« The Chaos Initiative fails to recognize the geopolitical, economic and demographic realities facing Switzerland. »
Pascal Wüthrich
Additional uncertainty in an unstable world? No thanks.
12.05.2026
AI-translated. Some sections may contain inaccuracies.
At a glance
- The world is becoming more fragmented, uncertain and volatile - geopolitical tensions and economic isolation are on the rise.
- For export-oriented Switzerland, the framework conditions are becoming noticeably tougher - open markets and stable relationships are becoming even more important.
- The Chaos Initiative creates even more uncertainty instead of solving problems: it puts Switzerland's key strengths at risk at a critical moment.
The world is becoming less global, less westernized, less democratic. It is becoming more fragmented and more dangerous. And it is volatile.
The foreword to the Federal Council's foreign policy strategy sums it up perfectly. There is still war on Europe's doorstep, geopolitical conflicts are on the rise and the international trading system is under pressure. The "rule of power" is increasingly pushing the "rule of law" into the background, multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization are weakening and there is a shift from open markets to greater economic security. National industrial policy measures such as subsidies, investment audits, export controls and tariffs are experiencing a new heyday. Markets are being increasingly sealed off to the outside world in order to give domestic industry a supposed advantage.
Environment for the Swiss export industry is and remains challenging
These global upheavals are also leaving their mark on the Swiss economy and its companies. Uncertainty has become the new constant. Whether customs hammers, sea blockades or energy shocks. Economic downside risks abound and the danger of economic and military chain reactions remains. In uncertain times, there is also the strong franc, which makes Swiss exports more expensive and therefore less competitive.
Switzerland is an export nation. We earn two out of every five francs from trade with other countries. Our country has benefited particularly strongly from the division of labour, open markets and globalization. Unsurprisingly, our companies notice when the global situation becomes more complicated and there is more volatility. Major shocks, such as the US tariff hammer last year, even pose a direct threat to jobs.
Of course, companies are not standing idly by. They optimize, diversify and improve wherever they can. In the past, Swiss companies in particular have repeatedly proven to be surprisingly resistant to crises. However, it is also the task of the state and the population to ensure that the framework conditions are as attractive as possible. After all, we are all the economy.
Chaos initiative jeopardizes relations with key partner
The SVP's Chaos Initiative has come at the worst possible time. The foreign trade policy environment for Switzerland remains difficult, the burden of bureaucracy and taxes at home is increasing and demographic trends are further exacerbating the labor shortage. A return to the "good old world" cannot be expected in the foreseeable future. Uncertainty will be a constant companion in the coming years.
A rigid population cap is not a sensible instrument for an ageing country. For many innovative companies, the availability of qualified workers is a key location factor, which is why they choose Switzerland. In addition, labor immigration is essential to maintain the healthcare system, public transport, agriculture and construction, i.e. the supply and functioning of Switzerland.
In addition, the Chaos Initiative directly jeopardizes the bilateral approach. In just five years' time, when the 9.5 million threshold is likely to be reached, there is a risk of chaos in relations with the EU. Yet close, reliable and stable relations with our most important trading and security partner are of strategic relevance for our country, especially in the current geopolitical environment. The latest report by the Federal Intelligence Service also states unequivocally that Switzerland's security environment has deteriorated considerably.
Ensure stability - reject the Chaos Initiative
Anyone who correctly analyzes the global situation and acknowledges the geographical, economic and demographic facts must come to the clear conclusion that the Chaos Initiative further worsens and complicates the situation for Switzerland. It creates additional uncertainty.
It does not solve the existing challenges in the areas of asylum, housing and infrastructure - on the contrary. Instead, it jeopardizes the bilateral agreements, exacerbates the labour shortage and puts our healthcare, AHV and quality of life at risk. It is a dangerous boomerang for Switzerland as a business, employment, innovation and economic location and ultimately affects us all.
The bilateral approach and the availability of qualified workers and talent are important factors in Switzerland's success. We should take care of these instead of sawing away at them. On June 14, it is up to us to set the right course for Switzerland and reject the Chaos Initiative. The world situation is tense enough. It is therefore all the more important to focus on stability and reliability instead of creating additional uncertainty and chaos.
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