Now the man who donated a quarter of a million to the pension initiative speaks: “An intact Switzerland is more important to me than a lot of money.”

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The vote on the federal proposals on March 3 is expected to have cost more than six million francs. The Federal Audit Office (SFAO) published the campaign budgets for the first time on Thursday evening. The budget of the opponents of a 13th AHV pension was the largest. In total, their campaign cost more than 3.5 million francs.

Just over 1.5 million francs was budgeted for the Yes campaign. The economic umbrella organization Economiesuisse took over most of the No campaign, with 2.75 million francs.

Individual donation of 230,000 francs

The battle for the Jungfreisinn pension initiative is being waged with less money. The supporters have calculated 897,000 francs. They can count on a large donation from an individual of 230,000 francs.

The generous donor is called Oliver Ehinger (55). He is the father of three children and a member of the management of asset manager Ehinger & Cie. based in Basel, which was founded in 1810 by his ancestor Christoph de Mathias Ehinger-Burckhardt. At the same time, he is involved with the FDP as a local politician in Arlesheim BL.

“Sustainability financing disastrous”

“In my opinion, the preparation of the pension provision is unfortunately unsatisfactory. The three-pillar principle is ingenious, but a retirement age that is too low is disastrous for the sustainability of financing,” Ehinger tells Blick. According to him, this unresolved problem is a fundamental challenge for our country. Because the longer we postpone this problem, the more expensive it will become for future generations.

He is happy that the young parties support the cause. “That was my main motivation for the financial support,” says Ehinger, explaining his donation. It is his first major donation to a political cause.

No money for unpopular causes

In Basel it is tradition for private individuals to support cultural and social issues. But Ehinger believes: “Politics is underfunded. While trade unions, associations and NGOs have many resources at their disposal, parties have relatively little money at their disposal.

There is no money, especially for an unpopular cause like the Young Liberals’ pension initiative. “If I can help address this problem with my donation, I would be happy to do so. Because an intact Switzerland with a healthy system is more important to me than having a lot of money,” he says.

He is aware that the pension initiative will face difficulties. “For me, however, the donation is a long-term investment. A first step. That is why I will continue to support the cause.” Because ultimately it will probably no longer be possible to increase the retirement age. Even if it takes several tries.

Source:Blick