Do Swiss pensioners living abroad ‘milk’ the system?

The goodwill of the Swiss towards fellow citizens living abroad appears to have taken a blow as the debate over pension payments heats up in Switzerland ahead of the March 3 votes. SWI swissinfo.ch presents some of the key statistics and arguments. On March 3, Swiss voters will decide on the initiative for a 13th old-age and survivors (OASI) monthly pension payment. As the debate heats up ahead of the ballot, Swiss pensioners abroad have been in the firing line of some critics who argue that they shouldn’t receive an extra monthly pension payment as they enjoy greater purchasing power than in Switzerland. A recent chart has caused a storm. It shows that support for the introduction of a 13th monthly pension payment is much stronger abroad than at home: 80% of Swiss expats are in favour of such an additional payment. It is based on the results of a Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) poll ahead of the federal vote on March 3. The findings were published a day before right-wing...