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Switzerland Voters Reject Guaranteed Basic Income Plan

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to introduce a guaranteed basic income for everyone living in the country.

Nearly 77% of voters opposed the plan that would have promised a monthly income of 2,500 Swiss francs—or $2,563—per adult and 625 francs per child under 18 no matter how much they work, Reuters reports. Only 23% of voters supported it, final referendum results show.

Switzerland is the first country to open up the idea to a vote, according to Reuters, which noted that opponents of the controversial proposal argued it was unfair, too costly and would discourage people from working.

[Reuters]

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