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.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-to-10-in-russian-drone-attack-on-ukraines-odesa-zelensky-calls-for-western-air-defence-696164">Death toll rises to 10 in Russian drone attack on Ukraine's Odesa; Zelensky calls for Western air defence</a>

“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

French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017.&nbsp;The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties. WION examines what is&nbsp;at risk for the president, the unions, and the nation as a whole as labour unions attempt to "put the country to a standstill."

<h2>Macron's pension reform: What is the plan?</h2>

In order to put France more in line with its European Union&nbsp;(EU) neighbours, most of which have raised the retirement age to 65 or higher, Macron's flagship plan would raise the minimum retirement age from its present level of 62 to 64, as reported by the Associated Press.&nbsp;

The measure also tightens the criteria for receiving a full pension and limits perks enjoyed by some public-sector workers, including those working for the Paris Metro.

The administration now emphasises that it is more about savings after stating previously&nbsp;that it was meant to make the system fairer.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media.

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🇫🇷 Gigantic demonstration in Marseille against the pension reform. <a href="https://t.co/tpmUsml9RM">pic.twitter.com/tpmUsml9RM</a>
— 𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙰𝙶𝙰𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚅𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙽𝙴 (@72powpow) <a href="https://twitter.com/72powpow/status/1633069703924183041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"The status quo in the next 10 years means 150 billion euros [$160 billion] of accumulated deficits and a fall in the quality of life of pensioners," Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said at the weekend.&nbsp;

The revisions, which would also result in minor hikes for the lowest pensions, are expected to take effect in September 2023.&nbsp;

<h2>Who are against pension reforms?</h2>

The trade unions in France have planned five different protest days so far, but on Tuesday (March 7), they'll pick up the pace, and the possibility of rolling strikes could have serious consequences in the days to come, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

Their major issue is that, in comparison to university graduates, unskilled people who frequently toil in physically taxing jobs and start their careers early are being&nbsp;penalised by the reforms.

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df314e76-3141-471d-93ba-72310130465f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20%2838%29.png" />

A cyclist passes by a banner that reads, ' Retirement at... raise fist strike, blockage, Macron get out' during protests in Montpellier, southern France on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP

They also dispute the government's claim that the pay-as-you-go pension system faces impending deficits, arguing that modest increases in contributions may prevent this from happening.

The unions have the support of both the Socialists and Greens as well as the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) political party, which wants to cut the retirement age to 60.

In addition to opposing the reform, Marine Le Pen's far-right party is also troubled by proposals to impose rolling strikes in France.

A host of left-wing scholars have also voiced disapproval, particularly famous economist Thomas Piketty, who views Macron as strengthening his reputation as "the president of the rich," as per AFP reports.&nbsp;

<h2>How do the strikes affect Macron?</h2>

During his first term, Macron attempted to advance pension reform but was unsuccessful. In April, during his re-election campaign, Macron brought up the subject once more.

Running on a similar pro-business platform, he beat Le Pen by promising to reduce unemployment and force the French to "work harder" in order to pay for the nation's social security system.

Political experts disagree, though, and Macron himself conceded in his victory speech that many people had supported him just to protect Le Pen from winning the presidency.

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="292fbbc5-958d-4eef-ae4c-d61a17ef664a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20%2839%29.png" />

CGT unionists take part in a demonstration on the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) in Marseille on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP

The 45-year-old has moved forward despite concerns from allies about the timing of the change so soon after the COVID-19 outbreak and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

"For Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron, pulling back would be an abdication," senior right-wing senator Bruno Retailleau, who supports the reform, told AFP.&nbsp;"If he pulled back, he couldn't reform anymore, his term would be over," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Are these protests common in France?&nbsp;</h2>

Since reforms occur in France without opposition, the administration is&nbsp;bracing itself for a rough road since the onset of the protests.&nbsp;

The labour movement's accomplishments over the past century are viewed by left-wingers as being under attack whenever there is an attempt to limit workers' rights, whether it be through reduced working hours, generous pensions, or protected employment contracts.

The 2010 demonstrations, when right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy increased the retirement age from 60 to 62, may end up being eclipsed by the current ones.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media.

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🤬🇫🇷 Police throw TEAR GAS at protesters as they block highways and trucks all across France, just the beginning of full-scale demonstrations in country expected today, March 7, over government’s pension reform. <a href="https://t.co/4MYdxZLzNq">pic.twitter.com/4MYdxZLzNq</a>
— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xx17965797N/status/1633046148788150274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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They surpass those of 1995, when the government was compelled to do the infamous U-turn on pensions, and are also larger.

The emergence of working from home and modern technologies has lessened interruptions, so the impact of Tuesday's stoppages is different.

