Controversial debate about taxation of rich citizens in Geneva
A left-wing initiative wants to control the rich in Geneva more, the FDP fears their departure. A proposal for lower vehicle taxes was rejected.
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the essentials in brief
- The Geneva Grand Council is dealing with two tax initiatives.
- One of them wanted higher taxes for people with assets over three million francs.
- The others wanted to halve taxes on vehicles.
Two tax initiatives were discussed in the Grand Council of the Canton of Geneva on Thursday evening. One initiative will tax the wealthy more heavily, while the other will reduce taxes on vehicles. The people have the last word.
The cantonal initiative for a temporary increase in the taxation of larger assets comes from left-wing and trade union circles. For reasons of solidarity, they will tax people with assets of more than 3 million francs at a rate of 2.5 per mille for ten years.
That would add an additional CHF 200 million to the canton by the end of the deadline. The municipalities cause 50 million francs. The aim of the initiative is to provide the public institutions with additional funds.
FDP fears rich people moving away from Geneva
The FDP parliamentarian Alexandra de Senarclens condemned the advance of the left as a renewed attack on the economy. They warn that the wealthy could turn their backs on Geneva. These taxes are important for the canton. It would be suicide to lose this tax base, said Christo Ivanov from the SVP in the course of the increasingly heated debate.
According to Jean Batou of the United Left, the multi-millionaires should make a small contribution. Assets in the canton of Geneva have risen sharply in recent years, while public institutions have come under pressure. A temporary grant would therefore be very welcome, said Green Pierre Eckert.
The left-wing majority in the Great Council shares the concerns that are reflected in their initiative. However, the period of 10 years is too long. It will therefore submit a counter-proposal to the initiative that shortens the period to five years. She rejected the initiative back to the pre-advisory tax commission.
Great Council rejects SVP initiative for lower taxes on vehicles
The Great Council rejected an SVP initiative by 77 votes to 17, which aims to halve taxes on vehicles. This initiative, supported by the Mouvement Citoyens Genevois (MCG), was launched in response to public transport problems and the creation of new cycle lanes.
MCG MP Sandro Pistis condemned the fiscal punishment aimed at the car. In Geneva, taxes on motor vehicles are the highest in Switzerland anyway, said his party friend François Baertschi. Government Councilor Serge Dal Busco disagreed: Geneva is right in the middle.
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