Maurer was critical of the media’s handling of the pandemic in an interview published in the Aargauer Zeitung newspaper on Friday. Media pressure has led to a potentially unnecessary tightening of measures in Switzerland, he said.
He complained that when experts present different scenarios, the media often only highlight the worst possible case. “This gives too one-sided a picture, but the media need a headline every day,” he said.
According to Maurer, by focusing on the worst-case scenario, the media could have contributed to pressuring the authorities to impose tough measures, that were unnecessary in hindsight. He blamed the press coverage for creating an appetite for sweeping restrictions instead of a more targeted and differentiated approach.
Maurer’s criticism of the Swiss press comes ahead of a referendum on government funding measures aimed at supporting struggling private media publications.
Last summer the Swiss parliament approved a government policy to provide more support to private media organisations via a package of direct and indirect financial aid. The plan is to allocate an additional CHF151 million ($165 million) a year to newspapers, radio and television channels and online news sites.
Politicians and publishers who oppose the decision have initiated a referendum. Swiss voters will decide on February 13.
Easing of restrictions
Maurer, from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, said the country could gradually normalise given that the spread of the Omicron variant has had limited serious consequences. In hindsight, he wondered whether this could not have happened sooner.
If it is confirmed that the virus in its current form is no longer so dangerous, “we can lift all measures. The first trends are encouraging, but it is still too early to decide”, he said.
The number of Swiss cases of Covid-19 has risen slightly from 181,122 in the first week of the year to 185,406 in the second. However, hospitalisations are declining, with 547 hospital admissions recorded between January 10-16, compared with 629 the previous week, the Federal Office of Public Health said in its weekly report on Thursday.
The number of deaths connected to Covid during the week under review was 86, the same as the number recorded at the same time the previous week.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
UN in Geneva calls for reform of tariffs on plastics
This content was published on
The United Nations is calling for a reform of customs tariffs on plastics, which are lower than those imposed on alternatives, ahead of negotiations for a treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help
This content was published on
Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.
Giant Swiss flag torn by the wind at the foot of mountain
This content was published on
A giant Swiss flag tore as it was rolled out on a grassy slope at the foot of a mountain ahead of August 1 National Day celebrations.
Swiss anti-Covid curbs to remain at least until end of February
This content was published on
The Swiss government has decided to extend until the end of next month current anti-Covid restrictions, including the work-from-home rule.
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.