Swiss Reject ‘Money for Nothing’ Plan

Switzerland on Sunday rejected a proposal for a guaranteed basic income for everyone living in the country. Voters rejected the initiative by a wide margin after a heavy debate about the issue. Those in favor of the proposal argued that a monthly guaranteed income of the equivalent of $2,563 per adult—whether employed or not—would’ve promoted public service. Detractors claimed that the proposal would weaken the economy. Nearly 80 percent of voters opposed the initiative, Reuters reported. Switzerland became the first country to hold such a referendum on a basic income allowance, but others—including Finland—have plans to discuss such initiatives. One “no” voter called the proposed plan “a real danger,” arguing that “once people just get their basic needs covered society doesn’t feel responsible anymore to look after the ones who can’t really handle the situation on their own.”