In a referendum, the Swiss overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to introduce a guaranteed minimum income for all citizens of that country, the first projections of the voting results showed.
The first projections of the GFS agency show that 78 percent of voters rejected the initiative of Basel-based cafe owner Daniel Heni and his supporters, but the referendum has fueled an uncomfortable debate about the future of work in a time of increasing automation.
Supporters of the initiative pointed out that the introduction of a minimum monthly income of 2.500 Swiss francs per person and 625 francs per child under the age of 18 would contribute to the protection of human dignity and improve public services.
Opponents, including the government, warned that it would cost too much and weaken the economy.
Heni has admitted defeat, but is considered the moral victor.
"As a businessman, I am realistic and I expected support of 15 percent, and now it seems that it is greater than 20 or even 25 percent. I think it is great and sensational," he told the Swiss television SRF.
Switzerland was the first to hold a referendum on the introduction of an unconditional minimum income, but other countries, such as Finland, are also thinking about it, Reuters reports.
The plan was supposed to completely or partially replace social assistance.
The Swiss government estimated that this would cost the country around 208 billion francs a year, and that it would strongly weaken the economy, and that people would lose motivation to work, especially those with low incomes.
"Switzerland already has a well-developed system of social assistance for those who cannot support themselves," the government pointed out.
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