Ticino votes on a controversial tax law
Published: Wednesday, Apr 17th 2024, 09:40
Volver a Live Feed
On June 9, Ticino will vote on two amendments to the law and the acquisition of a building for the cantonal judiciary. The vote on the amendment to the tax law in particular is likely to be exciting. Among other things, this provides for tax relief for the highest income brackets.
A controversial aspect of the new tax law is the planned reduction in the maximum income tax rate. The aim is to reduce the income tax burden and move up 5 places in the intercantonal tax competition. In addition, inheritance and gift tax and the taxation of capital withdrawals from pension schemes will also be adjusted.
Under the controversial measure, the top tax rate is to be reduced in six stages by 0.5% per year until 2030 - from 15% to 12%. This will reduce the tax burden on high income brackets. Among other things, this should make the canton more attractive for top managers.
The austerity cuts announced at almost the same time as the debate on tax reform caused great anger among left-wing parties and trade unions. The tenor was that the rich were being given while social benefits were being cut.
Together with the "Stop ai Tagli" committee, the SP, Greens and other left-wing parties launched a referendum against the tax law amendment.
Compensation for pension cuts
The second bill concerns an amendment to the law on the pension fund of the Canton of Ticino. This concerns compensation measures to cushion the planned pension cuts for cantonal employees. Among other things, these provide for an increase in retirement capital, which will be financed by employers and employees.
The Ticino cantonal parliament approved the compensation measures last fall with a clear majority. Parliament also voted in favor of the mandatory financial referendum by 31 votes.
The people of Ticino approved the mandatory financial referendum in the fall of 2021. Since then, all expenditure of over CHF 30 million has been subject to a mandatory financial referendum. However, a vote at the ballot box requires the approval of at least one third of the parliament present or 25 members of parliament.
The third proposal concerns the purchase of a former Banca del Gottardo building in Lugano and a loan for the logistical adaptation of the building. The building is to be converted into a cantonal courthouse.
©Keystone/SDA
Spanish 
English 
German 
French 
Arabic