Real reason why Swiss rejected UBI

[giantdragon]

I think most of the Swiss voters just understand that unconditional income will lead to degradation of the majority population. It is a human nature - drinking, taking drugs, having multiple sexual partners, playing computer games and casino, consuming entertaining products like movies and music etc. There is no reason why people who get UBI will spent free time on useful tasks like creativity or science research. May be 1% will, but 99% certainly not, so streets of the Bern and Geneva will be flooded with used syringes and condoms, and not art masterpieces.

Smart solution to the technological unemployment will be conditional income like Public Works Administration in 1930's. Pay people for useful activities - raising children, education, science, creating arts, caring disable people etc.

[Daniel91]

I agree with you.
Also, nobody explain from where this money will come, probably from increased taxes.
Why give basic income to people who can work and earn enough for their living?
It doesn't make sense really.
Of course we should help disabled people, but through existing state aid, not through basic income.

[alyssa85]

Yeah. Basic income is a silly idea, and I hope this referendum has squashed it for good (though some will keep trying to push this in other places).

[BADecker]

Yeah. Basic income is a silly idea, and I hope this referendum has squashed it for good (though some will keep trying to push this in other places).

Anyone can have a basic income if they are good at talking, and have a reasonable product or service. It's call multi-level marketing, or network marketing. Once it takes hold for you, you can almost sit back and let it run.

[dellboygold]

I agree with you. That could be the main reason.

[xht]

I agree with you.
Also, nobody explain from where this money will come, probably from increased taxes.
Why give basic income to people who can work and earn enough for their living?
It doesn't make sense really.
Of course we should help disabled people, but through existing state aid, not through basic income.

Yes and why not just give every one a million dollars per month and see where it leads...money has no value? government must borrow it all ? from who? no they print it and the government collapses and there is no income for anyone.

[Spendulus]

I agree with you.
Also, nobody explain from where this money will come, probably from increased taxes.
Why give basic income to people who can work and earn enough for their living?
It doesn't make sense really.
Of course we should help disabled people, but through existing state aid, not through basic income.

Yes and why not just give every one a million dollars per month and see where it leads...money has no value? government must borrow it all ? from who? no they print it and the government collapses and there is no income for anyone.

Hey, it could be a great party.

While it lasts.

[bryant.coleman]

I would not have objected to a basic income of CHF 100 or CHF150. But at CHF 2,500 per adult per month, the proposal is not practicable and if it is implemented, then Switzerland will become bankrupt like Greece in less than 10 years. Also, since Switzerland is a part of the Schengen Zone, there will be a massive inflow of third world immigrants to that country, if the measure is adopted.