1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
PoliticsSwitzerland

Switzerland: Voters reject climate tax in referendum

John Silk with AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa
November 30, 2025

More than 78% of Swiss voters opposed the introduction of a new inheritance tax on multimillionaires, the proceeds of which would have been directed toward "socially just measures to combat the climate crisis."

Activists and media representatives gather in Bern at a referendum party for the "Initiative for the Future," which called for a national inheritance tax on multimillionaires
Activists were left disappointed after Swiss voters resoundingly rejected their proposal for a national inheritance tax on multimillionairesImage: Alessandro Della Valle/KEYSTONE/dpa/picture alliance

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday rejected a new inheritance tax for multimillionaires on Sunday, rejecting a proposal that sought funds from the country's wealthiest residents to fight climate change.

Final results from across the country's 26 cantons showed voters spurning the "initiative for a future," which called for a new climate tax on big inheritances. It was rejected by over 78% of voters, official results showed.

The Young Socialists had put forward a 50% inheritance tax on assets worth 50 million Swiss francs ($62 million, €53.6 million) or more. The youth organization suggested using the revenue to finance "socially just measures to combat the climate crisis and the necessary restructuring of the economy as a whole."

National service also rejected by voters

In a separate ballot, voters resoundingly rejected the proposed introduction of civic service for all young people, with 84.2% going against the plan.

The Civic Duty proposal would have required every Swiss citizen, regardless of gender, to do national service in the army or in a civilian capacity.

The Swiss government and parliament opposed both proposals, arguing that they would entail huge costs and threaten the economy in the wealthy Alpine nation.

Switzerland holds national referendums four times a year, giving citizens a direct say in policymaking.

Why Europe lags behind Switzerland in bunker safety

04:42

This browser does not support the video element.

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

John Silk Editor and writer for English news, as well as the Culture and Asia Desks.@JSilk
Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW