Paradoxically, in Switzerland, there is too little market economy in many places. The term “social market economy” frequently seems almost odd. Healthy competition and basic conditions that are connected with the people are lacking.
What could be improved?
The financial centre should contribute to greater prosperity. No financial centre, no social welfare. Prosperity in Switzerland would therefore not be assured, resulting in less flexibility, more work and higher taxes in particular.
Is this true?
From a strategic, power-related perspective, the financial centre is undoubtedly very important. This illustrates the existential dependence of many industries. The financial centre bolsters the international influence and accordingly the selling power of Swiss quality products. Macrosomia should therefore not always be considered negative.
Which basic conditions empower citizens?
- Health, high water quality, many local recreation areas, woodlands, more indoor food production, self-sufficiency, and an environmentally friendly, secure economy that does not involve any loss of core competencies
- Rights, participation, involvement in decision-making, autonomy, a flexible labour market and similarly flexible working and business hours, various ways of living, electoral freedom, and the ability to readily participate in the knowledge and information society
For decades, digitalisation has had the potential to facilitate efficient educational structures and the acquisition of valuable certificates and diplomas. Unfortunately, this is currently impossible in many areas.
The current state apparatus appears sententious and, in some areas, even hostile to citizens. Highly qualified experts often do not want to get involved with it. The unjustified remuneration is also incomprehensible. Changes that are urgently required for the promotion of citizens’ health are neither facilitated nor implemented. There would be a lot of changes to make in the food sector, for example, particularly in the agricultural sector and in relation to unsustainable livestock farming.
Relevant research programmes have shown that industrial algae aquacultures are recommended, and not just for meeting one’s omega-3 allowance. In fact, CO2 emissions from livestock that are fed certain types of algae are significantly lower. This diet would also positively impact animals’ health. Studies have also shown that dogs with a vegan diet have a much higher life expectancy than their omnivorous counterparts. The promotion of such projects would be a real boon for the world’s oceans and biodiversity.
Which basic conditions strengthen the national economy and contribute to greater prosperity?
Peace, security, electoral freedom, a high level of education, access to all-round high-quality education, flexible structures and measures that promote public health.
Digitalisation is too rarely used to improve the participation of all citizens. It is true that efforts are being made in many quarters. However, there is often a lack of cooperation, robust committees, associations and, above all, checks. If properly utilised, digitalisation could strengthen basic rights and cultivate social intelligence. Courts could act and make decisions in a more differentiated way, for example. “Bottom-up and top-down” approaches can be more harmonious and can improve the prospects of all citizens.
Reducing obsolete elements in a socially responsible, meaningful and proportionate way would be crucial in Switzerland and in other countries and would pave the way for a more entrepreneurial society. Certain power structures should at least be scaled down in such a way as to ensure that long-term prosperity is not threatened.
We advocate for high-quality, participatory, legally sustainable digitalisation with the aim of allowing different systems to run parallel to one another or connect. We do not strive for the creation of additional, VAT-distant industries, but rather we make the case for making cuts, driving forward innovation and allowing the general public to think for itself as far as possible.
