Swiss voters to decide four proposals on November 29
Wednesday 21st October 2026 on 17:31 in
Switzerland
Swiss voters will decide on two initiatives and two federal decrees on November 29, SRF reports.
Funding the 13th AHV pension
After voters approved a 13th AHV pension in March 2024, the next question is how to fund its cost, initially estimated at more than 4 billion francs. Parliament has decided to cover part of the cost by raising value-added tax by 0.4 percentage points. The increase would not apply to some everyday goods, including food and medicines. The tax change must now go to a mandatory vote.
Fireworks initiative
The initiative calls for greater protection of people, animals and nature from noise, air pollution, waste, accidents and fires caused by fireworks. Low-noise fireworks would remain permitted, and cantons could grant exemptions for events of supraregional importance. Opponents say the proposal would further restrict individual freedoms.
Initiative on the marriage tax penalty
Married and unmarried couples are currently taxed differently. Individual taxation, approved by voters on March 8, 2026, will end that difference: from 2032, taxpayers will be assessed individually at both federal and cantonal level.
The initiative, titled “Yes to fair federal taxes for married couples too: end discrimination against marriage at last”, proposes that spouses’ incomes continue to be combined for direct federal tax. It says the tax calculation should be designed so married couples are not disadvantaged compared with other taxpayers.
War Material Act
The War Material Act sets out when weapons, weapons systems and weapon parts can be exported. Exports are currently barred, for example, if the destination country is involved in an armed conflict or violates human rights, or if there is a risk the material could be used against civilians or passed on without permission.
The proposed changes would loosen the rules in light of the security situation. War material could be supplied to a partner state involved in an armed conflict, provided this is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality and its foreign and security policy interests. A referendum has been called against the changes.