31.03.2025
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Westminster Speech

Those Who Wish to Defend Freedom Must Begin with Themselves

This year’s Westminster Dinner, hosted by Andrew Rosindell, Member of Parliament and Chair of the All-Party British-Swiss Parliamentary Group, focused on a central theme: the pressure on freedom and how to resist it. Jürg Müller delivered the dinner speech.

(Photo: Tom Oscar Morgan)

In his speech, Müller emphasized that while freedom is a key driver of economic prosperity, it faces a significant challenge when people wear ideological blinders and see themselves as victims rather than self-determined individuals. He argued that inner freedom must be continuously reclaimed by each of us, as only in this way can freedom at large be sustainably defended. You can read the entire speech here.

On Trump’s Radar

What Now Needs to Be Considered

The new U.S. Trade Representative has called on American companies to report unfair trade practices by other countries. Switzerland, too, appears to have come under U.S. scrutiny. How should Bern respond? Simon Stocker and Lukas Schmid explain what the U.S. is accusing Switzerland of and which arguments the Swiss government can use in its defense. Learn more now.

The Figure

The introduction of a financial transaction tax has been a failure in most countries. The bond market concerned collapsed dramatically after the introduction of this tax. And the revenues were therefore much lower than expected. In Sweden, for example, the tax only brought in 3 percent of the expected revenue. (Michele Salvi)

Immigration

Safeguard Clause: Caution!

High immigration is a major concern for the population. With a safeguard clause, Switzerland aims to curb strong migration from the EU. But can this clause truly provide the desired control – or will it ultimately remain just a political placebo? Patrick Leisibach examines the opportunities and risks of this new and still unfamiliar instrument.

Deregulation

How to Cut Red Tape Without a Chainsaw

Even the EU is taking its first steps toward cutting red tape. It’s high time to tackle the issue here as well, argues Avenir Suisse Director Jürg Müller in his column in the NZZ am Sonntag. He highlights why the problem has recently worsened in Switzerland – and presents two possible solutions for debate.

New Essential

Outdated Cantonal Bank Policy

A majority of Swiss cantons grant their cantonal banks extensive privileges, including explicit government guarantees and tax exemptions. The costs are borne by taxpayers, private banks, and the federal government. Lukas Schmid highlights that, unlike at the time of the cantonal banks' founding, there is no longer a shortage of financial services that would require state intervention.

Our Latest Publications

Guaranteed Benefits for Cantonal Banks	On the Optimal Management of Immigration	Avenir Suisse Freedom Index 2024

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