Politics · Switzerland · 3 hrs ago
Poll finds strong support for Swiss fireworks limits, opposition to AHV tax rise
A first poll ahead of Switzerland’s November 29 vote surveyed 11,239 people on four national proposals.
68% support restricting noisy fireworks, which would ban the sale and use of fireworks that make noise.
60% oppose raising VAT from 8.1% to 8.5% to help pay for the 13th state pension, while 36% support the increase.
The rules for Swiss weapons exports remain closely contested, with 47% against easing them and 44% in favour.
The proposed change would let 25 countries access Swiss-made weapons with few restrictions, including when they are at war.
Most respondents currently oppose the Fairness Initiative, which would keep married couples jointly taxed for federal income tax and guarantee they are not disadvantaged compared with unmarried couples.
The poll is an early snapshot of opinion; voters will decide on all four proposals on November 29.
A survey found that 68 percent of respondents support an initiative to restrict noisy fireworks across Switzerland.
The proposed 0.4-percentage-point increase in value-added tax to fund the 13th AHV pension was opposed by 60 percent, while 36 percent supported it.
The survey also found a close split over easing rules on exports of Swiss war material, with 47 percent opposed and 44 percent in favour.
The four national proposals are due to go to a vote on November 29.
The survey was conducted for 20 Minuten and Tamedia by LeeWas on October 8 and 9.
- Who
- Swiss voters surveyed by LeeWas for 20 Minuten and Tamedia.
- What
- The survey found strong support for limits on noisy fireworks and opposition to raising value-added tax to fund the 13th AHV pension.
- When
- The survey was conducted on October 8 and 9, 2026. The national vote is scheduled for November 29.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- The tax increase is proposed to cover the additional costs of the 13th AHV pension.
Supporters of the VAT increase
Opponents of the VAT increase
Public finances
Supporters of the VAT increase
Supporters say the increase is needed to finance the 13th AHV pension.
Opponents of the VAT increase
Opponents reject the proposed increase; 60 percent of respondents said they were against it.
Who pays
Supporters of the VAT increase
SP co-leader Samira Marti says everyone, including tourists and companies, contributes to the costs.
Opponents of the VAT increase
FDP co-president Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher opposes making citizens pay more.
LeeWas conducted the survey for 20 Minuten and Tamedia.
The survey results were published.
Switzerland is scheduled to vote on four national proposals.
- Fireworks initiative support
- 68 percent
- VAT increase opposition
- 60 percent
- VAT increase support
- 36 percent
- War-material law change opposed
- 47 percent
- War-material law change supported
- 44 percent
- Survey responses
- 11,239 modeled responses
3 sources
What people are saying
This survey result is a wake-up call
All pay, whether retired or not. Foreign tourists and companies also contribute to the costs.
It is so important that the centre-left cannot keep reaching further into citizens' pockets!
I am convinced that a majority will realise that we need a defence industry to protect the country.