By Melissa Chan
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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