Who funds Swiss politics? Over 130 million in campaigns

Context

In brief

• Over 130 million in political campaigns since 2023
• Economiesuisse tops the list with nearly 11 million
• APF spends 5.7 million to abolish the rental value

Key facts

• What: Funding for Swiss political campaigns
• When: Since 2023
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Economiesuisse, APF, and other interest groups
• Amount: Over 130 million francs

Since the transparency rules came into effect, over 130 million francs have been invested in Swiss political campaigns. Of these, nearly 61 million come from contributions identified in the Federal Finance Administration's registry. Analyzing these data, nearly 400 different donors have been identified, but a significant portion of the funds comes from a small circle of interest groups.

Economiesuisse in the lead

One organization stands out above all others: economiesuisse, the umbrella association of the Swiss economy. Very active, it has invested in campaigns related to 16 of the 21 ballot issues analyzed. In total, its declared donations reach nearly 11 million francs, not counting contributions made to political parties outside of campaigns.

'Throughout the year, you have to make choices about the issues, because our resources are not unlimited,' says Cristina Gaggini, director for French-speaking Switzerland at economiesuisse. 'Often, we have to commit decisively to defend the liberal model to which our country owes its success.'

The amounts vary significantly from one issue to another: nearly 3 million francs for the campaign against the 13th AVS pension, compared to just 18,500 francs for the revision of tenancy law. 'We take into account the nature of the issue and its complexity: the more complex it is, the more it needs to be explained, and this requires the mobilization of significant financial resources,' Gaggini specifies.

However, money does not always guarantee a vote's success. Despite the 2.9 million francs invested against the 13th AVS pension, the proposal was accepted by the population. Nevertheless, economiesuisse often finds itself in the winning camp, with ten successes and six defeats since 2024.

Invisible companies behind organizations

Economiesuisse's funds come from its members, but as for the identity of the companies that contribute the most, Gaggini does not go into detail: 'These are the economic sectors that contribute most to Switzerland's prosperity.' In the official registry, donations are listed under the name of the umbrella organization and not under the name of the companies that finance it.

'This allows very important donors, large companies, not to see their name appear,' explains historian and political scientist Pierre Eichenberger, a member of the Swiss Elites Observatory at the University of Lausanne.

The second most important donor, the Association of Swiss Property Owners (APF), adopts a very different strategy. It has made donations on only five occasions, and the vast majority of the 8.7 million francs invested has been allocated to three issues: the abolition of the rental value and the two revisions of tenancy law. Large donations on rental value

With 5.7 million francs in favor of the abolition of the rental value, the money spent by the APF and its sections represented over 80% of the funds declared for this campaign, considering both sides, for and against. This is the most unbalanced consultation in terms of financial resources among those analyzed, with 92% of the funds going to the campaign for abolition. The massive financial commitment of the AFP was accompanied by a victory, with the issue being accepted with 57% of votes in favor.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

Political donations can have a significant impact on cross-border workers in Switzerland, especially in Ticino. Campaigns funded by economiesuisse and APF can influence fiscal and social policies that directly affect transnational workers. For example, the campaign against the 13th AVS pension could influence the AVS and LPP contributions of cross-border workers, while changes to rental law could affect housing costs in Ticino.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the new transparency rules came into effect, political donations were often anonymous. This change has made it possible to identify the main donors and better understand who funds political campaigns. However, as highlighted by Pierre Eichenberger, many donations still go through umbrella organizations, making it difficult to trace the origin of the funds.

Future scenarios

With the increase in transparency, it is likely that interest groups will continue to play a significant role in Swiss political campaigns. Cross-border workers should carefully monitor campaigns funded by economiesuisse and APF, as these can have a direct impact on their working and living conditions in Switzerland.

Analysis of donations

The donations from economiesuisse and APF show a clear interest in economic and fiscal policies. Campaigns against the 13th AVS pension and for the abolition of the rental value reflect a targeted strategy to influence policies that can have a significant impact on the Swiss economy and cross-border workers.

Useful planning tools

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Key points

What cross-border workers should do

Cross-border workers employed in Switzerland should closely monitor the political campaigns funded by economiesuisse and APF. It's important to understand how these campaigns can influence the fiscal and social policies that directly affect transborder workers. For example, changes to tenancy law could impact housing costs in Ticino, while campaigns against the 13th AVS pension could affect AVS and LPP contributions.

Procedure to monitor campaigns

1. Inform yourself: Read articles and reports on the political campaigns funded by economiesuisse and APF. 2. Participate: Take part in public consultations and votes concerning fiscal and social policies. 3. Monitor: Keep track of political decisions that can influence the working and living conditions of cross-border workers in Switzerland. 4. Use tools: Utilize tools like the salary calculator to better understand the impact of fiscal policies on your income.

Conclusions

Political donations in Switzerland have a significant impact on cross-border workers in Ticino. It's important to closely monitor the campaigns funded by economiesuisse and APF and understand how these can influence fiscal and social policies. Using tools like the salary calculator can help better understand the impact of fiscal policies on your income.

Source: rsi.ch