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Guy Parmelin warns about immigration. He doubts that things can continue like this, says the SVP Federal Councilor. In the “Samstagsrundschau” he calls on people to save in response to rising health insurance premiums, electricity prices and rents – and talks about his health problems.
There has been speculation for days that Guy Parmelin could step down for health reasons. In the “Samstagsrundschau” the economics minister confirmed that he was running for re-election. The 63-year-old says he has had back problems since a young age: “Sometimes it is difficult, sometimes less so. But I don’t take any pills.”
“Immigration can hardly continue like this”
The SVP Federal Council is making an unusually clear statement about immigration. Half of the housing shortage is due to immigration. “You can now see the difficulties,” says Parmelin: On the one hand, the economy needs immigration. On the other hand, the population is resisting dense construction and the expansion of infrastructure.
If we don’t find a solution, everyone will lose in the end – including the economy.
Immigration helps combat the shortage of skilled workers: “But I have certain doubts as to whether we can continue like this. I’m almost certain that the population will say stop at some point.” Since the yes to the mass immigration initiative in 2014, the constitution has stated that Switzerland must limit immigration. Many people are dissatisfied. “If we don’t find a solution, everyone will lose in the end – including the economy.”
Savings as a response to cost explosions
When asked about the massively rising costs for health insurance, electricity and rents, Parmelin points to the reduction in premiums and other state aid for people with little money. “I know some people reach their financial limits,” says Parmelin. That’s why the state social system exists.
In addition, everyone would have to think about where they could reduce costs. For example, you might have to forego a vacation by the sea. Personal responsibility also includes saving in good times for more difficult times.
In the last three years, employees have lost purchasing power because wages rose less than inflation. The trade union federation demands that employers fully compensate for this five percent loss in real wages. Economics Minister Parmelin does not want to support this demand: This has to be negotiated industry by industry. Real wages have also risen rather than fallen over the last ten years.
57 francs relief for tenants
Many tenants have to pay higher rent in October because landlords pass on the rent, the higher mortgage interest and the inflation to the rents. Guy Parmelin is planning a change to the regulation here: in the future, landlords should be able to pass on a smaller part of the inflation to tenants than today.
Given today’s inflation, this would only save a family with a 2,000-franc rental apartment by just 57 francs per year. “Small animals make messes too,” Parmelin defends himself. You have to do what is possible.
He also wants to propose to Parliament the introduction of the so-called form requirement: In the future, landlords would always have to disclose the rent amount of the previous tenants to new tenants. This makes it easier for new tenants to defend themselves against unjustified price jumps. Seven years ago, the Federal Parliament rejected such a form requirement – the SVP and FDP unanimously opposed the step at the time.