Current Votes in Switzerland and International Tensions
The Swiss Parliament is currently dealing with an important financial question: How should the 13th AHV pension be paid for? Two years ago, the people voted in favor of this additional pension. It is scheduled to be paid out for the first time at the end of the year, but the financing has not yet been finalized in Parliament.
At the same time, new polls show a trend regarding the "No 10-million Switzerland" initiative. While many people were in favor at the beginning, according to current data, 52 percent of those surveyed would now vote "No." Women and young people in particular have changed their minds. Nevertheless, SVP President Marcel Dettling remains optimistic, while other parties such as the SP and the Center expect a victory for the opponents.
There are also new developments regarding the Civil Service Act. A second SRG survey shows that the lead of the supporters has narrowed. There is now a head-to-head race, a so-called deadlock. Although many people find the arguments for the change in law convincing, criticism has increased in recent weeks.
Internationally, there is worrying news from the Middle East. According to its own reports, the US military has repelled a major attack from Iran in the Gulf region. There were missile and drone alerts in Kuwait and Bahrain. The USA responded with an attack on Qeshm Island, which they described as self-defense.
In the Swiss economy, the mood is currently depressed. A study shows that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are more pessimistic about the future than they have been in a long time. The main reason for this is the uncertain situation worldwide, which is making many companies cautious.
In Russia, civic courage prevented a tragedy. In the city of Tyumen, a man tried to kidnap a five-year-old girl. A brave boy and a neighbor reacted immediately and were able to free the child from the kidnapper's hands. The perpetrator was stopped before anything worse could happen.
Finally, there are some interesting facts about Sweden, a country that is often confused with Switzerland. In Sweden, for example, it is common to address each other informally instead of using formal address. There is also impressive art in the subway tunnels. These traditions and innovations make the northern country unique.