Zug's representive in Bern points out risks of Switzerland's proposed new deal with EU

Last week, Thomas Aeschi of the SVP party, who represents Zug in the National Council in Bern, addressed locals here about what was going on in both chambers of the national parliament, and indeed for the 30th time.

The event, organised by the SVP party of the city of Zug, took place at the Swisshotel on Chollerstrasse and was very well attended.

First on the agenda was a new deal being discussed between the Swiss Confederation and the EU, about which Aeschi explained all the disadvantages for Switzerland, not least the mandatory acceptance of EU law, being subjected to rulings of the European Court of Justice, and interference in cantons’ fiscal laws. Aeschi is convinced that, should Switzerland enter into such an agreement, its tradition of direct democracy would be adversely affected, not to mention Switzerland’s independence, neutrality, federal structure and social welfare.

He then went on to mention other matters such as the ongoing debate about reforms relating to social benefits and the equal treatment of parents who look after their own children themselves, compared with those who have them looked after by others, in addition to amendments to regulations pertaining to procurement in relation to public matters to ensure that Swiss small-and-medium-sized businesses were not disadvantaged by any foreign suppliers.

There followed drinks provided by one member of those attending, with the announcement that the next time Aeschi would be reporting on parliamentary matters would be on Thursday 27 June at the Seminarhotel in Unterägeri.

This article is based on a report by Thomas Aeschi himself. The illustration is an archive photograph.