A clear signal for Switzerland’s industrial base: voters have decisively rejected the Juso initiative. Swissmem views this unequivocal result as a strong mandate to continue working vigorously to improve economic conditions in Switzerland. Citizens value an innovative, reliable and future-oriented tech industry. Today’s result also sends out a clear message to politicians to safeguard Switzerland as a business location and strengthen the framework conditions for companies.
Dangerous domino effect prevented
According to analyses conducted by the federal government and Swissmem, the proposed extreme inheritance tax would have triggered a domino effect: company sales, capital outflows and a severe weakening not only of family businesses, but of the entire Swiss economy. The Swissmem survey of its member companies had already revealed in advance that many of the companies affected would not have been able to continue in their current form if the initiative had been passed. It is hardly surprising that voters did not want to take this risk. The fact that such a clear majority stands behind family businesses, economic prosperity and property rights is also an unmistakable signal to politicians.
Swissmem President Martin Hirzel says:
“The resounding rejection of the Juso initiative is a vote of confidence in the Swiss economy. The electorate supports family businesses and our SME landscape. Swiss citizens are making it clear that prosperity, climate protection and innovation are only possible with strong companies.”
No to Service Citoyen: a decision for national security
The Service Citoyen initiative has also been rejected. A mandatory civic service would have weakened the armed forces and thus compromised Switzerland’s security. Moreover, it would have placed heavy burdens on associations, businesses and education, while creating additional bureaucracy and keeping hundreds of thousands of young people away from the labour market during a shortage of skilled workers. The failure of the initiative to pass means that voluntary work in fire brigades as well as sports and cultural associations will be maintained and compulsory service in the armed forces will not be diluted. This decision also strengthens Switzerland as an industrial base.
For further information please contact:
Noé Blancpain, Member of Management and Head of Communications & Public Affairs
Tel. +41 44 384 48 65 / mobile +41 78 748 61 63
E-mail n.blancpainnoSpam@swissmem.ch
Philippe Cordonier, Member of Management and Head of Swissmem Romandie
Tel. +41 44 384 42 30 / mobile +41 79 644 46 77
E-mail p.cordoniernoSpam@swissmem.ch