Government against military tax waiver for Vatican’s Swiss Guard
An initiative to exempt the Swiss Guard from paying a penalty for not completing their mandatory military service in Switzerland does not have support from the government.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/ac
On Thursday, the governing Federal Council decided not to exempt the Swiss Guards from the consequences of avoiding compulsory military service for the duration of their commitment to the Holy See. The move was in response to a bill adopted by the Security Policy Committee of the House of Representatives.
The Federal Council acknowledged that the Swiss Guard performs a special service that is beneficial to Switzerland’s reputation abroad. However, it regards their contribution as a police service for a foreign state rather than carrying out military service abroad. The government was also of the opinion that they do not perform an essential activity for the benefit of the Swiss population which would entitle them to an exemption from the military tax.
Another justification given was that a waiver would violate the law in terms of discrimination against other religions, since only Swiss citizens of the Roman Catholic faith are admitted to the service of the Holy See. Furthermore, it would violate the principle of equal treatment of all those subject to the military exemption tax.
Switzerland currently has mandatory military service in the army for all able-bodied male citizens who are conscripted from the age of 18. A person who does not perform military service between the age of 19 to 37 is liable to a military exemption tax which can be imposed a maximum of 11 times. The tax adds up to 3% of taxable income per year with a minimum penalty of CHF400 (around $445).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
An uncertain future for Swiss soldiers guarding the Pope
This content was published on
Every May, a new batch of young Swiss Roman Catholic soldiers swears allegiance to the Pope. In recent years their numbers have been dwindling.
This content was published on
The men who protect the Pope aren’t just soldiers in an unusual uniform: they have a long history and have to meet strict requirements to do the job.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.