Swiss say 'no' to talks on joining E.U.

By Batuk Gathani

BRUSSELS, MARCH. 5. The Swiss voted overwhelmingly at the weekend against their Government starting negotiations on joining the European Union (E.U.). Switzerland is one of Europe's most prosperous countries but the Swiss are determined to remain outside the E.U. to maintain their traditional neutrality. Even as other eastern and central European countries are queuing up to acquire membership of the 15-nation E.U., the Swiss have decided to stay out.

Although the vote result was expected, the percentage was surprising. Only a tiny minority of French-speaking Swiss voted yes. With this, Switzerland's chances of joining the European Union in the near future have suffered a setback. The average Swiss citizen is wary of the high E.U. taxes, interest rates and poor quality of social services. Most Swiss also feel that joining a political and economic bloc will weaken the foundations of Swiss democracy. The Swiss Government today put on a brave face saying that the vote should not be read as a total rejection of eventual membership of the E.U. but that it was a mere `no' to starting membership talks immediately. Last May, 67 per cent of Swiss voters backed a package of seven bilateral agreements with the E.U. to normalise relations with the European Commission in Brussels. The package related to regulations on free movement of European citizens, transport and technical standards.

Switzerland is hence seen as moving closer to the European Union but reluctant to opt for full membership. In October 1999, the parliamentary election result in Switzerland raised many eyebrows in Western capitals when Mr. Christoph Blocher, a billionaire Swiss businessman and right-wing nationalist with an anti- immigrant and anti-E.U. agenda scored an impressive and significant victory in Switzerland's general elections. The election result came less than a month after the Austrian elections when the Right-wing leader, Mr. Joerg Haider led his Freedom party to victory in the parliamentary elections on a far- right and anti-immigrant

agenda. Both Switzerland and Austria are considered western Europe's liberal and traditionally neutral countries, but in recent years Austria has become a member of the European Union. The Swiss and Austrian neutrality dates back to the Congress of Vienna in 1815, which established the boundaries of the European States after Napoleonic wars.

Switzerland has a population of nearly seven million. The Swiss enjoy one of the world's highest standards of living. The country is also the world's oldest republic which managed to keep out of the last two World Wars. Almost two thirds of the population speaks German and the rest speak French and Italian. The local government is among the most autonomous and powerful in the European States. The enduring image of Switzerland is that of stunningly beautiful snow-capped mountains, milk chocolates and secret bank accounts. There is always speculation about how much money is held in the secret bank accounts.

Banking experts estimate that Swiss banks have more than two trillion U.S. dollars as assets under management and charge between a quarter and half per cent as management fee. The banks have instant access to this cash pile and make some very profitable investments and currency trades. Under the country's secrecy laws, the banks provide maximum discretion and provide the world's highest credit ratings. Switzerland has 17 private banks and depositors flock to Swiss banks because of the country's political stability and neutrality.

Traditionally, Switzerland has provided refuge to many European political refugees. But in recent months, a populist anti- immigrant agenda has attracted much popularity in the country. Switzerland has taken the highest number of refugees from the Balkans. According to nationalists like Mr. Christoph Blocher, all immigrants and asylum seekers are economic migrants who have entered Switzerland to exploit the generous welfare and social security handouts. In recent years, Switzerland has also witnessed a significant influx of refugees from Asia and Africa.

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Section  : International
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