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The protracted negotiations between Switzerland and the EU on a new framework agreement should now be sped up again: yesterday, the confederates rejected a proposal by the populist right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) to stop the free movement of people with the EU by a large majority .
According to initial projections, 62 percent spoke out against the bill. The SVP had argued that too many people reduced prosperity and were too expensive for social welfare.
The clear result should help facilitate relations with the EU. For years, both parties have been negotiating a framework agreement that aims to determine future adjustments to market access agreements and existing dispute resolution mechanisms.
Although the EU has complied with Switzerland on many points, the Alpine republic has yet to sign an agreement that has already been negotiated. Because many Swiss do not want to weaken the protection of wages and employees.
The introduction of two-week paternity leave was also adopted yesterday with a 60 percent approval. Parents should receive 80 percent of their salary during this time.
