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The Alps, skiing, hiking – and $2,600 a month guaranteed?

If the Swiss Alps can’t get you to move to Switzerland, how about a guaranteed monthly income of $2,600? Voters in Switzerland next month will decide on a basic income for its permanent residents and citizens.
If the Swiss Alps can’t get you to move to Switzerland, how about a guaranteed monthly income of $2,600? Voters in Switzerland next month will decide on a basic income for its permanent residents and citizens. AP file photo

If the tense presidential race has you thinking about a move to Canada, there could be a new option to consider.

Switzerland.

Voters in the European country will decide on June 5 on a proposal to guarantee a monthly income of $2,600 – tax-free – to its adult citizens and residents, and $650 to each child. (There is a catch: Those who earn more than $2,600 a month would have part of their earnings tax-exempt.)

If the referendum is approved, Switzerland would become the first country to guarantee a monthly basic income.

Supporters say the guaranteed income would eradicate proverty and dependence on social welfare, according to Swiss Info, a service of the Swiss Broadcasting Corp.

Opponents have called the measure “the most dangerous and harmful initiative ever.”

“It is a far-out idea that is not feasible,” Raymond Clottu, a conservative right parliamentarian, told SBC. He cited the “enormous costs,” among other factors, that the guaranteed income would bring.

But before you book that trip to Bern, Geneva or Zurich, keep in mind the measure has received little support in the Swiss Parliament, and one poll suggests the proposal will fail.

Besides, you’ll likely have to wait 10 years to gain Swiss residency or citizenship.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 3:23 PM with the headline "The Alps, skiing, hiking – and $2,600 a month guaranteed?."

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