The district that voted in favour of a basic income

Most Swiss voters rejected the proposal for a basic income on June 5, but a few districts bucked the national trend. Why? (RTS, swissinfo.ch)

The proposal was tued down by 76.9% of voters. All the country's 26 cantons coming out against. Only one commune in weste Switzerland and a few districts in the cities of Geneva and Zurich came out in favour. The Pâquis district was one where over 50% of voters approved the initiative.

The proposal aimed at reforming the cumbersome existing social security systems, boosting volunteer work and softening the impact of social disruption caused by technological change.

A monthly figure of CHF2,500 ($2,510) per adult and CHF625 for minors was mentioned in the campaign – which is slightly higher than the current maximum monthly state old age pension allowance and corresponds to what is considered the breadline in Switzerland.

After the vote, Interior Minister Alain Berset said the clear outcome was a public endorsement of the existing social security system in Switzerland “and there is no need for a revolution". He added that the govement was aware of need to adapt the system and the challenges of a further industrial development.