BERN, Switzerland: In a referendum on November 30, more than 78 percent of Swiss voters rejected a call to impose a proposed 50 percent tax on inheritances or gifts exceeding 50 million francs (US$62 million).

Voters also rejected the requirement for women to serve in the military, civil protection teams, or other forms, as men already do.

Revenues from the proposed national tax on individual donations or inheritances were to be used to mitigate the impact of climate change and help Switzerland meet its ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

While opposing the tax, the government contended it could prompt an estimated 2,500 of the wealthiest in Switzerland to leave the country for other tax havens.

More than 84 percent of voters rejected the "citizen service initiative," and none of the country's 26 cantons, or states, came anywhere near voting in favor. Proposals need a majority of both voters and cantons to pass.

Supporters of the national service plan hoped it would boost social cohesion by creating jobs in areas such as environmental protection, food security, and elderly care. However, lawmakers opposed it, mainly for cost reasons and out of concern that it could hurt the economy by removing many young people from the workforce.

The proposal came at a time when other European countries are finding ways to bolster their armed forces in the face of growing concerns about Russia's potential threat beyond the war in Ukraine.

Young men in neutral Switzerland are already obligated to serve in the military or join civil protection units. Conscientious objectors can choose alternative service, while those who refuse all options must pay an exemption fee. Each year, roughly 35,000 men complete mandatory service.

The defeated proposal would have required national service for all Swiss citizens — women can currently volunteer — and broadened the idea of national security beyond the military and civil protection.

Supporters cited "landslides in the mountains, floods in the plains, cyberattacks, energy shortages, and war in Europe," arguing that their plan would ensure everyone contributes to "a stronger Switzerland able to withstand crises."

The government maintained that the army and civil defense already have enough personnel and that no additional recruits are necessary.

While compulsory military service for women might be seen as "a step toward gender equality," it added, the idea would "place an extra burden on many women, who already shoulder a large part of the unpaid work of raising and caring for children and relatives, as well as household tasks."

Switzerland holds national referendums four times a year.