Swiss voters reject environment, pensions reforms

GENEVA: Swiss voters rejected proposals to bolster biodiversity protections as well as a pensions reform in twin referendums on Sunday, according to projected results.

Switzerland may be associated with pristine natural landscapes, but environmentalists have sounded the alarm over its endangered ecosystems and were urging voters to back broader biodiversity protections.

The proposal failed, however, with only 37 percent of votes in favour and a turnout of 45.2 percent, according to provisional results reported by federal authorities around 1430 GMT on Sunday.

Voters also rejected a planned reform of the financing of the wealthy Alpine nation´s pension system, the results indicated.

The first proposal had the backing of a number of environmental protection organisations, including Pro Natura and BirdLife.