Pandemic in Switzerland – Corona Situation: It’s the same again, but completely different – News

In mid-March, the Federal Council imposed the extraordinary situation and, in a nutshell, said two things: we closed public life in the country and we cushioned it economically. “We will not let you down,” Federal President Sommaruga told the economy.

And just two weeks later, Finance Minister Maurer explained with good humor and not without pride how easily crown-affected SMEs can obtain a loan of up to half a million francs from their home bank in 30 minutes.

Less determination in politics

Seven months later, the political response is very different: less determined, less coordinated. Measures need to be further toughened, but politics is having a harder time with the economic safety net.

This was demonstrated today by the statements of two Federal Councilors: During a visit to the Inselspital in Bern, Federal President Sommaruga emphasized that the Federal Council would have to decide on new measures, very soon. At the same time, the Finance Minister addressed the SVP delegates and said: Switzerland could not afford another 30 billion aid package.

Affected people feel abandoned

So it is not surprising that those affected, from the club owner to the innkeeper to the musician, now feel like the federal president wanted to avoid in spring: abandoned. Of course, some support measures continue. And new ones are discussed, promised and promised.

But the pace has slowed down. The difficult case fund, for example, should not be available until February, when it may be too late for some companies.

Winter hardly creates optimism

It seems that after eight months of Corona, the Federal Council has lost its basic optimism, creative power and somewhat also unity.

Undoubtedly, this is also due to the crucial difference between then and now, between March and October: back then, summer, the hot season, promised early light at the end of the tunnel. But now winter is coming, which is naturally kind to viruses. That increases the uncertainty.

“We are living in exciting times,” Ueli Maurer said at the end of March. “I would probably put it a little differently today.

Curdin vincenz

Editor of the Bundeshaus, SRF

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Vincenz has been reporting on what is happening in the Federal Palace for Radio SRF since 2016. Before that, he worked as a regional correspondent in Zurich and as a host for the program “Rendez-vous”. He studied history and political science at the University of Bern.

(Photo: Emma P. Weibel)