Barometer: Swiss worried about foreigners, pensions and jobs
The Swiss are becoming more optimistic but concerns remain about refugees, unemployment and pension provision, a survey has found.
The 2016 Worry Barometer by bank Credit Suisse noted that the economic situation was seen as positive and confidence in institutions had increased.
The survey of 1010 people was carried out in July.
“The Swiss feel less threatened by the problems they face, and their mood is optimistic,” said the report’s authors.
“The issues of adult and youth unemployment, foreigners and refugees, AHV (old age and survivors' insurance) and retirement provisions continue to be their main concerns.”
The top worries in percentage terms of the population were foreigners (36 percent), retirement provision/pensions (28 percent), unemployment (26 percent) and refugees/asylum issues (26 percent).
Youth unemployment, relations with the European Union and health care/insurance concerned more than 20 percent of those polled.
The figures showed a big jump in concerns about traffic, 20 Minuten reported.
Eleven percent considered it one of the top five worries.
The paper quoted CS’s transport expert, Thomas Rühl, as saying traffic jams had increased significantly owing to population growth in recent years.
People were also concerned about a shortage of seats in trains and buses, he said.Even if their worries have not disappeared entirely, the Swiss people are more positive about their own personal economic situation this year than ever before, the report said.
More than two-thirds of the population currently describe their situation as good or even very good, and only a small fraction expect it to worsen.
A majority expressed confidence in the country’s politicians and business leaders.
As in 2015, the Swiss Federal Court was considered the most trustworthy institution, followed by the Council of States chamber of parliament and the police in joint second position.
While a clear majority did not see joining the EU as an option, confidence in the body had increased “dramatically”, the report said.
Credit Suisse has been producing its annual Worry Barometer for 40 years.
Comments
See Also
The 2016 Worry Barometer by bank Credit Suisse noted that the economic situation was seen as positive and confidence in institutions had increased.
The survey of 1010 people was carried out in July.
“The Swiss feel less threatened by the problems they face, and their mood is optimistic,” said the report’s authors.
“The issues of adult and youth unemployment, foreigners and refugees, AHV (old age and survivors' insurance) and retirement provisions continue to be their main concerns.”
The top worries in percentage terms of the population were foreigners (36 percent), retirement provision/pensions (28 percent), unemployment (26 percent) and refugees/asylum issues (26 percent).
Youth unemployment, relations with the European Union and health care/insurance concerned more than 20 percent of those polled.
The figures showed a big jump in concerns about traffic, 20 Minuten reported.
Eleven percent considered it one of the top five worries.
The paper quoted CS’s transport expert, Thomas Rühl, as saying traffic jams had increased significantly owing to population growth in recent years.
People were also concerned about a shortage of seats in trains and buses, he said.Even if their worries have not disappeared entirely, the Swiss people are more positive about their own personal economic situation this year than ever before, the report said.
More than two-thirds of the population currently describe their situation as good or even very good, and only a small fraction expect it to worsen.
A majority expressed confidence in the country’s politicians and business leaders.
As in 2015, the Swiss Federal Court was considered the most trustworthy institution, followed by the Council of States chamber of parliament and the police in joint second position.
While a clear majority did not see joining the EU as an option, confidence in the body had increased “dramatically”, the report said.
Credit Suisse has been producing its annual Worry Barometer for 40 years.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.