Thomas de Courten
Schweizerische Volkspartei | 0301 | Incumbent | Elected
Welfare state & family
Raise the retirement age to 67
Do you support an increase in the retirement age (e.g., to 67)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Health insurance premiums
Should the federal government allocate more funding for health insurance premium subsidies?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Nein, weil damit dass Problem der ständig steigenden Kosten in der Gesundheitsversorgung einfach von den Prämien- auf die Steuerzahler verlagert wird. Reine Symptom-Politik. Stattdessen wäre der Leistungskatalog der oblig. Krankenversicherung zu überprüfen, der Vertragszwang der Krankenkassen gegenüber den Leistungserbringern zu lockern und die Mehrfachrolle (=Zielkonflikte) der Kantone als Regulatoren, Besteller, Betreiber, Inhaber, Schiedsrichter vor allem im stationären Bereich zu lösen.
Pensions for married couples
For married couples, the pension is currently limited to 150% of the maximum individual AHV pension (capping). Should this limit be eliminated?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Es trifft zwar zu, das Ehegatten in diesem Punkt gegenüber unverheirateten Paaren anders, aber deswegen nicht schlechter behandelt werden. Die Plafonierung der Ehegattenrenten ist ein Gegenpart zu den anderen Vorteilen (Anrechnung des Einkommen des Ehepartners bei der Rentenberechnung, Beitragsbefreiung für verheiratete Nichterwerbstätige, Witwenrenten für verheiratete Frauen). Der Ausbau der AHV durch die Aufhebung des Plafonds kostet über 600 Mio. CHF, was die AHV-Kasse sofort destabilisiert.
Reduce LPP pensions
As part of the reform of the BVG (occupational pension plan), pensions are to be reduced (lowering the minimum conversion rate from 6.8% to 6%). Are you in favor of this measure?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Der Umwandlungssatz muss wegen der steigenden Lebenserwartung angepasst werden, damit die Rente fürs ganze Leben reicht. So wird auch die heute massive Umverteilung zwischen den Beitrags- und Rentner-Generationen korrigiert. Für die allermeisten Versicherten mit überobligatorischen Leistungen gilt heute schon ein Umwandlungssatz weit unter 6%. Der Schritt ist jetzt auch in der BVG-Obligatorium erforderlich. Sonst blutet es finanziell aus und heutige Beitragszahler müssten um ihre Rente fürchten.
Extend parental leave
Should paid parental leave be increased beyond today's 14 weeks of maternity leave and two weeks of paternity leave? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Die aktuelle Regelung reicht aus und entspricht den Bedürfnis von Eltern und Kindern. Ein Ausbau hätte massive Mehrkosten zur Folge. Wer soll das bezahlen? Der Staat über die Steuern? Die Arbeitnehmer und Arbeitgeber über den Erwerbsersatz? Beides schmälert das Budget gerade der geringer Verdienenden, dies nötig haben.
Further encourage the construction of social housing
Should the federal government provide more financial support for public housing construction? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Die Förderung des gemeinnützigen Wohnungsbaus durch Bund und Kantone in der Schweiz hat, gestützt auf den Verfassungsauftrag, bereits eine lange Tradition. Eine zusätzliche staatliche Förderung führt zwangsweise vor allem au zu weiteren staatlichen Vorschriften und Eingriffen, die das Problem der Kostensteigerungen und des knappen Wohnungsangebotes nicht lösen. Stattdessen sind bürokratische Hürden in der Wohnbautätigkeit abzubauen und die überbordende Zuwanderung zu bremsen.
Health
Introduce compulsory vaccination for children
Should compulsory vaccination of children be introduced based on the Swiss vaccination plan?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Introduce a tax on sugary foods
Are you in favor of the introduction of a tax on foods containing sugar (sugar tax)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Contribution to healthcare costs
Should insured persons contribute more to health care costs (e.g., increase the minimum deductible)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Eigenverantwortung ja, aber nicht zwangsweise verordnet, solange höhere Kostenbeteiligungen ohne Wirkung auf die Gesamtheit der Gesundheitskosten bleiben. Der persönliche Beitrag ist wo immer möglich über die persönliche Vorsorge zu leisten. Die Franchise ist bereits heute frei wählbar. Stattdessen sind vor allem unnötige Leistungen, unwirksame Therapien, Übermedikation, medizinische Doppelspurigkeiten oder Life-Style-Behandlungen einzudämmen.
