Things get uncomfortable for Parmelin

class=”sc-3778e872-0 cKDKQr”>

This rarely succeeds: the Bundesrat surprises all of Bern. Ironically about the issue of Europe – the file whose confidential content reliably finds its way to the media. But this time, even their own party chairpersons were not informed in advance. Wednesday’s decision to continue with the Europe dossier was therefore like a bang.

In concrete terms, the government has decided to define the “core values” of a negotiating mandate by the end of June. In addition, the economics department should make suggestions on how to ensure wage protection at home.

No one expected the decision because elections are six months away – and all parties are afraid to give the SVP an election gift with a new sovereignty debate. So why did the Federal Council act now of all times?

progress

In its communiqué, the Federal Council writes twice about the “positive dynamics” that currently exist. In fact, the exploratory talks between Bern and Brussels would have promoted mutual understanding. The visit of EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic (56) to Freiburg three weeks ago also brought new impetus to relations with the EU. In contrast to the first meeting, which was marked by misunderstandings, the second round of talks between Sefcovic and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (61) apparently took place in a friendly atmosphere.

The opinion of the cantons, key players in the European dossier, also helped the Federal Council. The announcement that all 26 cantons would support new negotiations with the EU and accept the European Court of Justice (ECJ) as their authority was a through ball for Foreign Minister Cassis.

And then there is Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (59). According to political insiders, the SP Bundesrat is more open to negotiations with the EU than its predecessor Simonetta Sommaruga (62). Thanks to her Jurassic heritage, she knows the importance of good relations with neighboring countries. She also gets along well with Cassis, who was often isolated in the previous constellation.

The pressure is mounting

But it is also clear that the Bundesrat could no longer ignore the expectation of the EU to act. At a time when Switzerland is under international pressure – keyword arms exports, neutrality, banking crisis – it has clearly come to the conclusion that a sign of adjustment to the EU is in order. Dissatisfaction with the continuing standstill in business and research is also growing in our own country.

Guy Parmelin (63) feels it immediately. As minister of economy and education, the SVP Federal Council is responsible for those files in which the blockade is most obvious. The result: almost weekly calls from industry and science to his address.

As if that were not enough, a new, almost unsolvable task now lands on his desk. Together with the social partners and the cantons, the Economy Department will develop proposals to guarantee wage protection. Seco Secretary of State Helene Budliger Artieda (58) must find a way that is acceptable to both unions and employers. That is the mandate of the Bundesrat.

Lost battle

This makes the situation a bit more awkward for Parmelin. “He can only lose,” summarizes a political observer in a nutshell. The SVP will hardly appreciate it if its own Bundesrat acts as a midwife in the Europe dossier. On the other hand, business, science, cantons and pro-Europeans in Parliament and the Federal Council are pushing for a solution.

But can the Gordian knot be cut at all? One thing is certain: wage protection is currently the biggest stumbling block in European politics. An agreement on state aid seems possible; safeguard clauses could allow for a compromise in the citizens’ directive. Even the Court of Justice has lost some of its terror, as the cantons’ statement shows.

The Bundesrat apparently wants to believe that a solution is possible for wage protection. Interesting: the unions are currently remarkably cautious. They maintain their position that there is no question of a reduction in wage protection. In addition, the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions will not comment further on the subject for now.

This is already a success for Secretary of State Cassis.

It’s no coincidence.

New body

With the establishment of a so-called Sounding Board Group, Cassis has succeeded in involving the most important actors – trade unions, employers, cantons, the business community – in the European policy debate. The participants hear the status of the exploratory talks – and can get started right away. The fact that almost nothing of these conversations has leaked through the media also has to do with a new rule: the participants in the exclusive round may not be represented. That helped build trust, says one of those involved.

The coming months will show whether that is enough to reach a solution. With its communication, the Bundesrat has succeeded in giving the impression of progress while at the same time leaving the door open as much as possible.

At the end of June, he wants to set the benchmarks for a mandate – but only the benchmarks. Means: Until when the negotiating mandate is actually adopted, is written in the stars. It is quite certain that the Federal Council will have to wait until after the October 2023 elections. Because the Federal Council has no interest in an election gift to the SVP – at least five of the seven members.

Source:Blick