Switzerland approves in a referendum equalizing the retirement age for women and men

MADRID, 25 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Switzerland has approved this Sunday in a referendum and by a narrow margin raising the retirement age for women from 64 to 65 years, which is thus equal to that of men.

The change in the Old Age and Survival Insurance (AVS) has been approved by 51 percent of voters, according to preliminary official results.

The majority of the Parliament, the Government and employers have spoken in favor of the reform to guarantee the viability of the pension system.

However, unions, left-wing parties and feminist groups have been against the reform because it means placing the weight of the new revenue on those who earn the least and on women.

The reform also includes an increase in the value added tax (VAT) from 7.7 to 8.1 percent, in order to provide additional financing to the AVS. This aspect has been voted separately and has achieved 56 percent support.

This Sunday an initiative against the intensive farming of farm animals has also been voted and the population has rejected (62.9 percent) the proposal, which sought to enshrine the protection of the dignity of animals in the Constitution.

The current Federal Animal Protection Law, one of the strictest in the world, has been the main argument of the campaign against the initiative.

This law stipulates that everyone who raises animals must take into account their needs, ensure their well-being and not harm their dignity. It also establishes the minimum dimensions of the animal habitats.