Swiss Voters Reject National Service for Women and Inheritance Tax Initiatives

On November 30, 2025, Swiss voters decisively rejected two significant initiatives: one proposing to extend compulsory national service to women and another advocating for a new inheritance tax on multimillionaires. The civic duty initiative was rejected by approximately 84% of voters, while around 79% opposed the inheritance tax proposal, according to official results.

DW News

The civic duty initiative aimed to require all Swiss citizens, regardless of gender, to perform national service, which could include military, civil defense, or other community-oriented roles. Currently, military service is mandatory only for men, while women can volunteer. Proponents argued that this change would promote gender equality and enhance social cohesion, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical tensions in Europe. However, critics highlighted concerns about the additional burdens on women, who already engage in significant unpaid labor, and the potential economic impact of removing young people from the workforce for mandatory service.

CNN

The inheritance tax initiative, proposed by the youth wing of the Social Democrats, sought to impose a 50% tax on inheritances exceeding 50 million Swiss francs (approximately $62 million). The revenue was intended to fund climate initiatives. Despite the proposal's aim to address wealth inequality and climate change, it faced strong opposition from various political factions and business groups, who warned of potential economic repercussions, including the exodus of wealthy individuals from Switzerland.

The Straits Times

The Swiss government and parliament opposed both initiatives, citing concerns over high costs and potential disruptions to the economy. They argued that the existing military and civil defense structures were sufficient and that the proposed tax could deter wealthy residents from remaining in the country. The government emphasized that the initiatives lacked broad political support and were unlikely to succeed.

Euronews

Critics of the civic duty initiative, including members of the Swiss Trade Union Federation, argued that it would exacerbate existing gender inequalities by imposing additional responsibilities on women. They contended that the initiative failed to recognize the substantial unpaid work women already perform in society. Similarly, opponents of the inheritance tax expressed fears that it would harm family businesses and discourage investment in Switzerland.

The Straits Times

While the overwhelming majority of voters rejected both initiatives, some polls prior to the vote indicated a higher level of support for the civic duty initiative, suggesting that public sentiment may have shifted significantly in the weeks leading up to the referendum. The reasons for this decline in support remain unclear, but concerns over costs and economic stability were prominent in the final discussions.

Politico Europe

Following the defeat of these initiatives, discussions surrounding gender equality and wealth taxation are expected to continue in Switzerland. Proponents of the civic duty initiative have indicated plans to keep the conversation alive, suggesting that future proposals may be more carefully crafted to address the concerns raised during this referendum.

SWI - Swissinfo.ch