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Swiss referendum to decide on basic income for every citizen

Despite the seeming attractiveness of the idea, most people are likely to vote "contra" following calls from the government and most legislators

© AP Photo/Christophe Ena

GENEVA, June 5. /TASS/. Swiss polling stations opened on Sunday for voting, where the country’s citizens should express their attitudes to the idea every person in the country could be guaranteed a basic income of 2,500 Swiss francs (1,260 euro) a month for an adult and 625 francs (565 euro) for a child.

Despite the seeming attractiveness of the idea, most people are likely to vote "contra" following calls from the government and most legislators. Opponents of the guaranteed basic income warn the country would have to raise taxes to get money for the payments. This may threaten the current social security system as well as motivation for work among long-income people.

Recent public opinion surveys show only 26% of the vote would support the suggestion, and 71% are positive they do not share the idea.

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