As of: March 6, 2024, 7:06 p.m
By: Natascha Berger, Julia Hanigk
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While in Germany the pension increase is estimated at 3.5 percent, the Swiss are voting for a 13th month pension.
A model that could also trigger discussions in this country.
Geneva – The increasing cost of living is causing many seniors in Germany to dream of a higher pension.
In Switzerland, this wish has now come true through a referendum.
Almost 60 percent of the voting population said “yes” to the question of whether there should be a 13th pension payment per year for pensioners.
These voting results represent a significant defeat for the Swiss government.
Pension increase: Swiss vote for 13th month pension and constant retirement age
So far, left-wing popular initiatives aimed at expanding the welfare state have rarely been successful in Switzerland.
For example, the Swiss rejected a national minimum wage or an additional week of paid vacation in referendums.
The pension association “Avivo” therefore describes this success as a “historic day” for pensioners.
On Sunday, March 3rd, according to initial projections, 58 percent of Swiss people voted for a 13th AHV payment.
The AHV is the country's compulsory pension insurance, old-age and survivors' insurance.
The 13th payment should be the same amount as the other 12 monthly pensions and corresponds to an increase of 8.3 percent.
In Germany, however, a pension increase of around 3.5 percent is expected from July 2024.
Pension: Criticism from the Swiss Parliament – Where should the money come from?
The necessary majority of Switzerland's 26 cantons also voted for the plan, which is necessary for a successful popular initiative.
Other initiatives to expand state social benefits often failed at this hurdle.
The initiative of the Swiss Trade Union Confederation was carried out under the motto “For a better life in old age”.
Given rising rents, health insurance contributions and living costs, the current pension is no longer sufficient for most older people.
According to the
Tagesschau
, around 15 percent of pensioners in Switzerland live below the poverty line.
The 13th month pension met with criticism in Switzerland, especially in parliament and the government.
Most pensioners are not dependent on additional payments.
The plan would also cost Switzerland billions of francs.
Where the money will come from is still unclear.
The Swiss voted for more pensions.
© Andreas Haas/IMAGO
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Too little pension: Old-age poverty among pensioners in Germany is a serious problem
Poverty in old age is also a serious problem in Germany: according to estimates, 42 percent of all pensioners receive less than 1,250 euros net per month.
Women are the most affected.
The announced “Pension Package II”, which is intended to secure German pensions in the long term, is viewed by many experts as inadequate and not sustainable enough.
In international comparison, German pensions have been performing poorly for a long time.
In addition to the successful vote for a 13th pension payment, 75 percent of Swiss people also rejected a gradual increase in the retirement age from 65 to 66 years.
The initiative of the youth organization of the Liberal Party had little chance of success even before the actual referendum.
For comparison: In Germany, the retirement age will rise from 65 to 67 by 2031.
However, a further increase is currently not planned in Germany, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently assured.
(nbe/jh/dpa)
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