Strengthen competitiveness and security

The new American president Donald Trump sends clear signals: tax reduction, reduction of regulations and increase in customs duties. He urges Europe to do more for its safety. In this complex geopolitical and economic environment, Switzerland must skillfully navigate and strengthen its attractiveness. The annual Economiesuisse press conference, the scheme for small and large Swiss companies, was placed under the sign of major reform projects. “We have to overcome blockages and special interests. Guaranteeing prosperity and security requires today a spirit of collective responsibility and courageous decisions, ”said Christoph Mäder, president of Economiesuisse. The budget reduction program puts federal finances to the test. For the economy, it is essential that the budget is based on solid long -term bases. It is only in this way that a room for maneuver can be created allowing to invest in security and defense.
European policy: Internal implementation is the central question
For the Swiss economic place, it is essential to consolidate the bilateral way with the European Union (EU). “We are convinced that the bilateral way is tailor -made for our country: where we want market access or cooperation, we conclude agreements and we agree on common rules. But, in the areas where we do not want to agree, we do not sign, “said Monika Rühl, president of management. Based on the information known in connection with the package of negotiated agreements, the economy can draw a first positive assessment: updating existing internal market access agreements makes it possible to durably consolidate access to the European market. Cooperation programs in specific fields, including research and development via Horizon Europe, are extremely positive in the eyes of economiesuisse. The economy also welcomes the fact that the safeguard clause could have been materialized in the agreement on the free movement of people. This constitutes the foundation to take measures in the event of major problems. It is now a question of implementing the package of agreements on the inner level. The concrete proposals on this subject will be decisive for the final evaluation of bilateral III. They are not yet available at this stage. One thing is nevertheless sure: the flexibility of the labor market is not negotiable.
Banking regulations: Union is strength
Switzerland needs a strong UBS. The export economy is dependent on a global bank with an excellent international network capable of supporting, finance and supporting its commercial activities abroad. It is in the interest of all that UBS is competitive. Imposing the requirements that prevent it from asserting itself in the UBS in the international competition would be a mistake. But that does not mean that we must not optimize and improve existing banking regulations. It is important to do what is necessary and to act where it is indeed necessary. The report of the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CEP) has shown that the main problems were insufficient management at Credit Suisse, partial use of monitoring instruments available to Finma and faulty cooperation between the authorities. With regard to the regulatory framework, the economy considers essential to focus on an international coordinated approach to guarantee the competitiveness of the financial center.
Initiative for environmental responsibility: a firm refusal
On February 9, the Swiss people will decide on the initiative for environmental responsibility for young Greens. Acceptance would lead to an increase in prices, consumption prohibitions and a more restrictive regulatory framework. This initiative illustrates a broader trend: instead of looking for viable compromises, there are unrealistic objectives that jeopardize Switzerland’s competitiveness. Economiesuisse firmly rejects this initiative and actively engages in the campaign for a no.