Switzerland Might Pay All Citizens AU $3,500 Basic Income Every Month regardless of whether or not they are employed.

http://inhabitat.com/switzerland-considers-providing-all-citizens-with-a-guarant...

by Kristine Lofgren, 05/16/14
filed under: News, social responsibility

While the battle continues in the US for a slightly higher minimum wage, the Swiss are exploring drastic methods to create a fair economy. One proposed method would provide a guaranteed 2,500 (AU $3,500) franc income to all citizens, regardless of whether or not they are employed. And if that doesn’t get the job done, a vote on May 18th could decide whether the Swiss will implement the world’s highest minimum wage of nearly $25 an hour. Both referendums come on the heels of unrest in Switzerland over income inequality.

Switzerland has one of the most stable and equitable economies in the world, but it also happens to be one of the most expensive places to live. The country also has an open system of government, which mandates that any citizen who can round up 100,000 signatures can get an issue on the ballot. So a few citizens got enough signatures to put the issue off a yearly wage of about US $33,000 a year for Swiss citizens, whether they have a job or not, on the ballot.

While the minimum income issue will likely come up for a vote in the not-too-distant future, in the short-term, voters will be considering whether to institute a minimum wage in the country on May 18. Right now, Switzerland doesn’t have a minimum wage and some worry that creating one could drive business out of the country. Some employers have voluntarily raised wages in the meantime, while others have threatened to move their businesses out of the country if the issue passes.

Right now about 64% of voters reject the minimum wage, but there have been surprises in the past. Last year voters elected to cap executive pay and to curb immigration, to the surprise of many. What seems to be sure is that whether these particular issues pass or not, Switzerland is concerned with making sure that every citizen can live a comfortable life.

So they tax people, spend half of it on bureaucracy, then hand the other half back and tell everyone how wonderful they are.

The wonders of socialism.

Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to introduce what would have been the highest minimum wage in the world in a referendum

Have another spliff - you are out of it so you  might as well stay out of it.

Setanta wrote on Jun 25^th, 2015 at 9:44pm:


It is stupid, regardless of the rate, though I concede it becomes more stupid the more you do it. For those paying more that $3500 in tax, why not just cut their tax by $5000 so they get the $3500 plus the $1500 that would have been wasted on bureaucracy?

Setanta wrote on Jun 25^th, 2015 at 9:44pm:
I believe the thing went to a vote about a year ago and was defeated. So much for the usual accusation that in a Direct Democracy people will only vote themselves more money.  But I agree with you that on its face this seems like a good measure.

freediver wrote on Jun 25^th, 2015 at 8:02pm:


So your government doesn't tax people?.
Bay the way you have one of the highest taxes in the world.
I guess you are envious.