Politics · Switzerland · 5 hrs ago
Swiss voters narrowly oppose VAT rise to fund 13th pension payment
A first poll found 49% of Swiss voters opposed a VAT increase to help pay for the 13th state pension payment, while 46% supported it and 5% were undecided.
Switzerland voted in 2024 to give pensioners an extra annual payment, and the current vote is about how to fund it.
The government and parliament propose raising value-added tax by 0.4 percentage points; some everyday goods, including food and medicines, would not face the increase.
The change needs constitutional approval, so voters will decide on November 29, 2026.
If approved, the higher tax could take effect no earlier than 2028, with payments in 2026 and 2027 covered by the pension fund.
The poll found older voters more supportive and younger voters more opposed, while views also differed by party preference.
The campaign is still taking shape, and the poll’s margin of error means the result is effectively tied.
A Swiss poll found slightly more voters opposed than supported a proposed VAT rise to help fund the 13th state pension payment.
The SRG survey found 49% opposed the increase, 46% supported it and 5% were undecided.
The proposal calls for a 0.4-percentage-point VAT increase, subject to a national vote on 29 November 2026.
The Swiss electorate approved the 13th pension payment in March 2024, and the current vote concerns how to finance it.
The poll found support varied by age and party preference, while opposition arguments drew broader backing.
- Who
- Swiss eligible voters. The poll was conducted by GFS Bern for SRG.
- What
- Voters narrowly opposed a proposed 0.4-percentage-point VAT rise to help fund the 13th state pension payment.
- When
- The poll was a snapshot on 11 October 2026. The vote is scheduled for 29 November 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- The proposed VAT increase would help cover the cost of the 13th state pension payment.
Supporters of the VAT increase
Opponents of the VAT increase
Funding
Supporters of the VAT increase
Support the 0.4-percentage-point VAT rise to help finance the 13th pension payment.
Opponents of the VAT increase
Prefer structural reforms to close AHV funding gaps instead of additional taxes and charges.
Fairness
Supporters of the VAT increase
Some supporters say the increase would fairly involve all generations in funding the pension.
Opponents of the VAT increase
Opponents argue for reform rather than relying on a tax increase.
Swiss voters approved the initiative for a 13th AHV pension payment.
Parliament decided to fund part of the 13th pension payment through a 0.4-percentage-point VAT increase.
The poll snapshot found 49% opposed, 46% in favour and 5% undecided.
Swiss voters are due to vote on the proposed VAT increase.
- Opposed
- 49% of eligible voters
- In favour
- 46% of eligible voters
- Undecided
- 5% of eligible voters
- Proposed VAT rise
- 0.4 percentage points
- Scheduled vote
- 29 November 2026
- Initial annual cost
- More than CHF 4 billion
3 sources
What people are saying
Es ist ein deutlicher Alterskonflikt