The 29 November vote: all four proposals, briefly explained

On 29 November Switzerland votes on four federal proposals. Here is what each would change, how parliament voted and what the Federal Council (the government) and parliament recommend. The summary is based on the Federal Council's official explanations.

1. VAT for the 13th AHV pension payment

The 13th monthly old-age (AHV) pension, approved by voters in March 2024, will be paid for the first time in December 2026 – to around 2.6 million pensioners. It costs more than 4 billion francs in 2026 and is expected to cost over 5 billion from 2035.

To fund it, VAT would rise: the standard rate by 0.4 percentage points from 8.1 to 8.5 per cent, and the special rate for hotels from 3.8 to 4.0 per cent. The reduced rate of 2.6 per cent, which applies to food and medicines among other things, stays the same. That would bring in around 1.4 billion francs a year from 2029 and, together with the federal contribution, cover about half of the extra cost. The increase would take effect at the start of 2028 at the earliest.

Because the constitution would be amended, a majority of both voters and cantons is required. A minority in parliament wants to settle the funding in the next AHV reform, together with structural measures such as a higher retirement age.

Government and parliament recommend: Yes. National Council 108 to 85 with 6 abstentions, Council of States 28 to 13 with 3 abstentions.

2. Fireworks initiative

The popular initiative “For a restriction on fireworks” wants to ban the sale and use of fireworks that make noise. The text leaves open exactly which products count. Low-noise items such as Bengal lights and conventional fountains (“Vulkane”) would remain allowed. Cantons could grant exceptions for events of supra-regional importance.

The initiative committee argues that it protects people, animals and the environment.

Government and parliament recommend: No. National Council 50 to 131 with 18 abstentions, Council of States 3 to 40 with 1 abstention.

3. Married couples initiative

The initiative “Yes to fair federal taxes for married couples too – finally abolish the discrimination against marriage!” demands that married couples be taxed jointly for direct federal tax without being disadvantaged. Parliament would have three years to pass a law. If none is in place by 2030, the Federal Council would introduce an alternative calculation: the lower of the joint assessment and the rate for unmarried people would apply.

The tax relief is estimated at between 680 million and 3 billion francs a year. According to the official explanations, the initiative conflicts with individual taxation, which voters have already approved.

Government and parliament recommend: No. National Council 97 to 102, Council of States 20 to 24.

4. War Materiel Act

Under the amendment of 19 December 2025, war materiel could also be supplied to partner states involved in an armed conflict – provided this is compatible with neutrality and with Switzerland's foreign and security policy interests. The exception applies to 36 partner states. The Federal Council could deviate from the approval criteria in extraordinary circumstances. Non-re-export declarations would only be required where necessary.

A referendum was called against the bill. The committee says it waters down export rules and harms security and neutrality.

Government and parliament recommend: Yes. National Council 122 to 68 with 6 abstentions, Council of States 31 to 11 with 1 abstention.

Where to find the results

On voting Sunday the federal government updates the results continuously from 12 noon on its voting portal. The arguments of supporters and opponents in their own words are in the official explanations linked below.