In the proverbial fairy-tale Switzerland, it is apparently not so fairy-tale for all people. Photo: Markus Thoenen
Welfare state, but a third barely survives: “With a pension of 2,000 euros, it is too expensive”
The rising cost of living, high rents and more expensive health insurance are pushing many Swiss residents to the brink of survival.
According to an extensive survey of the readers of the Swiss newspaper Blick, in which more than 7,000 people took part, it is becoming clear that even in one of the richest countries in the world, more and more people are facing serious financial problems, Večernji list summarizes.
Switzerland has long been considered a symbol of prosperity, stability and high wages. But the reality for many residents is becoming more and more demanding. The combination of the high cost of living, rising rents and continued increases in health insurance means that many can no longer afford even basic financial comfort.
A large proportion of the population today lives without savings, and some even paycheck to paycheck. The sense of financial security that was once taken for granted is gradually disappearing.
Alarming research results
The results of the survey show a worrying picture: almost a third of the respondents have less than 500 francs (approximately 500 euros) available per month after paying all fixed costs, and as many as 13 percent have no money left over. Only a little more than a quarter of the population manage to save more than 3,000 francs a month.
These data point to increasing financial insecurity even among middle-class employees.
Personal stories reveal reality
Many residents speak openly about their hardships. “I work full time, and my partner only 20 percent. With three children, we have less money to live on every month because everything is getting expensive. Wages no longer follow price growth,” says Mathias Reimann.
Engin Harun has a similar experience: “In order to support my family, I had to accept additional work. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to pay taxes and health insurance.”
Health problems further complicate the situation
For some, the situation is even more difficult due to health problems. Miriam Schenk, who receives a disability pension, describes her reality:
“The rent and health insurance are covered, but I have almost nothing left. If an unexpected bill comes up, I have no reserve. I often even have to skip meals because I can’t afford food.”
Pensioners are moving abroad
Pensioners are particularly vulnerable. Roland Zaugg decided to leave Switzerland and move to Spain.
“For fifty years I helped build this country. But today I have to live in Spain because in Switzerland with a pension of 1,900 francs it is simply too expensive,” he says.
Maria Baumgartner has a similar experience: “I moved out nine years ago. I simply cannot afford to live in Switzerland anymore.”
Although Switzerland remains one of the richest countries in the world, the gap between income and the cost of living is clearly widening. The research reveals that the economic power of a country does not necessarily mean financial security for all its inhabitants.
