A few hours after the supporters of the initiative on environmental responsibility, the Federal Council also entered the campaign. Environment Minister Albert Rösti recommended Thursday to the Swiss people to reject this text which “goes too far”.
The popular initiative “for a responsible economy within the limits of the planet” (initiative for environmental responsibility) calls for the Swiss economy to evolve within the limits imposed by nature. The Federal Council and Parliament recognize that resources must be conserved.
>> Read also: The initiative committee for environmental responsibility launched its campaign
Great importance is already given to environmental protection, believes the government, which assures that Switzerland has been acting in this direction for decades.
Restriction of consumption
“We recognize that natural resources must be protected. But the approach defended by the initiative will have serious consequences for the population and the economy,” Albert Rösti told the media in Bern. “We would have to reduce consumption by three to respect the initiative.”
Consumption would be subject to restrictions in the areas of food, housing, clothing and mobility, observed the Federal Councilor. The restrictions imposed would also impact travel, leisure and vacations. “We will have to give up the standard of living to which we are accustomed,” warned the minister.
Adapt production
Products and services intended for the Swiss market would be subject to stricter requirements than those in force abroad, the Minister of the Environment further argued. And to warn that the Swiss economic center would be weakened.
Many companies would have to adapt their production or abandon certain products. As a result, the Swiss market could become less attractive and companies could leave the territory. Jobs would be lost. And many everyday consumer goods would become more expensive. People with the lowest incomes would suffer, warned Albert Rösti.
Finally, mitigating the effects of the initiative without burdening the state budget would be impossible. Furthermore, the ten-year period is too short to put in place the necessary measures, the minister added. The Swiss will decide on February 9.
ats/asch
Swiss
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