BERN, December 2, 2025: Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected two major national proposals in weekend referendums, firmly opposing both the introduction of compulsory national service for women and a new inheritance tax targeting the country’s wealthiest residents. Preliminary results released by the Federal Chancellery showed that nearly 84 percent of voters opposed the “citizen service” initiative, which sought to extend Switzerland’s mandatory service obligations to all citizens regardless of gender. The measure also failed to win a majority in any of the country’s 26 cantons, confirming broad-based resistance to changing the long-standing system that currently requires only men to serve.
Under existing law, Swiss men are required to complete military or civilian service, while women may volunteer. The rejected initiative proposed that women join men in performing either military duties, civil protection work, or other forms of national or community service. Supporters had presented the measure as a step toward greater equality and civic participation, but the plan faced widespread criticism for potentially overburdening women already active in unpaid domestic and caregiving roles. The proposal also raised administrative and financial questions over how Switzerland would accommodate a sudden increase in service participants.
The military and civil defense sectors, already managing limited capacity, would have faced significant logistical adjustments to absorb tens of thousands of new recruits annually. The government had remained neutral on the issue, leaving the decision entirely to voters as part of the country’s direct democratic system. In a separate ballot, 79 percent of voters rejected an initiative to impose a 50 percent inheritance and gift tax on estates valued above 50 million Swiss francs, or roughly 55 million US dollars. Revenues from the proposed levy were intended to fund climate protection programs and carbon reduction projects across the country.
Inheritance tax proposal sees broad rejection
Despite growing public discussion about wealth inequality, the electorate decisively dismissed the measure, maintaining Switzerland’s reputation for fiscal conservatism and stable tax policy. Opponents of the inheritance tax argued that such a measure could harm family-owned businesses, discourage investment, and drive wealthy individuals to relocate to more tax-friendly jurisdictions. They emphasized Switzerland’s competitive advantage as a financial center built on stability, predictable regulation, and relatively moderate tax rates. The government had not endorsed the proposal, and major business groups campaigned against it, citing potential economic consequences.
Switzerland’s system of direct democracy allows citizens to call nationwide votes on constitutional and legislative changes several times each year. Sunday’s twin referendums reflect the electorate’s continuing caution toward sweeping structural reforms that could reshape the country’s economic or civic framework. Both initiatives were brought forward by citizen groups and required a national majority for approval, as well as support in a majority of cantons thresholds neither measure came close to meeting. With these results, Switzerland maintains its current conscription model in which only men are subject to mandatory service, while women continue to serve on a voluntary basis.
Economic implications drive resistance to new tax
The rejection of the inheritance tax preserves the existing federal tax structure, which includes relatively low wealth and capital levies compared to neighboring European states. The clear outcome in both cases underscores Swiss voters’ preference for incremental change and their adherence to a balance between civic duty, economic competitiveness, and individual choice. The decisive double rejection marks one of the most one-sided referendum outcomes in recent Swiss history, highlighting the population’s consistent resistance to broad policy overhauls without strong consensus.
The votes reaffirm the country’s tradition of pragmatic governance and its enduring commitment to direct democracy as the foundation of national decision-making, a system that has long defined Switzerland’s political identity. Through frequent referendums, citizens continue to exercise direct influence over national policy, reinforcing trust in public institutions and ensuring that major decisions reflect broad consensus rather than party politics. This process, deeply rooted in the Swiss constitutional framework, remains a cornerstone of stability and civic participation in one of the world’s most enduring democracies. – By EuroWire News Desk.