Swiss vote on climate tax for super-rich

SWITZERLAND voted yesterday on whether to replace the current men-only military conscription with a compulsory civic duty for men and women alike and on taxing the super-rich to fund the climate fight.

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Neither initiative is expected to pass, according to recent polls, but they have generated significant discussion in the wealthy Alpine nation.

Under Switzerland's direct democratic system, 100 000 signatures are needed to put virtually any issue to a popular vote, with the Swiss given a say on a wide range of topics every few months at the national, regional and local levels.

The Swiss government and parliament have urged voters to reject the two national items, arguing that they would entail huge costs and could threaten the economy.

Polling stations opened for a few hours yesterday before closing at noon.

But most votes are typically cast in advance, with initial results expected by mid-afternoon.