Overview

• The biodiversity initiative aimed to expand protected areas and enhance conservation efforts but was dismissed by both the government and the electorate.
• The initiative faced opposition from the main farming lobby and right-wing parties, citing economic concerns and potential risks to business development.
• Environmentalists warned that one-third of species and half of habitats in Switzerland are under threat, emphasizing the need for increased protections.
• The pension reform proposal sought to address a financing gap in the second pillar of the pension system by increasing contributions from employers and workers.
• Unions argued that the pension reform would lead to higher contributions with reduced benefits, contributing to its rejection by voters.