Interview with Mattea Meyer and Cédric Wermuth: Federal Council’s Stance on U.S. Neofascism
- BERN, Switzerland – The co-leaders of Switzerland's Social Democratic Party (PS), Mattea Meyer and Cédric Wermuth, have expressed critically important apprehension regarding recent actions by the United States,...
- Meyer and Wermuth voiced disappointment with what they perceive as a lack of assertiveness from the Federal Council, prompting their call for an exceptional session to discuss a...
- When asked to rate their level of concern on a scale of 1 to 10,Meyer responded with a 7,while Wermuth indicated an even higher level,stating,"maybe even 8 for...
Table of Contents
- Swiss Social Democrats Voice Concerns Over Trump’s Policies, Cite “Neofascism”
- Swiss Lawmakers Urge Federal Council to Confront Trump’s Trade Policies
- Mario Stäuble: From Zurich to National Journalism
- Swiss Lawmakers Urge Federal Council to Confront U.S. Trade Policies
- Swiss Lawmakers Urge Federal Council to Confront Trump’s Trade Policies
- Mario Stäuble: from Zurich to National journalism
BERN, Switzerland – The co-leaders of Switzerland’s Social Democratic Party (PS), Mattea Meyer and Cédric Wermuth, have expressed critically important apprehension regarding recent actions by the United States, suggesting the Swiss Federal Council needs to take a firmer stance in response to U.S. trade policies.
Meyer and Wermuth voiced disappointment with what they perceive as a lack of assertiveness from the Federal Council, prompting their call for an exceptional session to discuss a potential strategic response.
Level of Concern
When asked to rate their level of concern on a scale of 1 to 10,Meyer responded with a 7,while Wermuth indicated an even higher level,stating,”maybe even 8 for me.”
Reasons for Concern
Wermuth cited a confluence of global challenges, including trade disputes, violence, undemocratic movements in Europe, and volatile financial markets, suggesting the possibility of a global recession.
Meyer added that recent actions by the U.S. administration represent a “brutal male force demonstration,” referencing trade threats, restrictions on women’s rights, attacks on universities, and the treatment of Ukrainian President Zelensky. she stated that these actions are part of a pattern of demanding submission.
Critique of Swiss Response
Meyer criticized the Swiss government’s approach, stating that attempts to appease the U.S.administration have been ineffective. She alluded to previous praise of remarks by U.S. figures and a letter to the U.S. administration suggesting switzerland was not as problematic as the European Union.
Wermuth drew parallels between the current political climate and historical events, arguing that the U.S. administration under its current leadership views the nation as a victim, blaming internal and external forces. He characterized this as a classic element of fascism, involving the idea of national rebirth. He also noted that trade barriers have historically been used as tools of power by authoritarian regimes.
Accusations of ”Neofascism”
When challenged on whether their assessment was an exaggeration, Meyer acknowledged the U.S. president was democratically elected but argued that the limits of the rule of law are no longer respected. She asserted that the administration’s actions exhibit characteristics of “neofascism,” including attacks on institutions, threats to other countries, and a desire for domination through trade wars.
Wermuth added that many researchers are now describing current events in the U.S.as a form of neofascism, citing elements such as victimhood narratives, glorification of industrial labour, and ultra-nationalism. He stated that the use of this term is intended to hold accountable those who enable such actions.
The Social Democratic leaders’ comments highlight growing international concerns about the direction of U.S. policy and its potential impact on global stability.
Swiss Lawmakers Urge Federal Council to Confront Trump’s Trade Policies
Wermuth: Neoliberal Globalization Ending
In a recent interview,Cédric wermuth,co-president of the Swiss Socialist Party (SP),asserted that the world is witnessing the decline of neoliberal globalization.
“We are witnessing a change of time,” Wermuth stated, “and the only response from the Federal Council is to keep calm.” he expressed frustration that the government is treating the situation as merely a matter of customs policy, arguing that it is a basic question of who sets global rules.
“” Wermuth said, “whether the American president must be the king of the world or not.”
Federal Council’s strategy Criticized
Mattea Meyer, also co-president of the PS, criticized the Federal Council’s approach, suggesting it prioritizes “dirty business” for economic gain. She argued that Switzerland, as a small country, should instead promote a functional international order.
Meyer stated, “It is the well-known strategy of Switzerland that has proven itself: we prefer the dirty business with a business step at all. As a small country, we should in contrast promote an international order that works.”
Concerns Over U.S. trade tactics
Wermuth expressed concern that any concessions to the U.S. administration on customs duties could embolden further aggressive actions. He suggested that initial customs gestures could lead to pressure on peace agreements with Russia, trade agreements, human rights, and climate accords.
“Trump tests the countries he can break and submit,” Wermuth warned. “If it has proof that it effectively works with customs duties, the next step will be the peace agreement with Russia, then trade agreements, human rights and climatic agreements. giving him right now would be fatal.”
Meyer echoed this sentiment, stating, “I expect from the Federal Council that it takes up position and decides on countermeasures, in close consultation with the EU.”
Call for Countermeasures and EU Collaboration
Meyer urged the government to take a firm stance against what she described as Trump’s policies and to implement countermeasures in close coordination with the European Union, targeting those who benefit from the U.S. approach.
