Wolf, Fighter Plane, Paternity Leave, or Immigration: You Should Know That About “Extraordinary Election Sunday” – Switzerland

(dk) Europe, military and migration: on these three issues, voters especially like to go to the polls. This is demonstrated by a look at the statistics for higher voter turnout. In this sense, the political super Sunday would have all the ingredients for a day full of emotion and very exciting.

After all, it is about future relations with Europe, the existence of the Air Force. But also familiar models and yes, the wolf. But the voting campaign is extremely tepid. The corona pandemic even overlaps with Super Sunday themes. Fateful day for Switzerland? Not because, even if Federal Councilwoman Karin Keller-Sutter likes to draw a Brexit analogy in relation to the Executive Vice President’s limitation initiative.

The moderate interest also shows a look at the postal votes received so far in three cities. In St. Gallen, ten days before Sunday’s vote, the turnout is currently 26.7 percent, in the city of Zurich 30.6 and in Basel 29.3. For comparison: in St. Gallen and Zurich there are signs of a lower turnout than in February 2016. These figures are lacking for Basel. At that time, similar issues were on the agenda with the execution initiative, the construction of the second tube on the Gotthard or the abolition of the penalty of marriage.

Tax deductions are hardly discussed

It is particularly surprising that the SVP’s limitation initiative, which challenges the bilateral track, does not lead to stronger debates. Année Politique Suisse from the University of Bern analyzes voting campaigns using newspaper advertisements and editorial reports in the media. The authors found that the number of announcements of the limitation initiative is comparatively low, given the importance that was assigned to the request in advance. The ads are well below the level that was published as part of the campaign for the mass immigration initiative.

Many more advertisements are placed in the print media about the hunting law, especially against it. Since 2013, there have been more announcements for just six templates. The political scientist Marc Bühlmann explains this by the fact that environmental associations only have one topic that is voted on every five or six years. Fighter jets and paternity leave are advertised below average, only nine ads have been placed on child deductions so far. The latter has not received little media coverage either. However, in terms of editorial content, the SVP initiative is the main topic of discussion.

Limitation initiative

(all) The limitation initiative aims to ensure that Switzerland can regulate the immigration of foreigners from the EU “independently”. On the one hand, the free movement of people will be abolished. On the other hand, Switzerland should not be allowed to enter into new obligations or contracts that give foreigners freedom of movement.

Defenders

The initiative is carried out and supported by the SVP and the Auns association. From his point of view, the bill should bring less immigration and thus avoid a “Switzerland of 10 million”. The Swiss landscape will be concreted, they warn. And in the labor market, the locals have more and more difficulties.

adversary

Business associations, unions and all major parties at the national level except SVP and EDU are against the initiative: With the end of free movement of people, the entire Bilateral package will disappear. This would mean that Switzerland would lose direct access to the EU internal market and incur serious competitive disadvantages.

Hunting law

(dow) The deal with the wolf is being rearranged. Provides two important changes: wolves in a pack can be hunted when there is only a threat of harm Powers are also being transferred from the Confederation to the cantons. You no longer need federal approval for a shooting, you just have to listen to it.

Defenders

All the bourgeois parties are in favor of the new hunting law, such as the Federal Council, the Farmers Association and the Hunting Switzerland. Proponents argue that due to growing conflicts with the wolf, more extensive instruments are needed to regulate it. Furthermore, the protection of species is generally reinforced for them.

adversary

First of all, environmental organizations like Pro Natura and WWF are fighting against the bill, and the Greens and SP are also against it. Opponents speak of a “shooting law.” They see a missed opportunity because the protection of certain species has not been improved. And they warn that beavers and lynxes could also be attacked.

Children’s prints

(dk) In the case of direct federal taxes, the deduction for third party care will be increased from CHF 10,100 to CHF 25,000 per child per year. The general child allowance will be increased from 6,500 to 10,000 francs. Cost: 300 million for the federal government, 80 million for the cantons. The general allocation increase alone costs 370 million.

Defenders

CVP is the mother of this proposal: it introduced an increase in the general child allowance. The party argues that this would ease the burden on the middle class and eliminate tax injustices for high-income parents. More than half of the families would benefit from the bill.

adversary

The SP has called the referendum and speaks of a “bite”: only the richest families would benefit. Only those who have a taxable income of 160,000 francs benefit greatly. A liberal committee on LPG also speaks of a charade because the balance between work and personal life does not increase.

Paternity leave

(cbe) The amendment to the Income Compensation Act aims to introduce two weeks of paid paternity leave. The annual costs of 230 million will be financed through the income compensation plan (EO). The EO contribution rate would increase from 0.45 to 0.5 percent. That corresponds to 50 cents for every 1,000 francs of salary.

Defenders

For the SP, the Greens, GLP, CVP and the unions, statutory paternity leave is part of contemporary family policy. It corresponds to a need, allows a more balanced division of tasks between mothers and fathers at an important stage and ensures that rivalries between SMEs and large companies are equally long.

adversary

Employers, trade associations, senior vice president and a small majority of the FDP delegates reject the proposal. Opponents point to additional salary deductions and increased costs. In addition, parents can take vacations or leave without pay when their child is born. A government solution is not necessary.

War planes

(lfh) A loan of a maximum of 6,000 million francs will be voted. Switzerland wants to buy 30 to 40 new fighter jets. They are to replace the 26 Tiger F5s and 30 F / A-18s currently in use starting in 2030. These have been flying since 1978 and 1996, respectively. 60 percent of the purchase price will go to Swiss companies through counter agreements.

Defenders

Submission is supported by the bourgeois parties and the center. They argue that the security situation on the fringes of Europe is becoming more precarious. Switzerland needs jet planes, also to prevent foreign parts from flying overhead. Furthermore, fighter jets are also essential for the daily air police service over Switzerland.

adversary

The fighter jets are too expensive for the Greens, the SP and the group for a Switzerland without an army. It also speaks of an unrealistic danger scenario. They also warn against buying a pig in a push, as it is unclear which type Switzerland is buying. The decision is very political, depending on the manufacturing country, other agencies threatened.