<h2>What to expect next?</h2>

The government's plan is simple: push the law through parliament as quickly as possible and win approval by the middle of this month, or at the latest by March 26, as examined by AFP.

Macron's centrist party does not currently hold a majority in the National Assembly, but it should be able to rely on support from the right-wing Republican party to gain the required majorities in both houses.

(With inputs from agencies)

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French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017. The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties.

French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017. The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties. WION examines what is at risk for the president, the unions, and the nation as a whole as labour unions attempt to "put the country to a standstill." Macron's pension reform: What is the plan? In order to put France more in line with its European Union (EU) neighbours, most of which have raised the retirement age to 65 or higher, Macron's flagship plan would raise the minimum retirement age from its present level of 62 to 64, as reported by the Associated Press. The measure also tightens the criteria for receiving a full pension and limits perks enjoyed by some public-sector workers, including those working for the Paris Metro. The administration now emphasises that it is more about savings after stating previously that it was meant to make the system fairer. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media. 🇫🇷 Gigantic demonstration in Marseille against the pension reform. pic.twitter.com/tpmUsml9RM — 𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙰𝙶𝙰𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚅𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙽𝙴 (@72powpow) March 7, 2023 × "The status quo in the next 10 years means 150 billion euros [$160 billion] of accumulated deficits and a fall in the quality of life of pensioners," Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said at the weekend. The revisions, which would also result in minor hikes for the lowest pensions, are expected to take effect in September 2023. Who are against pension reforms? The trade unions in France have planned five different protest days so far, but on Tuesday (March 7), they'll pick up the pace, and the possibility of rolling strikes could have serious consequences in the days to come, as reported by AFP. Their major issue is that, in comparison to university graduates, unskilled people who frequently toil in physically taxing jobs and start their careers early are being penalised by the reforms. A cyclist passes by a banner that reads, ' Retirement at... raise fist strike, blockage, Macron get out' during protests in Montpellier, southern France on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP They also dispute the government's claim that the pay-as-you-go pension system faces impending deficits, arguing that modest increases in contributions may prevent this from happening. The unions have the support of both the Socialists and Greens as well as the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) political party, which wants to cut the retirement age to 60. In addition to opposing the reform, Marine Le Pen's far-right party is also troubled by proposals to impose rolling strikes in France. A host of left-wing scholars have also voiced disapproval, particularly famous economist Thomas Piketty, who views Macron as strengthening his reputation as "the president of the rich," as per AFP reports. How do the strikes affect Macron? During his first term, Macron attempted to advance pension reform but was unsuccessful. In April, during his re-election campaign, Macron brought up the subject once more. Running on a similar pro-business platform, he beat Le Pen by promising to reduce unemployment and force the French to "work harder" in order to pay for the nation's social security system. Political experts disagree, though, and Macron himself conceded in his victory speech that many people had supported him just to protect Le Pen from winning the presidency. CGT unionists take part in a demonstration on the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) in Marseille on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP The 45-year-old has moved forward despite concerns from allies about the timing of the change so soon after the COVID-19 outbreak and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. "For Emmanuel Macron, pulling back would be an abdication," senior right-wing senator Bruno Retailleau, who supports the reform, told AFP. "If he pulled back, he couldn't reform anymore, his term would be over," he added. Are these protests common in France? Since reforms occur in France without opposition, the administration is bracing itself for a rough road since the onset of the protests. The labour movement's accomplishments over the past century are viewed by left-wingers as being under attack whenever there is an attempt to limit workers' rights, whether it be through reduced working hours, generous pensions, or protected employment contracts. The 2010 demonstrations, when right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy increased the retirement age from 60 to 62, may end up being eclipsed by the current ones. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media. 🤬🇫🇷 Police throw TEAR GAS at protesters as they block highways and trucks all across France, just the beginning of full-scale demonstrations in country expected today, March 7, over government’s pension reform. pic.twitter.com/4MYdxZLzNq — Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) March 7, 2023 × They surpass those of 1995, when the government was compelled to do the infamous U-turn on pensions, and are also larger. The emergence of working from home and modern technologies has lessened interruptions, so the impact of Tuesday's stoppages is different. What to expect next? The government's plan is simple: push the law through parliament as quickly as possible and win approval by the middle of this month, or at the latest by March 26, as examined by AFP. Macron's centrist party does not currently hold a majority in the National Assembly, but it should be able to rely on support from the right-wing Republican party to gain the required majorities in both houses. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: It is Macron vs. labour unions, what could be the implications of these strikes for France?

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

Explained: It is Macron vs. labour unions, what could be the implications of these strikes for France?

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