year will witness the much-delayed and widely unpopular overhaul of the country’s pension system.

French President Emmanuel Macron in his address on Saturday announced that the upcoming year will witness the much-delayed and widely unpopular overhaul of the country’s pension system. This comes after his initial proposal had led to widespread protests as the move would force people to work longer. “This year will indeed be that of a pension reform that aims to guarantee the equilibrium of our system in the years and decades to come,” said Macron. He added, “We have to work more.” During the televised speech, the French president also said that the reform will be implemented by the end of summer, the details for which, will likely be revealed by January 10. ALSO READ | France: Government seeks to end unrest by resuming pension talks Notably, a key aspect of the proposed reform that has provoked outrage, is raising the minimum age to collect government benefits from 62 years to 65. Meanwhile, major worker groups and student groups have threatened to strike and protest. The French president who has always been in favour of raising the age of retirement has met with fierce criticism and resistance from unions in the past. ALSO WATCH | France: March against pension reform, Macron govt temporarily withdraws pivotal age limit In 2017, when he first came into power, fixing France’s complicated pension reform was one of the most important election promises Macron had made. However, the initial proposal was met with weeks of protests and transport strikes and was later put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reportedly, the French president’s idea of pension reform is widely unpopular with the public. ALSO READ | French president vows to raise retirement age to 65, up from 62 During his address, Macron also urged people to conserve energy, as one of the ways that the country can avoid power cuts, as almost all European countries continue to face the fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis. Furthermore, France has also reportedly brought back nuclear reactors into service after breaks for maintenance to mitigate the power shortages and make it through the winter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French President Macron says pension system reform will be implemented in 2023

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Swiss overwhelming vote in support of ‘historic’ pension increase

'Mini-victory' for Macron as French Senate vote approves raising retirement age to 64

France prepares for 'hellish Thursday' as nationwide pension strikes loom

French President Macron says pension system reform will be implemented in 2023