Limit the powers of the Federal Council in the event of a pandemic
Should the Federal Council's ability to restrict private and economic life in the event of a pandemic be more limited?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Das Parlament muss bei der anstehenden Revision des Epidemiengesetzes und des Pandemieplans die Lehren aus der Covid19-Pandemie ziehen. In Zukunft muss der Bundesrat besser vorbereitet sein, seine Massnahmen besser wissenschaftlich abstützen und besser kommunizieren. Einschränkungen in die Grundrechte müssen auf wirklich notwendige und wirksame Massnahmen beschränkt werden.
Federal competence for national hospital planning
Should the federal government be given the authority to determine the hospital offering (national hospital planning with regard to locations and range of services)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Nein, keine zusätzliche Bundeskompetenzen im Gesundheitswesen zu Lasten der Kantone. In der Spitzenmedizin hat der Bund den Auftrag und die finanziellen Steuerinstrumente bereits, greift aber nicht durch. Stattdessen braucht es, wie vom Baselbieter Souverän bereits beschlossen, eine kantonsübergreifende regionale Spitalplanung für die gesamte Versorgungsregion.
Education
Inclusive schooling
According to the Swiss integrated schooling concept, children with learning difficulties or disabilities should be taught in regular classes. Do you approve of this concept?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Die Erfahrung lehrt uns, dass der hehre Wunsch der integrativen Schule in der Praxis nur schwer und mit grossem Aufwand umsetzbar ist. Die Inklusion fordert den Schülern, den Lehrpersonen, den Eltern, den Schulbehörden immens viel ab. Das erfordert oft nicht nur zusätzliches personal, mehr Zeit und Schul-Ressourcen, sondern bremst auch den Lernerfolg oder gefährdet gar das Erreichen der Lernziele für alle.
Tighten the requirements for obtaining a high school diploma
Should the federal government raise the requirements for the gymnasiale matura?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Das wäre nicht nur eine klar fördernde Massnahme für die bewährte Berufslehre. Mehr gut qualifizierte Kandidaten für die Ausbildungsbetriebe, mehr praktisch ausgebildete Berufs- und Fachleute für die Unternehmen, höhere Qualifikationen an den Universitäten.
Equal opportunities in education
Should the state be more committed to equal educational opportunities (e.g., through subsidized remedial courses for students from low-income families)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Hier besteht bereits ein sehr umfassendes Förderangebot der Kantone. Kein weiterer Handlungsbedarf.
Immigration & integration
Make naturalization requirements more flexible
Should the conditions for naturalization be relaxed (e.g., shorter residence period)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Increase the quota of third-country nationals for skilled workers
Should more qualified workers from non-EU/EFTA countries be allowed to work in Switzerland (increase third-country quota)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Mit Annahme der Masseneinwanderungsinitiative hat der Souverän in der Verfassung verankert, dass die Schweiz die Zuwanderung eigenständig steuert. Die Zahl der Bewilligungen für den Aufenthalt von Ausländern in der Schweiz wird deshalb durch Höchstzahlen und Kontingente begrenzt. Nur wird der Volkswille aufgrund der Personenfreizügigkeit mit der EU bis heute nicht umgesetzt. Die Zuwanderung ist zu beschränken, nicht auszubauen. Und Drittsaatenkontingente werden bis heute oft nicht ausgeschöpft .
