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Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected two major national proposals in recent referendums. The final results showed both initiatives faced a resounding defeat, despite generating significant public debate.
The “Civic Duty” initiative, which aimed to replace the current men-only military conscription with a compulsory national service—either military or civilian—for all citizens regardless of gender, was rejected by a massive 84% of voters.
Proponents argued the change would promote “true equality” and strengthen social cohesion, while opponents, including the government, claimed it would double costs and create an unnecessary surplus of recruits.
Separately, the “initiative for a future,” which sought to introduce a new 50% inheritance tax on fortunes exceeding 50 million Swiss francs to fund domestic climate protection measures, was rejected by over 78% of voters.
Opponents of the tax warned it could drive wealthy individuals and family businesses out of the country, thus damaging the economy.
Both proposals were opposed by the Swiss government and parliament.
The extent of their rejection was among the most definitive in Switzerland’s system of direct democracy over the last quarter century.
