Overview
- The climate referendum passed with 53.1% support and 303,422 yes votes, clearing the 20% quorum on 43.7% turnout, while the basic-income proposal was rejected with about 62.6% no votes.
- The binding measure requires climate neutrality by 2040, annual CO2 caps on a linear reduction path, regular monitoring, and safeguards for social affordability.
- Mayor Peter Tschentscher said the Senate will implement the result under the constitutional two-year transition and emphasized that meeting the goal requires federal action on energy, hydrogen and regulation.
- Officials said no immediate policy shifts are expected this term, with annual emissions tracking beginning in 2026 and possible corrective measures if targets are missed starting in late 2027.
- A city-commissioned expert report outlines sweeping changes by 2040, including replacing all gas and oil boilers, shutting the gas network, accelerating deep retrofits, citywide Tempo 30 and near-complete transport electrification, drawing warnings on costs and competitiveness from business and opposition leaders.