NGO criticises Switzerland over ‘opaque’ lobbyists
Political lobbying in Switzerland is much too opaque and not properly regulated, warns Transparency International, which has ranked the Alpine nation poorly in a comparative European survey.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone SDA/sb
Switzerland came 11th out of 20 states and three European Union institutions in a survey published on ThursdayExternal link, which compared the quality of lobbying work being carried out. The top three were Slovenia, the European Commission and Lithuania, while Hungary and Cyprus were ranked last.
The NGO criticised the lack of transparency and integrity rules among Swiss lobbyists and the inability to properly monitor their actions. It said the lack of federal rules and regulations governing lobbyists is inadequate and risks influence peddling and even corruption.
“Despite occasional progress in transparency, effective lobbying takes place on a daily basis in total opacity,” Transparency International wrote in a statement.External link
Lobbyists are particularly active behind the scenes in administrative procedures, in parliamentary committees and in areas where they share common interests with parliamentarians, the study notes.
But the main lobbying force in Bern are not professional lobbyists but parliamentarians. According to official declarations, Switzerland’s 246 parliamentarians have over 2,000 declared links to over 1,700 organisations.
Some parliamentary committees have accumulated more than 200 lobbying mandates and lobbying is active among the 150 registered parliamentary groups. While Swiss law limits membership of these groups to parliamentarians, the study notes that the secretariats of two-thirds of these groups are held by external lobbyists.
Transparency International Switzerland is calling for greater transparency throughout the political decision-making process and clear binding rules. It says the parliament, government and federal authorities should systematically document and publish lobbyists’ interventions and parliamentarians should provide more complete information on their lobbying mandates and interests, including financial aspects.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland ranked among least corrupt in global index
This content was published on
For the second year running, Switzerland has been ranked third in Transparency International’s (TI) 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index.
This content was published on
Though Switzerland has not yet ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Geneva is hosting an important meeting on the treaty.
Questions swirl on outside influence in Swiss parliament
This content was published on
Concerns are growing about foreign influence in parliament, amid media reports showing a widening circle of power brokers received financial perks from lobbyists for Kazakh special interests.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.