In Switzerland, unlike other European countries, the tobacco industry remains a key player in cultural and social patronage. This model made possible by a permissive legal framework, which certain actors are gradually rejecting, according to a report published Tuesday by OxySuisse, is controversial.
In Switzerland, the tobacco industry continues to finance events such as festivals: Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco support emblematic places such as the Grand Théâtre de Genève, the Paléo Festival or the Kunsthaus Zurich, but also social initiatives such as those of Caritas or the Protestant Social Center of Neuchâtel. while these partnerships are prohibited in many other European countries.
And OxySuisse report published Tuesday points out this financing still active in cultural and social fields in Switzerland.
Between necessity and emancipation
The stakeholders concerned respond that this funding is vital because it allows them to ensure ambitious programming or exhibitions while maintaining accessible prices.
But the position is debated, because behind these philanthropic acts, the tobacco industry exercises important political strategies.
Faced with pressure, certain cultural actors have chosen and succeeded in emancipating themselves.
Events like Festi Neuch or the Plage des Six Pompes in La Chaux de Fonds have already cut ties with this controversial funding. Others have gone even further, such as the Festival de la Cité which abandoned sponsorship from Philip Morris for a collaboration with the Vaudois Pulmonary League.
Zoé Decker / juma
Business
