In a situation where security crises in Europe are intensifying, a proposal to expand military service was discussed in neutral Switzerland, but it was rejected in a national vote. On the 30th local time, 84% of Swiss voters opposed expanding mandatory military service, which currently applies only to men, to include women. The proposal, known as the ‘Civil Service Initiative,’ included plans for women to fulfill national service obligations similar to men by serving in the military or civil defense.
In Switzerland, conscription for military or civil defense service is mandatory for men of eligible age, and conscientious objectors can perform alternative services in places like hospitals or elderly care facilities. Additionally, 78% of Swiss voters rejected the so-called ‘super-rich’ taxation proposal, leading to its eventual defeat. Proposed by the Swiss Socialist Party’s youth division, this bill intended to levy a 50% inheritance tax on assets exceeding 50 million Swiss francs (approximately 91.4 billion Korean won) to fund climate action. Opponents, including the government, expressed concerns that the ultra-wealthy might leave the country to avoid taxes, potentially weakening the national economy.