Spuhler (Stadler Rail): I am undecided on bilateral III (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Peter Spuhler is undecided about Bilateral Agreements III
• The manager is 67 years old and from Thurgau
• Spuhler expresses institutional doubts
• The free trade agreement dates back to 1972

Key facts

Who: Peter Spuhler Role: Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadler Rail Age: 67 years Political background: Former SVP national councillor from Thurgau Cited source: L'Agefi

Peter Spuhler, chairman of the board of directors of Stadler Rail and one of the country's best-known entrepreneurs, is currently undecided regarding the new package of agreements with the European Union that the Federal Council has named Bilateral Agreements III. The entrepreneur expressed this reflection during an interview published by the French-speaking financial periodical L'Agefi. During the conversation with the journalist from the Swiss media outlet, the 67-year-old executive highlighted how his company, as an export-oriented entity, derives essential benefit from the Bilateral Agreements I. These understandings, which entered into force twenty-five years ago, represent according to the entrepreneur the fundamental pillar for commercial activities with European partners, while admitting that with the passing of time they are progressively losing part of their original effectiveness.

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Operational details

Entering into the merits of the institutional criticisms raised during the interview given to the Roman periodical L'Agefi, the chairman of the board of directors of Stadler Rail emphasises the loss of incisiveness that Switzerland would risk undergoing in relation to Community decision-making processes. According to the Turgovian entrepreneur, the institutional profile of the new package would entail the renunciation of many possibilities of intervention in the political process through the typical tools of Swiss democracy, such as popular initiatives and referendums. The businessman stresses the need to reflect very carefully on this specific aspect, carefully weighing any consequences before taking a definitive position. During the articulated conversation with the financial press, the sixty-seven-year-old executive also recalled that the previous treaties would still remain in force even in the event of a possible rejection of the new package of agreements proposed by the Federal Council.

Historical reports and national political stability

Responding to the journalist's question about the alleged need to have an institutional agreement with the European Union to protect corporate interests, the entrepreneur reiterated that the Swiss Confederation can already rely on the free trade agreement signed in 1972, in addition to the aforementioned bilateral agreements I and II.

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Key points

Reflecting on the dynamics of civic participation and the resilience of the Swiss political system, the entrepreneur highlighted how direct democracy allows citizens to intervene constantly in the national political process. The manager cited the current situation in large neighboring countries such as France and Germany as an example, where there is widespread disillusionment among citizens toward the traditional political class, resulting in a shift of votes toward far-right or far-left political forces. Drawing on his studies at the University of St. Gallen, the businessman warned the country to pay utmost attention to avoid taking a similar and potentially risky direction for the social and economic cohesion of the nation.

The value of Swiss stability in the economic landscape Concluding his reflections published by the financial periodical L'Agefi, the former SVP National Councillor wanted to emphasize the uniqueness of the Swiss political system, where variations in National Council election results of two percentage points are immediately interpreted as true political earthquakes, whereas in other state realities double-digit shocks are required to record comparable variations. To preserve this precious institutional and economic stability, according to the industrial executive, any evolution in relations with Brussels must be evaluated with extreme caution, carefully weighing every single aspect of the ongoing negotiations. For an in-depth analysis of wage and tax dynamics related to the Swiss economic and productive fabric, you can consult the salary calculator available on the platform.

Source: swissinfo.ch