No on the horizon for BVG revision and biodiversity initiative
Published: Wednesday, Sep 11th 2024, 06:10
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Both the BVG reform and the biodiversity initiative could be rejected by the electorate. Two surveys conducted in the past few weeks show that the population rejects them. The Swiss will decide at the ballot box on September 22.
51% of respondents rejected the reform of the occupational pension scheme (BVG) at the end of August, according to a survey commissioned by SRG and conducted by the JRC Bern research institute on Wednesday. 42 percent were in favor of the reform.
The situation has changed compared to the first SRG vote, which was held at the beginning of August. At that time, only 39% of respondents were against the reform and 49% were in favor. This development is an exceptional case for a government bill. According to the survey results, the picture corresponds to a clear "no" trend.
The supporters of the Greens and the SP as well as people who are suspicious of the government are clearly against the bill. SVP voters are divided on this issue, while FDP, centrist and GLP voters support the reform. It was also reported that women were more opposed to the reform than men.
The opposing argument that the reform is a "scam" because employees would pay higher contributions and then receive less pension later on would dominate opinion. The supporters' argument that the reform would improve the situation of part-time workers, especially women, is only partially convincing.
Alignment with survey by Tamedia and "20 Minuten"
A survey published on Tuesday and conducted by Tamedia and "20 Minuten" at the beginning of September showed a "no" vote of 59 percent for the same proposal. The two surveys are therefore converging.
At the beginning of August, polls conducted by the two media groups showed very different results. While the Tamedia/20 Minuten survey showed a 59% "no" vote at the time, only 39% of respondents to the SRG survey were against the reform.
Yes share dwindles for biodiversity initiative
According to the results of the second SRG survey, 46% of respondents were in favor of the biodiversity initiative. The initiative is losing support over time, as 51% of respondents in the first SRG survey still stated that they would support the proposal.
In the same period, the No vote rose from 43% to 51%. According to the documents, the proposal would primarily divide along political lines. A clear "no" trend had set in among the FDP and SVP. The majority of centrist supporters remained stable in their rejection of the proposal.
Supporters of the SP and the Greens would back the proposal. Those not affiliated with a political party would also support the initiative with an approval rating of 51%.
Men and people in rural areas, on the other hand, are
The Tamedia/20 Minuten survey came up with similar figures, with 56% against and 42% in favor. Both surveys showed that men and people living in rural areas in particular would reject the initiative.
According to the SRG survey, a majority of participants saw agriculture under pressure if the protected areas were expanded. The Yes side continued to receive broad support when arguing for environmental protection in general.
According to JRC Bern, 13,979 voters were surveyed between August 26 and September 4 for the second SRG poll. The statistical margin of error is +/-2.8 percentage points.
©Keystone/SDA
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