Time for a change after 734 years

U.S.-Swiss agreement faces troubles, dominated by the substantial tax burden imposed by Trump, as reported by our partner outlet 'WOZ', raising questions about Switzerland's privileged status.

, and Administrator

2025 September 2 . 9:19 PM

2 min read

Sufficient passage of 734 years has elapsed

Time for a change after 734 years

In the latest issue of the Swiss partner medium "Wochenzeitung" (No. 32, 7th August), the focus is on critical reporting of migration policy, environmental and economic policy, among other things. One of the key topics discussed is the Swiss People's Party (SVP) and their stance on EU membership and the US trade dispute.

The SVP, a right-wing party that is firmly against EU membership, recently burned new contracts with the EU in a promotional video on August 1st, National Day in Switzerland. They view current bilateral agreements with the EU critically, calling them a "submission treaty," and oppose strengthening relations, considering such moves a threat to Swiss sovereignty. The party campaigns for rejection of these agreements if put to a referendum, expected in 2027.

Regarding the trade dispute with the US, particularly the recent 39% tariffs imposed on Swiss exports, the SVP joins other party members in resisting concessions to Washington. A majority of Swiss people also prefer resisting US pressure without offering significant compromises, even accepting economic pain. Among Swiss parties, SVP supporters are notably skeptical of closer ties with the EU as a solution to trade vulnerabilities, showing only limited support for strengthening relations with Europe.

However, Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter's personal stance on the EU or the US trade dispute remains unclear from the search results. Given the broader Swiss political landscape, especially the right-wing spectrum in which the SVP is dominant, it is likely that Keller-Sutter’s position aligns with maintaining Swiss independence and cautious diplomacy.

In summary, the SVP emphasises Swiss sovereignty, skepticism of EU influence, and resistance to external pressure affecting Switzerland’s political and economic independence. The US president's imposition of tariffs on Switzerland on the same day, and Keller-Sutter's conviction that she has found access to Trump and that Switzerland will receive a deal, add complexity to the ongoing trade dispute.

It is worth noting that Switzerland's gold refineries, which are a potential liability in trade disputes with Trump, were supported by big banks during the racist South African apartheid regime. This raises questions about Switzerland's historical involvement in issues such as the slave trade, colonial exploitation, and tax havens.

The WOZ, an independent, nationwide left-wing weekly newspaper in Switzerland, based in Zurich and founded in 1981, provides progressive perspectives on these and other international and national developments. The WOZ is published by the infolink cooperative and financially supported by the ProWOZ association. Unlike many other newspapers, the WOZ has no publisher or chief editor, with important decisions made democratically at the base.

As the EU-US Bilateral III (contract between Switzerland and the EU) becomes a pressing response to the trade dispute, the question arises as to whether Switzerland still wants to adhere to the idea of an autonomous defense with super-expensive fighter jets. In the long run, a reduction in dependence on pharma is needed due to its exorbitant profits on medications, and an extension of short-time work is needed economically, given the looming recession. These are issues that the WOZ, and other progressive media outlets like "L'Humanité," "Il Manifesto," "Zeitung vum Lëtzebuerger Vollek," "Kansan Uutiset," and "Náše Pravda," will continue to cover and advocate for.