SRF asks voters to weigh arguments on November ballot

SRF has published an interactive guide inviting voters to assess the arguments for and against three proposals in Switzerland’s federal votes on November 29, 2026, and see where they stand.

Funding the 13th AHV pension

Voters will decide whether to raise value-added tax by 0.4 percentage points to help fund the 13th AHV pension. The electorate approved the pension in March 2024, and its initial cost is expected to exceed four billion francs. Parliament agreed in June to use the tax increase to cover part of the cost. The rate on some everyday goods, including food and medicines, would not rise. Because the change requires a constitutional amendment, it must go to a vote. If approved, it could take effect no earlier than 2028. Payments in 2026 and 2027 will come from the AHV fund without additional financing.

Supporters say the increase would share the cost across generations, including pensioners, and protect the solidarity between young and old and between rich and poor. They argue that the pension decision must be implemented, that the AHV needs sufficient funds for future generations, and that without extra revenue it will run billion-franc deficits from 2026.

Opponents say the increase would burden lower-income households more heavily relative to their available income, weaken consumer demand and hurt Swiss businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises. They argue the funding gap should not be covered with more taxes, that structural reform is needed, and that younger generations would bear much of the cost while facing uncertainty about their own pensions. They also warn that higher tax would push up prices and reduce purchasing power.

Fireworks initiative

The popular initiative, titled “For restrictions on fireworks,” calls for a nationwide ban on loud fireworks. It would not cover fireworks that make no noise. Large professional displays, including events for Swiss National Day on August 1 or other public festivals, could still take place with cantonal permits. Individuals would not be allowed to set off loud fireworks at those events.

Supporters argue that fireworks create waste and fine-particle pollution, harming soil, water and air. They say noise causes stress, fear and flight responses in animals, sometimes with fatal consequences, and that limiting private fireworks would improve safety and reduce injuries. They also say private use has grown excessive, rules differ between places, and a national standard would spare pet owners extensive protective measures around August 1 and New Year’s Eve.

Opponents say the initiative would sharply restrict the fireworks industry and could cause significant losses in sales. They argue a ban does not belong in the federal constitution and would unduly limit personal freedom. Since cantons and municipalities can already restrict or prohibit fireworks, they say national rules are unnecessary. They also warn a ban could encourage purchases abroad of fireworks that do not meet Swiss safety standards, and say the impact is limited to a few days each year.

Initiative against the marriage penalty

Married and unmarried couples are currently taxed differently. On March 8, 2026, voters approved individual taxation, which is due to take effect at the beginning of 2032. Under the change, each person, including married people, will file a separate tax return. The initiative “Yes to fair federal taxes for married couples” seeks to retain joint taxation for married couples for direct federal tax.