Voters ignore government advice

It was a bad day for the government yesterday as 3 of the 4 votes went against the advice of parliament and the federal council.

Voters decided to keep a tax on shares, not give media a helping hand and bring in tighter tobacco regulations – all against Bern’s views. 
But they did agree on the animal testing issue. 

Voters have given a clear decision on the initiative to ban animal testing and products tested on animals. Nearly 80% said no – to the relief of the government and many biotech firms.

It was feared if the vote passed, Switzerland would lose out in research and development, and patients would not be able to access the newest drugs. Voters appeared to have heeded the warning. 

In a blow to the government and parliament, the people have rejected a proposed change to the tax law which would have dropped the fee companies have to pay when raising money by issuing shares. 

The government wanted to end the Stamp Duty that has to be paid as it says it puts the country in an uncompetitive international position.
The Social Democrats and the Greens forced the issue to the vote after it was approved by parliament. 

Supporters of scrapping the tax say the shortfall, around CHF 250m a year, would have been made up by more company investment. 
The people voted to keep the tax by more than 60%.

The government also lost another vote – financial assistance for the media. 

It was planned to create a package of CHF 151m to help local news organisations which have seen revenue slump. Backers say a strong local media is essential in a highly federalised country, but detractors say government funding of the media will stifle debate and create dependencies. It was rejected by about 55% of voters. 

In a final blow to the government, by a majority of 56%, voters decided to bring in tough rules on advertising for tobacco products that could be seen by children and rejected a proposed counter-offer by the government. 

The new rules mean there can’t be any publicity which can be seen by kids. That means an end to adverts in shops, in print and billboards. Tobacco can only be promoted in publications or websites designed only for adults. 

The health minister Alain Berset admitted the public were not convinced by the government’s counter proposal. He says a new law on tobacco advertising will be brought in next year.