In a referendum held on Sunday, the Swiss unexpectedly rejected a law on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, along with other ecological initiatives.

51.6% of voters cast their ballots against the law, which aimed to halve CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

The law, which had been in preparation by the government and parliament for four years, would have led to an increase in petrol and diesel prices, while air passengers would have had to pay an additional levy of up to 120 francs (110 euros), depending on the distance of the flight.

With the rejection of the law, it is no longer clear whether and how Switzerland will fulfil its obligations stemming from the Paris Agreement.

Following government advice, 61% of voters also rejected a proposal to ban synthetic pesticides, as well as the import of food products in the production of which such pesticides have been used.

An equally large number of Swiss voted against a second agriculture-related initiative, which proposed granting subsidies only to those farmers who do not use pesticides, reduce their use of antibiotics, and keep only as many livestock as they can feed with the fodder they produce themselves.