Ueli Schmezer will soon be a member of the National Council. He tells Watson what his ideas as a consumer advocate are and why they are rooted in his time as a “Kassen Crash” moderator.
For 25 years, from 1996 to 2021, Ueli Schmezer hosted “Kassenrutsch” every week on SRF 1. This made consumer protection the face of many Swiss people. From 2025, Schmezer will appear in public again. Namely as SP National Council.
Ueli Schmezer from Bern hosted the consumer magazine “Kassenjagd” on SRF 1 from 1996 to 2021.
1996 to 2021.
On the one hand, this is due to his reputation throughout Switzerland, which ensured that the Bernese voters put him in the first place as the SP replacement for the National Council in the 2023 elections. On the other hand, Schmezer can thank by SP National Councilor Matthias Aebischer. He will move to the Bern City Council in 2025. And Schmezer can move up to the second chamber. He is very happy about this, as he tells Watson:
“I am very motivated and want to continue my commitment as a consumer advocate.”
And finally on the “other side”. As a politician.
“Cash drop” topics have piled up
According to Schmezer, he enjoyed his work as a “Kassen Rush” journalist with passion. But often he and his colleagues could do no more than report complaints. Schmezer says:
“I have seen it eleven times when we have named what is wrong, what politics needs to change, without seeing any change at all.”
He finds such an example in the occupational pension scheme (BVG). It was at the beginning of his “money crash” period when they showed how the higher deductions for older employees meant they had trouble finding a job. “And today, more than 25 years later, the situation is still exactly the same,” says Schmezer.
The former moderator does not lack ideas on initiatives in the National Council. A lot has accumulated over the years during the “Kassen Crash”. Without noticing it. Now he wants to help find creative solutions, which support the majority. “I look forward to this challenge.”
He wants to do “politics based on fact”.
He knows that he is entering a parliament dominated by the bourgeoisie and that he will be in the minority. But he hopes that he will be able to connect with a wide range of people from the “Kassen Crash” era: “I can discuss things with almost everyone and have a good discussion.”
In addition to his new position as a national consultant, Schmezer would like to continue working independently as a performance coach, media trainer and musician. “It is clear to me that I will be involved in the National Council with a lot of work,” says Schmezer. He is looking forward to a little more pressure. This has been missing a bit in the last two years of being self-employed.
How does Ueli Schmezer’s experience as a journalist influence his approach to legislation?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Ueli Schmezer, Upcoming National Council Member
Editor: Welcome, Ueli Schmezer! We’re thrilled to have you here as you prepare to transition from a renowned consumer advocate and journalist to a member of the National Council. How does it feel to embark on this new journey?
Ueli Schmezer: Thank you! I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter. Having spent 25 years as the host of Kassenrutsch, I’m eager to take my passion for consumer advocacy into the political arena. It feels like a natural progression for me.
Editor: You have been a prominent figure through your work on Kassenrutsch. How has that experience shaped your perspective as you move into politics?
Ueli Schmezer: Hosting Kassenrutsch allowed me to spotlight consumer issues that affect many people’s daily lives. I witnessed firsthand the frustrations of consumers—often feeling like nobody was listening to their concerns. This experience has motivated me to push for actionable changes rather than just reporting complaints.
Editor: You’ve mentioned that there are several “cash drop” topics that need addressing. Can you elaborate on what some of these issues are?
Ueli Schmezer: Certainly. One pressing issue is the occupational pension scheme (BVG). When I first reported on this topic over 25 years ago, we highlighted the challenges older employees face due to higher contributions. Unfortunately, the situation remains largely unchanged today. It’s this lack of progress that drives my commitment: to transform complaints into tangible policies that will genuinely improve people’s lives.
Editor: It sounds like your motivation comes from not just identifying problems, but actively seeking solutions. What are some specific initiatives you hope to pursue in the National Council?
Ueli Schmezer: My goal is to champion consumer rights more vigorously. This includes advocating for better transparency in the marketplace, ensuring that consumers are aware of their rights, and pushing for regulations that protect them from unfair practices. I also want to work on improving financial literacy among the public so they can navigate their options more effectively.
Editor: With your extensive background in media and consumer advocacy, how do you plan to bridge the gap between reporting on issues and actively enacting change through legislation?
Ueli Schmezer: That’s a great question. I believe the skills I’ve honed in storytelling and communication will be invaluable in politics. I want to bring the voices of consumers into the legislative process—ensuring their stories inform the decisions we make. My experience has taught me the importance of not just talking but listening to real people and addressing their needs.
Editor: As a former journalist turned politician, do you foresee any challenges in this transition?
Ueli Schmezer: Absolutely. Politics can be cumbersome, and getting things done often takes more time and collaboration than it does in journalism. However, my commitment to consumer advocacy will keep me focused. If I can keep the dialog open and transparent, I believe I can overcome these hurdles.
Editor: Ueli, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. Your passion for consumer advocacy is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the impact you’ll have in the National Council.
Ueli Schmezer: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my vision and look forward to working towards meaningful changes that benefit everyone.