Initiatives

Discover and support political initiatives on Plural.

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Modernizing the tax system: The tax return can be filled out digitally today, but the data still have to be compiled by each person themselves. Moreover, you will only be reprimanded if you forget to provide information that leads to higher taxes. In contrast, there is no warning for potential deductions. Therefore, the tax system should be modernized through digital interfaces. Relevant data should be transmitted automatically and possible deductions should be actively displayed.
Creation of a federal technology department.: The Swiss Confederation needs a federal technology department. Today, central tasks such as computer science, cybersecurity, information, data, and AI are spread across several departments—without clear responsibility. This weakens the strategic steering and the state's capacity to act. A technology department consolidates competencies, reduces redundancies, and strengthens security, sovereignty, and competitiveness in the digital age.
Restriction on Pension Fund Contributions and Savings Deposits: Pension funds and voluntary purchases into them are an important instrument of retirement provision. However, excessive wage deductions or purchases can circumvent the principle of taxation according to ability to pay and thus achieve significant tax advantages. This initiative aims to restrict such tax practices and ensure fair taxation for all.
Adjust the financing of ETH and EPFL to Swiss economic growth.: ETH and EPFL are the backbone of our innovation. But their financing does not keep pace with the growth of student numbers and the economy. The initiative calls for a stable financial foundation that grows dynamically with the development of Switzerland.
Politics without secrets: Disclose political interest representations.: Politicians at the federal and cantonal levels must disclose all paid and unpaid interest ties, mandates, and contacts with lobby organizations. This information will be published in a publicly accessible, central register. Violations will be sanctioned. The goal is to strengthen transparency, trust, and democratic decision-making. Existing lists and transparency data are incomplete and voluntary.
Rehabilitate federal finances by increasing federal taxes.: The federal budget deficit is omnipresent. It seems to have majority support that military spending should increase massively. Moreover, cuts in education, social benefits, agriculture, as well as other climate-damaging subsidies are unrealistic. What, however, seems to be taboo and is not debated are tax increases.
Use large inheritances for redistribution and thus promote meritocracy.: The largely tax-free inheritance of very large fortunes in Switzerland cements inequality of opportunity and contradicts modern meritocratic values. An inheritance tax on millionaires creates a necessary equalization of opportunities and strengthens the performance society for future generations.
Promote municipal mergers.: An example: In the canton of Aargau, there are almost 200 autonomous municipalities. Many places flow seamlessly into each other. Infrastructure is shared, but the tax burden is unevenly distributed. Mergers are rare.
Mental Integrity, Protection of the World of Thoughts in the Federal Constitution.: Technological progress increasingly enables access to human brain data. To preserve freedom of thought and mental health in the digital age, Switzerland must explicitly enshrine mental privacy as a fundamental right.
Future Instead of Concrete, Pension Funds Strengthen Innovation.: Swiss pension funds invest heavily in real estate, which drives up housing costs. This initiative calls for a small portion of pension capital to be specifically invested in Swiss start-ups to promote innovation, jobs, and value creation in Switzerland.
Strengthen the voting power of the younger generation for future-oriented decisions.: The population is aging rapidly. Older people currently make up the majority of eligible voters. This development leads to political decisions being more focused on maintaining the status quo – at the expense of future issues such as climate, education, and innovation.
Voluntary Public Preschool from the First Year of Life.: Early childcare from the first year of life relieves families and facilitates re-entry into working life. This strengthens labor market participation and helps counteract the shortage of skilled workers – a real competitive advantage for the economy.
Introduction of a permanent citizens' council at the municipal level.: This initiative calls for the establishment of a permanent citizens' council in municipalities. The randomly selected body is to regularly participate in municipal issues and strengthen local democracy.
Young voices count, more influence through early voting rights.: Earlier involvement of young people in politics enables them to have more participation and strengthens their political interest. When more people participate, political decisions are more broadly supported. This strengthens democracy.
More urban housing thanks to less bureaucracy.: The Swiss housing market is stuck in a politically caused crisis. The population rejects urban sprawl while demand for urban housing is rising. Urban living offers ecological and economic advantages – cities must effectively create housing.
Promotion of breastfeeding and family rooms in public spaces and gastronomy.: The initiative promotes breastfeeding and family rooms in Switzerland. Public institutions, shopping centers, and restaurants should offer discreet, hygienic rooms with changing tables, seating, and child-friendly equipment to better support families.
Fines for non-voters to increase voter turnout.: In Switzerland, we have the privilege to vote and participate in elections. Nevertheless, more than half of eligible voters regularly do not use this opportunity. The initiative aims to increase voter turnout through a moderate fine for unjustified non-participation, following the proven model of compulsory voting with symbolic sanctions, as has long existed in the canton of Schaffhausen.
Incentives for companies with a common good balance sheet.: Accounted companies do more for society than just paying wages and taxes. For their commitment and the possible competitive disadvantages they accept, they should receive certain privileges as recognition and to mitigate these (e.g. reduced lease interest, TBD).
The Switch to Usage-Based Charges Revolutionizes Road Use.: The switch to usage-based charges revolutionizes Swiss road financing, enables precise cost allocation, reduces environmental damage, and decreases traffic jams through market-based regulation.
Flexible Parental Leave for a Healthy Society.: The introduction of parental leave in Switzerland strengthens families, promotes early childhood development, and supports equality. It allows both parents to spend valuable time with their child and better balance work and family.
Climate Forest Turns Grassland into CO₂ Storage, Habitat, and Climate Cooler.: 25% of the country's area is used for cheese production. If we produce 10% less, 1 billion m2 of land will be freed up to be used for something meaningful. The best option would be: Climate Forest. A forest that would be legally regulated differently so that it also functions as living space.
Billions for the Army Instead of Health, Education, and Social Services? We Need Democratic Control Over Federal Finances.: The parliament distributes billions annually without the electorate having a say. In the cantons, the financial referendum has long proven effective. It's time for the federal government to also have democratic control over its expenditures.
Car Show-offs Away from Bahnhofstrasse Zurich.: The streets around the Zurich Stadthaus complex turn into an open-air car showroom, especially on nice weekends. Neighbors and businesses complain about noise, poor air quality, and traffic jams.
Media voucher as an alternative to the SRG fee.: Healthy democracies need well-informed citizens. Better information means better decisions. Social media threaten enlightened democratic participation with their mechanisms and misinformation.
Limit the Use of Social Media.: Social media impairs mental health, promotes misinformation, and reduces direct interactions. Limiting it protects public health and promotes social cohesion.
No subsidies for meat and animal products.: In Switzerland, livestock farming is massively subsidized, artificially lowering the price of meat. This harms health, the environment, and the animals themselves.
No Advertising in Public Spaces.: We always talk about sustainability, yet at the same time we allow companies to entice more consumption in public spaces. A ban on advertising could curb this manipulation, reduce consumption, and beautify public spaces.
Should Public Transport in the City of Zurich Be Free?: Mobility is a basic need in urban areas. This initiative aims to make public transport in Zurich free of charge. This saves administrative costs and reduces irrational shifts to other means of transport.