Swiss Voters Approve Pension Increase, Reject Higher Retirement Age

In a historic decision, nearly 60% of Swiss voters backed a 13th monthly pension payment, while a proposal to raise the retirement age was overwhelmingly defeated.

Swiss voters have approved an increase in their state pension, introducing a 13th monthly payment starting in 2026.
The referendum saw a rejection of a proposal to raise the retirement age from 65 to 66, with 74.72% of voters against it.
The pension increase was supported by trade unions but opposed by the Swiss government and business leaders, citing affordability concerns.
The move is seen as a response to the high cost of living in Switzerland, with Zurich tied as the most expensive city in the world.
The decision marks the first time in 176 years that Swiss voters have directly voted to increase their own social benefits.