Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to introduce a guaranteed basic income for all. Final results from the referendum showed that nearly 77% opposed the plan, with only 23% backing it. The proposal had called for adults to be paid an unconditional monthly income, whether they worked or not. Switzerland is the first country to hold such a vote.
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The plan would have allowed those earning less than the minimum to have their pay topped up. Those out of work would have been handed the full amount. The income would have been unconditional and untaxed, and it would have replaced various welfare payments.
Switzerland is not the first country to debate the idea of basic income. Finland is considering scrapping all welfare benefits and instead paying everyone $10,000 a year.