Swiss Referendum Maintains Status Quo on Military Service and Taxation
In a decisive national referendum held on November 30, 2025, Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected two major proposals that would have significantly changed the country's social and fiscal landscape. The first initiative, which sought to extend compulsory military or civilian service to women, was defeated by a massive 84% majority, while the second proposal for a 50% inheritance tax on fortunes exceeding 50 million Swiss francs (approximately $62 million) was rejected by 78% of voters.
Military Service Proposal Fails Miserably
The proposal to make national service mandatory for women faced particularly strong opposition, failing to gain support in any of Switzerland's 26 cantons. Currently, Switzerland maintains a gender-specific military service system where only men face compulsory service, while women can volunteer for military roles. According to the Service Citoyen organization, proponents argued that extending service requirements would promote gender equality and address recruitment shortages in the armed forces.
However, the Swiss government strongly opposed the measure, citing sufficient military personnel and the high costs of implementation. 'This proposal would have doubled our annual conscription numbers from 35,000 to 70,000 people, creating unnecessary administrative burdens and expenses,' stated Defense Ministry spokesperson Anna Müller.
Inheritance Tax Defeated Despite Climate Goals
The inheritance tax proposal, championed by the youth wing of the Social Democrats (JUSOs), would have imposed a 50% tax on inheritances and gifts exceeding 50 million francs. The revenue was intended to fund climate change mitigation projects and help Switzerland achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.
Opponents, including financial experts and wealthy citizens, warned that the tax could trigger an exodus of affluent individuals from Switzerland. 'Wealthy people are highly mobile and have many options for tax optimization. This proposal would have damaged Switzerland's reputation as a stable financial center,' commented Zurich-based financial advisor Markus Weber.
Political and Social Context
The referendum results reflect Switzerland's unique direct democracy system, where citizens regularly vote on major policy decisions. Both proposals required approval from both a majority of voters and a majority of cantons to pass.
The military service debate highlighted ongoing discussions about gender equality in Switzerland, while the inheritance tax proposal emerged amid growing concerns about wealth inequality and climate change funding. Despite these concerns, Swiss voters preferred maintaining the status quo, demonstrating their cautious approach to significant social and fiscal changes.
Switzerland remains one of the few European countries with compulsory military service for men, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. The country also maintains a decentralized tax system where inheritance taxes are primarily governed at the cantonal level, with many regions imposing no such taxes at all.