Swiss voters backed a government plan to boost domestic renewable energy, a decision that will facilitate the construction of solar and wind plants in the Alps and ensure the continuity of subsidies.
The proposal was approved by 69% of voters, the government said on Sunday. Switzerland's largest political group, the right-wing Swiss People's Party, had challenged the bill through a referendum after it was passed by parliament.
In a separate vote on Sunday, Swiss voters rejected a plan by the Social Democrats to limit personal spending on health insurance, saving the budget a hit of up to US$5 billion
Polls leading up to the vote had suggested that passing the measure would be very close. Many voters had cited the additional tax spending as a reason for skepticism. A successful plebiscite earlier this year to increase pensions has already left the government struggling to find funding, and a value-added tax increase is now a likely option to secure the money.
Two other proposals on the ballot also produced the expected results. A Covid-era initiative to prevent vaccines from being mandatory was rejected, as was a plan that would have seen fewer health treatments covered by mandatory insurance.
