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Opponents call Swiss '12% initiative' a 'tax heist'
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Elections & Politics

Opponents call Swiss '12% initiative' a 'tax heist'

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Opponents of a cantonal initiative in Vaud, Switzerland, launched their campaign against the proposal, calling it a "tax heist."
  • The initiative, set for a vote in less than three months, is criticized for disproportionately benefiting the wealthy, despite claims of aiding purchasing power.
  • Opponents estimate the initiative's cost to be nearly 300 million Swiss francs annually, higher than the government's estimate.

Less than three months before a cantonal vote on the "12% initiative," the opposition has begun its campaign. A united committee of left-wing parties, unions, and associations convened in Lausanne to denounce the proposal as a "tax heist" designed to benefit the wealthiest citizens.

The initiative's opponents estimate its annual cost to be nearly 300 million Swiss francs. This figure, higher than the 272 million francs estimated by the State Council, is based on a more generous valuation of its impact on wealth tax.

"This is the heist of the century behind the smokescreen of the century," declared Benoît Gaillard, vice-president of the Vaud Socialist Party. He argued that while proponents present the initiative as a measure to boost purchasing power, "the bulk of the reductions will go to the richest."

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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