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Before the voting campaign is after the voting campaign. Immediately after Super Sunday, the fight for the corporate responsibility initiative begins, on which Switzerland will vote on November 29. BLICK answers the most important questions.
What is the corporate responsibility initiative about?
If an international group based in Switzerland violates human rights or environmental standards abroad, it should be held accountable. As part of due diligence, companies will need to demonstrate in the future that they have taken “appropriate steps” to prevent such violations. If they don’t, they are liable even if the real culprit is an overseas subsidiary or economically dependent supplier.
Who is against it and why?
The Federal Council and Parliament reject the initiative. They argue that a yes would be only for Switzerland, which would mainly damage the location of the business. The no-camp includes CVP, FDP and SVP, as well as business associations, especially the umbrella organization Economiesuisse. They fear a weakening of Swiss companies, the withdrawal of SMEs from developing countries, too much bureaucracy and exorbitant lawsuits.
Who is in favor
Around 120 non-governmental organizations are behind the corporate responsibility initiative. Of the parties, SP, Greens and EPP support the cause, plus the BDP. In the GLP, the individual cantonal sections have so far voted for a yes, the national party has yet to come up with a slogan. The special thing is that the bourgeoisie is divided. Former State Councilor Dick Marty (FDP, 75) is even co-chair of the initiative committee, and there is also a bourgeois pro-committee, which also includes representatives of the CVP and the FDP.
Why is it the “toughest fight of the year”?
On the one hand because the issue is controversial among commoners, which inspires respect from opponents. On the other hand, because a lot of money goes into the voting campaign. Both sides cannot be seen in War Chests. But on Kovi’s part this should be well filled with several million, for a left-wing issue, and Economiesuisse is said to have a finance multiple: an unconfirmed amount of at least 8 million francs is negotiated.
What are the possibilities of the initiative?
They are perfectly intact. The matter is taken very seriously and there is much concern in the boardrooms of Swiss companies. And on the super Sunday of last week, it was mostly left-green, urban Switzerland that set the tone with incredibly high turnout. If a similar mobilization is achieved on November 29, it will be devastating for the opponents. You know it.
What if the answer is no?
So not everything remains the same. After much back and forth, the parliament has drawn up an indirect counterproposal, which would automatically come into play in the event of a no from the people, as long as no one takes the referendum. The counterproposal obliges companies to observe the duty of care and to submit periodic reports. However, you are not responsible for environmental damage or human rights violations.
Switzerland is voting again: you can find explanations on all the initiatives, current news and leading voices on the subject here.
