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Swiss Politicians’ ‘secret’ Income: Clarity Concerns Grow
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A new report reveals that a significant majority of Swiss parliamentarians are not fully disclosing their financial interests, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the need for greater transparency in Swiss politics.
A growing chorus of voices is calling for stricter regulations regarding financial disclosures for swiss politicians, following the publication of a new report by the Lobbywatch association. The report indicates that approximately three-quarters of Swiss parliamentarians do not report all of their remuneration from secondary mandates – positions held outside of their official parliamentary duties.Currently, Swiss law only requires parliamentarians to indicate whether their mandates are paid or voluntary, a standard critics argue is insufficient to ensure accountability.
The Scale of Non-Disclosure
The Lobbywatch report paints a concerning picture of transparency levels within the Swiss political system. While 56% of parliamentarians disclose compensation for at least one mandate,a substantial 44% remain entirely silent on their earnings. Only 27% of politicians offer complete transparency regarding their remuneration, a figure that has remained stagnant compared to the previous year, according to Lobbywatch.
“There needs to be a legal regulation that obliges council members to disclose their additional income,” stated Priscilla Imboden, co-president of Lobbywatch. “This is the only way citizens can recognize which economic interests are represented in parliament and where potential conflicts of interest exist.”
Party Divides and Top Offenders
Significant discrepancies exist between political parties. The report highlights that 88% of members of the Green Party declare their mandates in whole or in part, demonstrating a commitment to openness. In stark contrast, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) lags far behind, with only around 36% of its members disclosing their financial interests. Notably, not a single member of the FDP parliamentary group provides full transparency regarding their income.
Leading the list of politicians with the most undisclosed mandates is FDP National Councilor Peter Schilliger, who holds 20 mandates and does not disclose the remuneration for 19 of them. Schilliger, a member of the trade association’s Chamber of Commerce and with eight paid mandates in the construction industry, exemplifies the lack of transparency highlighted in the report.
Following closely behind is Center Councilor of States Erich Ettlin, with 15 undisclosed mandates. Center National Councilor Lorenz Hess, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Visana, holds 16 paid mandates, disclosing remuneration for only two.
Defending the status Quo
Councilor of States Ettlin defended his lack of full disclosure, explaining to 20 Minutes that a significant portion of his income as a tax advisor is processed through his employer, BDO AG, including mandates for clients. “But at Lobbywatch and in Parliament this is shown as a ‘mandate’,” he stated. He further argued that requiring full disclosure would necessitate revealing his employer’s earnings, a position he finds unreasonable.
Ettlin also asserted that he is not influenced by his paid mandates, stating, “I don’t allow myself to be paid to adopt opinions.” He believes his involvement with organizations like CSS and Spitex provides valuable insight into the healthcare system, enabling him to better understand and address its challenges. He maintains that simply identifying mandates and indicating whether they are paid or voluntary is sufficient.