Asylum procedures outside Europe
Do you support efforts to house asylum seekers in centers outside Europe during the asylum procedure?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Voting rights for foreigners
Should foreign nationals who have lived in Switzerland for at least ten years be granted the right to vote and stand for election at the municipal level?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Society & ethics
Legalize cannabis use
Should cannabis use be legalized? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Authorize active euthanasia
Would you be in favour of doctors being allowed to administer direct active euthanasia in Switzerland?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Introdurre un terzo sesso ufficiale
Should a third official gender be introduced alongside "female" and "male"?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Equality between same-sex and heterosexual couples
Do you think it's right for same-sex couples to have the same rights as heterosexual couples in all areas?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Finances & taxes
Reduce taxes at the federal level
Do you support tax cuts at the federal level over the next four years?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Tax married couples individually
Should married couples be taxed separately (individual taxation)? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Introduce a national inheritance tax
Would you support the introduction of a national inheritance tax on all inheritances over one million Swiss francs? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Strengthen financial equalization between the cantons
Should the differences between cantons with high and low financial capacity be further reduced through fiscal equalization?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Economy & labour
Introduce a national minimum wage of CHF 4,000
Are you in favor of introducing a minimum wage of CHF 4,000 for all full-time employees?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Regulate the financial sector more strictly
Do you support stricter regulations for the financial sector (e.g., stricter capital requirements for banks, ban on bonuses)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Liberalizzare completamente il mercato dell'elettricità
Should private households be free to choose their electricity supplier (complete liberalization of the electricity market)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Make housing construction regulations more flexible
Should housing construction regulations be relaxed (e.g., noise protection, occupancy rates)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Wage equality between women and men
Are you in favor of stricter controls on equal pay for women and men?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Energy & transport
Restructure heavily trafficked sections of the highway
Should busy sections of highways be widened?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Ban new registrations of combustion engine vehicles from 2035
Should Switzerland ban the registration of new passenger cars with internal combustion engines starting in 2035?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Achieve climate targets through incentives
To achieve climate targets, should incentives and target agreements be relied on exclusively, rather than bans and restrictions?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Make the rules for renewable energy less strict
Do you think it's fair that environmental and landscape protection rules are being relaxed to allow for the development of renewable energy?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Authorize the construction of new nuclear power plants
Should the construction of new nuclear power plants in Switzerland be allowed again?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Ensure a comprehensive range of public services
Should the state guarantee a comprehensive public service offering also in rural regions?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Introduce progressive electricity tariffs
Would you be in favor of the introduction of increasing electricity tariffs when consumption is higher (progressive electricity tariffs)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Nature conservation
Making provisions for the protection of large predators more flexible
Are you in favor of further relaxing the protection regulations for large predators (lynx, wolf, bear)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Direct payments for farms
Should direct payments only be granted to farmers with proof of ecological performance?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Introduction of stricter rules on the protection of farm animals
Are you in favour of stricter animal welfare regulations for livestock (e.g. permanent access to outdoor areas)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
National territory available for biodiversity conservation
Should 30% of Switzerland's land area be dedicated to preserving biodiversity? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Ban on single-use plastics
Would you support a ban on single-use plastic and non-recyclable plastics? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
More sustainable use of electronic devices
Are you in favour of government measures to make the use of electronic devices more sustainable (e.g., right to repair, extension of warranty period, minimum guaranteed period for software updates)? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Democracy, Media & Digitization
Mobile phone network (5G)
Should the Swiss mobile network be equipped throughout the country with the latest technology (currently 5G standard)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Digitizing public services
Should the federal government be given additional powers in the area of digitization of government services in order to be able to impose binding directives and standards on the cantons?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Strengthening regulation of big internet platforms
Are you in favor of stronger regulation of the major Internet platforms (i.e., transparency rules on algorithms, increased liability for content, combating disinformation)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Lowering TV and radio license fees
A popular initiative aims to reduce television and radio fees (CHF 200 per household, exemption for businesses). Do you support this initiative?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Lowering the voting age to 16
Are you in favour of lowering the voting age to 16?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Junge Menschen erlangen mit 18 Jahren ihre Mündigkeit und somit ihre Selbstverantwortung mit sämtlichen Bürgerrechten, aber auch -pflichten. Darauf abgestimmt ist auch die Altersgrenze für das Erlangen der vollen politischen Rechte. Das ist sinnvoll und logisch.
