Polls: Swiss Reject Monthly $2500 Payment to Themselves

On Sunday, June 16, a referendum is being held in Switzerland regarding the allocation of 2500 Swiss francs, approximately equivalent to 2500 dollars, to all citizens of the country as a basic income. Polls indicate that the majority of the population opposes this allocation. According to Reuters, global polling forecasts suggest that the Swiss people will reject this proposal. Initial predictions show that about 78% of participants in this poll rejected the initiative proposed by Basel café owner Daniel Haeni and his partners under the Swiss democratic system. Supporters of this plan, which allocates 2500 Swiss francs (2563 dollars) monthly to adults and 625 francs to children under 18, believe it will promote human dignity and public services. Opponents, including the Swiss government, argue that this plan would incur significant costs, weaken the economy, and discourage people from working harder. Haeni, the theorist behind this plan, has accepted his failure but believes he has achieved a moral victory. In an interview with a global forecasting organization, he mentioned that he had expected 15% support, but now faces support from 20 to 25% of the population. He stated that observing media interest from abroad has allowed him to claim that his country is on a progressive path. Switzerland is the first country to hold a referendum emphasizing unconditional income for all its citizens; however, other countries like Finland are also considering this proposal. The Swiss government has encouraged voters to vote against this proposal, arguing that such a plan would incur high costs and weaken social cohesion. This plan involves changes to all or part of the social benefits of the people. The Swiss Federal Council has recognized the fundamental goal of this plan, but it entails an annual cost of 208 million Swiss francs, which would weaken the country's economy and discourage low-income individuals from working. Most of these costs could be covered by social security payments, but reducing major expenditures or increasing taxes could create a gap of around 25 million.