The two joint methods to provide AHV (pension fund) with supplementary financing, by an increase in value-added tax and reform of the federal law on pension provisions for 2020 were not accepted. Thus, the age reform remains unresolved even after 23 years of struggle.

Swiss said no clearly with 52.7% opposing the reform, while the increase in VAT, which was coupled with this, was rejected only slightly with 49.95% yes to 50.04% no votes. The administrative district of Obersimmental-Saanen rejected the VAT increase with 61.2% and the federal law with even more votes at 64%.

Federal Councillor Alain Berset points out that retirement reform remains a major challenge for Switzerland. Parliament has now recognized the urgent need for pension reform because the financial situation is steadily growing worse—without reform, pension funds will be exhausted in 2030.

Food security

The National Initiative for Food Security, initiated by the Swiss Farmers' Union, was submitted in 2014. It demanded that the Confederation strengthen the supply of food from local production to the population. After the Confederation had presented a counter-draft and Parliament had clearly agreed with the draft, the committee withdrew its initiative.

Swiss said yes to the tune of 78.8% (administrative district Obersimmental-Saanen 71%), overwhelmingly approving this proposal. While the farmers' association was happy about the election results, Pro Natura also expressed a keen word. It is only when ecology, biodiversity and resourceful management of resources are strengthened that production can be secured.