Important News: No Wage Contributions for 13th AHV and EU Debate
The National Council has voted against higher wage deductions to finance the 13th AHV pension. Additionally, a new study warns of a loss of power for Parliament due to the planned EU agreement. Meanwhile, a heatwave is causing concern for agriculture, and dangerous rocks were blasted in Valais.
The National Council, the lower house of the Swiss Parliament, has decided that the additional 13th AHV pension should not be financed through higher wage contributions. The AHV is Switzerland's state old-age pension scheme. Although the Social Democratic Party (SP) would have preferred wage contributions, it is now showing readiness for a compromise. This leaves it open for now how exactly the costs for the pension increase will be covered without increasing monthly wage deductions for employees.
A study by the Centre for Democracy Aarau warns that Switzerland could lose its say through a new agreement with the European Union (EU). According to the study, Parliament and the electorate would have less influence over new laws that would have to be adopted through the treaties. The Swiss People's Party (SVP) sees this as a major threat to direct democracy, while parties in Parliament are debating protective measures to secure Swiss influence.
In Kalpetran in the canton of Valais, two large boulders were blasted in a controlled manner on Wednesday. The rocks had previously been moving increasingly and posed a danger to the village. The blasting was successful and prevented uncontrolled rockfalls, contributing to the safety of the residents.
Switzerland is currently experiencing an early heatwave, during which historical temperature records for June could even be broken. The heat is leading to severe drought, which is particularly problematic for agriculture as plants receive too little water.
More and more people in Switzerland are remaining childless. A new study shows that today 17% of the population voluntarily forgo having children – about 15 years ago, it was only 6%. In addition to financial issues, the desire for personal freedom is cited as the main reason.
Visit the news section in the app for further details and reports. There, you can learn more about the new declarations of intent between the USA and Iran, as well as why the Swiss continue to spend a lot of money on their holiday trips despite crises.