The ongoing debate in Switzerland regarding widows' pensions and marriage bonuses has gained renewed attention, especially in relation to the proposed 13th pension.

Disparities between Married and Single Individuals

The introduction of the 13th pension is expected to impact the financial landscape, but it is anticipated that the disparities between married and single individuals will persist.

The Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) has stated that even with the 13th pension, married couples will continue to have a more favorable financial position compared to single individuals. The marriage bonus is projected to remain at CHF 200 million annually.

Arguments for Reform

Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider has criticized the current pension regulations as "outdated." The FSIO's discussion paper highlights two main arguments for reform:

• The increasing participation of women in the workforce
• The need for gender equality in pension distribution

Proposed reforms aim to address these issues by potentially limiting the advantages currently given to widows, thereby reversing the marriage bonus in the medium term.

However, no legislation has been passed by the Federal Council, and the possibility of a referendum looms, indicating that the debate is far from settled.

Counter-Proposals

In response to calls for reform, Baume-Schneider has suggested two counter-proposals:

1. The "Bazaar variant" - proposes a gradual increase in the upper limit for married couples' pensions
2. A comprehensive overhaul of the pension system, introducing a civil status-independent framework

These proposals have financial implications, with the Center Party advocating for higher pensions for married couples through a popular initiative. The Federal Council estimates that this initiative could result in an additional expenditure of CHF 3.8 billion annually by 2030, similar to the projected costs of the 13th pension.

Funding sources for these initiatives remain a critical concern, and the Federal Council has proposed increasing the value-added tax (VAT) to help finance the 13th pension. If the initiative for higher pensions for married couples gains traction, further measures such as tax increases, salary deductions, or adjustments to the retirement age may be necessary to prevent deficits in the AHV fund.

Public Sentiment and Political Landscape

Public sentiment appears to support the expansion of the AHV system, as a significant portion of the retired population is married. The outdated nature of the current regulations is acknowledged, and the arguments previously used to defend the existing system are no longer considered valid.

The political landscape surrounding these pension reforms is challenging, with resistance from conservative factions within the government. The potential for a referendum adds further complexity.

The future of Switzerland's pension system hangs in the balance, with significant implications for both married and single individuals.