No majority expected for biodiversity initiative and BVG reform
Published: Tuesday, Sep 10th 2024, 19:10
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A good two weeks before the federal referendum on September 22, neither the BVG reform nor the biodiversity initiative have a majority, according to a survey conducted by Tamedia and "20 Minuten". While the "yes" vote for the reform rose slightly, the initiative lost support.
According to surveys published on Tuesday by the Leewas Institute, 59 percent of respondents said no to the reform of the occupational pension scheme (BVG) on September 4 and 5. This figure has remained stable compared to the first survey, which was conducted in mid-August. In contrast, the "yes" share rose by four percentage points to 37%.
The reform is intended to stabilize the second pillar and help people with low incomes to receive a higher pension.
Only FDP and GLP base in favor of the reform
The reform is only supported by the majority of the FDP and GLP base. The center is split, the base of the SVP clearly rejects the proposal and there is a very high level of rejection among SP and Green voters. Compared to the first survey, the party-political differences in voting behavior have widened.
The reform is particularly rejected by people with lower incomes. Only in the population group with a household income of more than CHF 16,000 is a majority in favor of the reform.
The fact that the BVG reform would provide better insurance for part-time and multiple employees was the predominant argument for those in favor. Women and people with lower incomes in particular would benefit. But it is precisely these population groups that are more opposed, notes Leewas.
Opponents of the bill argue that the reform would increase mandatory salary deductions in some cases, while the reduction in the minimum conversion rate would lead to pension cuts for some insured persons.
Support for initiative wanes
According to the survey results, approval for the biodiversity initiative stood at 42%, which represents a drop of nine percentage points compared to the first survey. In the same period, the "no" vote rose by 14 percentage points to 56%. It is common for approval ratings for initiatives to fall over time, the report continued.
The proposal is strongly supported by the left-green electorate, but is also very clearly rejected by the center, SVP and FDP. Men and people who live in the countryside in particular would reject the initiative.
Opponents are critical of the argument that more agricultural land would have to be reserved for biodiversity as a result of the proposal and that more food would therefore have to be imported from abroad. The proponents are particularly convinced by the argument that a third of animal and plant species are endangered or already extinct and that biodiversity prevents this extinction.
The initiative demands more money and more protected areas for biodiversity.
©Keystone/SDA
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