Is Operation Libero about to end?

How well is Operation Libero financially? Previously, the group was known for its efficient fundraising. Many people opened their wallets to support the young liberal forces in their fight against SVP issues, such as the law enforcement initiative, the limitation initiative or the burqa ban.

But now the air for Operation Libero is apparently tight. The cantonal councilor SVP of Zurich, Claudio Schmid (49), writes on Twitter that the organization led by Laura Zimmermann (29) and Stefan Manser-Egli is “bankrupt”. There was a shortage of CHF 500,000 that would have to be raised “immediately”, otherwise the “mission” of the movement could fail.

The Libero organization does not want to comment on the rumors at BLICK’s request. However, you have already informed your members in advance: the corresponding email is available to SEE. He states that Operation Libero is financially on the brink of failure: “Over the past six years we have developed a business model that has worked well as long as the Executive Vice President was strong. In the last two years, however, we have had to cover our fixed costs from the association’s assets. And today it’s almost gone. “

Operation Libero has a press conference scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday. According to the email, he wants to start a fundraising campaign for CHF 500,000 and present his new strategy. In the mail, however, co-chief Laura Zimmermann is combative: “We want to keep moving, we are convinced that we will also be needed in the future. Much work remains to be done for a more progressive, more inclusive and more liberal Switzerland.

Operation Libero recently drew the ire of its free-spirited allies with its commitment to the Corporate Responsibility Initiative. With the FDP he gave a spiteful exchange of blows in the electoral campaign. Meanwhile, the organization apologized for calling opponents of the bill “scoundrels”.

The current finances of the movement are unknown. But it could also – at least in the past – have powerful donors. One person donated 400,000 francs to young politicians before the 2019 parliamentary elections. The leadership of Operation Libero always kept the donor’s name secret. However, this money should have been spent a lot of time. (sf / til)