Introducing an optional financial referendum against federal spending
Should it be possible to hold a referendum on federal spending above a certain amount (optional financial referendum)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Mit der Einführung eines fakultativen Finanzreferendums wird den Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürgern die Möglichkeit gegeben, sich zu umfangreichen finanzpolitischen Vorlagen zu äussern. Der Einfluss der direkten Demokratie auf die Finanzhaushalte hat sich in der Schweiz bewährt. Die Steuern sind dort am tiefsten und die Ausgaben am geringsten, wo das Volk direkt mitentscheiden kann. Die genaue Betragshöhe der einmaligen Ausgaben oder der neuen wiederkehrenden Ausgaben ist sorgfältig abzuwägen.
Security & military
Increasing the size of the army to at least 120,000 soldiers
Are you in favor of expanding the army's target number of soldiers to at least 120,000?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Strengthening cooperation between the Swiss army and NATO
Should the Swiss Armed Forces expand their cooperation with NATO?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Re-export of Swiss weapons
Should the Federal Council be allowed to authorize other states to re-export Swiss weapons in cases of a war of aggression in violation of international law (e.g., the attack on Ukraine)? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Scumonda da visar automaticamain la fatscha en locals publics
Should automatic facial recognition be banned in public spaces?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Denounce the Schengen Agreement and strengthen border controls
Should Switzerland terminate the Schengen agreement with the EU and reintroduce more security checks directly on the border? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Foreign trade & foreign policy
Seek closer relations with the EU
Are you in favor of closer relations with the European Union (EU)?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Seek a comprehensive free trade agreement with the United States
Should Switzerland strive for a comprehensive free trade agreement (including agriculture) with the USA?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Comply with social and environmental standards
Should Swiss companies be obliged to ensure that their subsidiaries and suppliers operating abroad comply with social and environmental standards?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Terminate bilateral agreements with the EU
Should Switzerland terminate the Bilateral Agreements with the EU and seek a free trade agreement without the free movement of persons?
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Return to a strict interpretation of neutrality
Should Switzerland return to a strict interpretation of neutrality (renounce economic sanctions to a large extent)? [BePart question]
| No | Rather no | Rather yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
Values
Security measures taken by the state
What is your position the following statement: "Someone who is not guilty, has nothing to fear from state security measures."
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free market economy
What is your position the following statement: "In the long term, everyone benefits from a free market economy in the long term."
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compensate for differences in income and wealth
What is your position the following statement: "It is necessary for the State to balance out differences in income and wealth through redistribution".
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Parent stays at home full time
What is your position the following statement: "It is best for a child, when one parent stays home full-time for childcare."
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Digitization offers more opportunities than risks
What is your position the following statement: "The ongoing digitalization offers significantly more opportunities than risks."
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Punish criminals
What is your position the following statement: "Punishing criminals is more important than reintegrating them into society."
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stronger environmental protection
What is your position the following statement: "Stronger environmental protection is necessary, even if its application limits economic growth."
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal budget
Social protection: spend more/less
Should the federal government spend more or less in the area of "Social services"?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Education and research: spend more/less
Should the federal government spend more or less in the area of "Education and research"?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Agriculture: spend more/less
Should the federal government spend more or less in the area of "Agriculture"?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Public transportation: spend more/less
Should the federal government spend more or less in the area of "Public transport"?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Road traffic (private motorized transport): spend more/less
Should the federal government spend more or less in the area of "Road traffic (motorised individual transport)"?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Public safety: spend more/less
Should the federal government spend more or less in the area of "Public security"?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
National defense: spend more/less
Should the federal government spend more or less in the area of "National defence"?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Development cooperation: spend more/less
Should the federal government spend more or less in the area of "Development assistance"?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Comment
Vorerst gilt es die Volksabstimmung zur AHV 21 umzusetzen. sie tritt am 1.1.2024 in Kraft. Dazu gehört auch, dass der Bundesrat dem Parlament bis zum 31. Dezember 2026 eine neue Vorlage zur Stabilisierung der AHV für die Zeit von 2030 bis 2040 unterbreiten muss. Dann sehen wir weiter.