Thousands protested Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s pro-Russia stance and his obstruction of EU actions concerning Ukraine in Budapest. Simultaneously, Orbán presented twelve demands to the EU, including a “Union without Ukraine,” increased national veto power, and a crackdown on foreign-funded organizations. In response, the opposition launched a referendum, “Voice of the Nation,” encompassing questions on EU and NATO membership and term limits for the Prime Minister. Orbán’s actions, timed to coincide with a national holiday, included threats against media and NGOs he deemed “foreign agents.”
Read More
Zurich voters rejected a proposed pay raise for local politicians by a margin of 53.2% to 46.8%, with 45,350 voting against and 39,881 in favor. The increase, supported by several center-left parties, would have raised annual salaries from an average of CHF 16,000 to CHF 28,000, including pension contributions. Opponents, including the Swiss People’s Party and Radical-Liberal Party, argued the increase was excessive and threatened the city’s militia-based political system. The referendum was triggered by a parliamentary initiative, partly in response to a threatened counter-referendum.
Read More
Swiss voters rejected a CHF5 billion motorway expansion project, citing environmental concerns and the belief that increased road capacity would simply generate more traffic. Simultaneously, proposals to ease landlord eviction rights and tighten subletting regulations were also defeated, reflecting public opposition to measures perceived as favoring property owners. However, a new healthcare financing model aimed at promoting outpatient care passed, representing a significant reform to the Swiss healthcare system. Voter turnout for these four referendums was 45%.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker