Swiss Review 4/2019

Swiss Review / July 2019 / No.4 15 Politics THEODORA PETER In the future, semi-automatic weap- ons with large magazines can only be bought in Switzerlandwith an exemp- tion permit. Gun dealers must report all transactions and amateur gun en- thusiastsmust register their assault ri- fles at the cantonal weapons’ office. With 63.7 per cent in favour, the pub- lic’s consent to adopting a correspond- ing EU weapons’ directive into Swiss lawwas resounding. The rifle clubs and the SVP were unsuccessful in their opposition to the “EU diktat”. The majority of voters did not want to endanger Switzerland’s membership of the Schengen Agree- ment. If the electorate had voted against stricter gun laws, Switzerland would have faced being excluded – with far-reaching consequences for border control and security. The Weapons Directive will improve the police information exchange between the 26 Schengen states. In future, the information system will show whether another Schengen country has denied someone the right to bear a weapon. New SVP initiative takes aim at the free movement of persons Political observers interpret the vote in favour of the gun lawas a clear com- mitment to the bilateral pathwith the EuropeanUnion (EU). However, there is a veritable acid test ahead. Next year, the initiative “For moderate immigra- tion”will be put forward for a popular vote. With this “restriction initiative”, the SVP and the group Campaign for an Independent and Neutral Switzer- land (AUNS) aim to end the freemove- ment of persons. According to the Fed- eral Council, this would probably jeopardise all the bilateral agreements and fundamentally challenge the bi- lateral path. Switzerland must clarify the na- ture of its relationship with the EU anyway. An institutional framework agreement should enable further de- velopment of the five existing bilat- eral agreements and smooth the way for new agreements. However, the negotiated framework agreement does not have a majority in Switzer- land (“Swiss Review” 2/2019). The stumbling blocks include the conces- sions on salary protection, which have weakened the flanking meas- ures against wage dumping. This is why the unions are not supporting the framework agreement. On the other hand, the SVP sees it as a threat to Swiss sovereignty. The Federal Council must find a way to effect sub- sequent improvements in Brussels. At the time of going to press, the gov- ernment had not come a decision on how it would proceed. However, the EU has categorically ruled out any re- negotiations to date. Improving the position of older people in the labour market However, the Federal Council has al- readymade amove domestically that shouldwork in favour of the freedom of movement of persons agreement with the EU. It aims to improve the situation of older Swiss employees on the job market with an impulse pro- gramme. Many over 50s had voted in favour of the immigration initiative in 2014 out of fear that they would be threatened by immigrants on the job market. The Federal Council has eased their livelihood concerns by expanding social insurance cover: any jobless person who no longer qualifies for unemployment benefits at the age of 60 will receive a bridg- ing pension until the normal retire- ment age. The tug of war around Europe continues The electorate voted resoundingly in favour of stricter gun laws on 19 May. In doing so, it also showed its commitment to Switzerland remaining part of the European Schengen Area. However, the major Europolitical disputes are still to come. The gun lobby had no chance of success. However, the real test of the country’s relation- ship with the EU is just beginning. Photo: Keystone