Overview

• By 11:00 local time, turnout reached 35.6% including 455,387 postal ballots, with polls open until 18:00 and counting due this evening.
• The basic-income proposal would run a three‑year, state-run trial for 2,000 residents paying €1,346 per month plus health insurance, indexed to inflation with own income partially offset, at an estimated cost of about €50 million if launched in 2027.
• The climate initiative seeks legally binding annual CO2 reductions to reach citywide climate neutrality by 2040 with monitoring and social safeguards.
• City-commissioned studies judge the 2040 goal technically achievable but contingent on deep measures such as replacing oil and gas heating, decommissioning the gas network, faster building retrofits, widespread electrification of transport and citywide 30 km/h limits.
• Both initiatives face opposition from the Senate and most parties except The Left, while supporters include NABU, ver.di and Fridays for Future; each measure must secure a 20% yes quorum and a majority to take effect.