The recent vote on the 13th AHV pension has sparked intense discussion, with both supporters and opponents feeling strongly about the issue. Despite the ongoing debate, the excitement around the vote comes not only from its immediate implications but also from the fact that the discussion over financing has only just begun.
Looking back at past voting campaigns, we can see a similar pattern in the AHV plus initiative from 2016. While the trade union federation called for an increase in pensions by ten percent, supporters of the 13th AHV pension were requesting an increase of just over eight percent. The arguments put forth by both sides were reminiscent of those made during that campaign, with concerns about financial viability on one side and calls for recognition on the other.
In 2016, support for the initiative was initially high, with many people expressing strong feelings about their right to receive a higher pension. However, as time went on and more information became available about its financial implications, skepticism began to set in. In contrast, today’s vote results show a clear reversal of opinion: 59% voted no while 41% voted yes. This shift in sentiment may be due to changing priorities or circumstances but could also indicate a growing sense of entitlement among some voters who feel they have made sacrifices and deserve recognition for them.
This pattern is not unique to Switzerland or even this specific issue; it reflects a broader trend seen in many countries throughout history after major crises such as wars or economic downturns. After World War I and II, governments made groundbreaking decisions such as job creation programs and unemployment insurance laws that expanded state intervention in society. Today’s crisis response measures are part of this same tradition but may reflect an even greater willingness to make sacrifices and intervene in people’s lives due to global events like climate change and social inequality.