“First of all, that he takes a position to say that we do not participate in this game,” Meyer said. “Then, that he decides on countermeasures, in close consultation with the EU, to target the beneficiaries of Trump policy.”
Switzerland’s Role in Potential EU Retaliation
Regarding potential EU retaliatory tariffs, Wermuth emphasized the importance of Switzerland aligning with the EU to avoid becoming a loophole.
“Switzerland would, if not risk serving as a bypass platform for European customs duties,” wermuth stated. “We don’t want to. And it is vital that we support these measures in terms of domestic policy.” He suggested using additional revenue from customs duties to support sickness premiums.
EU as Switzerland’s Primary Partner
Both Wermuth and Meyer underscored the importance of the EU as Switzerland’s primary partner, notably given concerns about the reliability of the United States.
“What other partner for Switzerland than the EU?” Wermuth asked. “The United States is no longer reliable. The alternative would be Moscow or Beijing, not necessarily vrey pleasant either. Despite all the criticisms, only the European union remains for geographic reasons and also because it is the only block that preserves democratic principles and the rule of law.”
Call for Parliamentary Action
Meyer called for an extraordinary session of parliament to address the current situation, similar to the one held after the Credit Suisse crisis. She also suggested it would be an possibility to reconsider the purchase of F-35 combat aircraft.
“we ask for an extraordinary session, as after The Credit Switzerland debacle,” Meyer said. “It would also be an opportunity to debate the abandonment of Buying the F-35 combat aircraft.”
Wermuth added that Switzerland needs a clear strategy, which can only be achieved through parliamentary input.
Organizing a Public Debate
Wermuth emphasized the need for a public debate on these critical issues, arguing that parties should be forced to take clear positions.
“It’s about organizing a public debate,” Wermuth said. “Parties should no longer be able to hide behind the government. They must openly take a position.”
Mario Stäuble: From Zurich to National Journalism
ZURICH – Mario Stäuble, a seasoned journalist and winner of the Zurich award for Journalism in 2018, currently works in the national section of Tamedia in Zurich.
Early Career and Education
Stäuble’s career includes a prior role as chief co-editor of the “Tages-Anzeiger.” He is a graduate of the University of Zurich, where he studied law.
Experience at “Tages-Anzeiger” and Tamedia
His professional journey includes an internship at the “Tages-Anzeiger” from 2011 to 2012. Begining in 2013, he became a member of the Tamedia survey cell, contributing to investigative and data-driven journalism.
Contact
He can be found on Twitter @mario_staeuble.
Swiss Lawmakers Urge Federal Council to Confront U.S. Trade Policies
BERN,Switzerland – The co-leaders of Switzerland’s Social democratic Party (PS),mattea Meyer and Cédric Wermuth,have expressed critically important apprehension regarding recent actions by the United States,suggesting the Swiss Federal Council needs to take a firmer stance in response to U.S. trade policies.
Meyer and wermuth voiced disappointment with what they perceive as a lack of assertiveness from the Federal Council, prompting their call for an extraordinary session to discuss a potential strategic response.
Level of Concern
When asked to rate their level of concern on a scale of 1 to 10, Meyer responded with a 7, while Wermuth indicated an even higher level, stating, “maybe even 8 for me.”
Reasons for Concern
Wermuth cited a confluence of global challenges, including trade disputes, violence, undemocratic movements in Europe, and volatile financial markets, suggesting the possibility of a global recession.
Meyer added that recent actions by the U.S. management represent a “brutal male force demonstration,” referencing trade threats, restrictions on women’s rights, attacks on universities, and the treatment of Ukrainian President Zelensky. She stated that these actions are part of a pattern of demanding submission.
Critique of Swiss Response
Meyer criticized the Swiss goverment’s approach,stating that attempts to appease the U.S. administration have been ineffective. she alluded to previous praise of remarks by U.S. figures and a letter to the U.S. administration suggesting Switzerland was not as problematic as the European Union.
Wermuth drew parallels between the current political climate and historical events, arguing that the U.S.administration under its current leadership views the nation as a victim, blaming internal and external forces.He characterized this as a classic element of fascism, involving the idea of national rebirth. He also noted that trade barriers have historically been used as tools of power by authoritarian regimes.
Accusations of “Neofascism”
When challenged on whether their assessment was an exaggeration, Meyer acknowledged the U.S. president was democratically elected but argued that the limits of the rule of law are no longer respected. She asserted that the administration’s actions exhibit characteristics of “neofascism,” including attacks on institutions, threats to other countries, and a desire for domination through trade wars.
Wermuth added that many researchers are now describing current events in the U.S. as a form of neofascism, citing elements such as victimhood narratives, glorification of industrial labor, and ultra-nationalism. He stated that the use of this term is intended to hold accountable those who enable such actions.
The Social Democratic leaders’ comments highlight growing international concerns about the direction of U.S. policy and its potential impact on global stability.
Swiss Lawmakers Urge Federal Council to Confront Trump’s Trade Policies
Wermuth: Neoliberal Globalization Ending
In a recent interview, Cédric Wermuth, co-president of the Swiss Socialist Party (SP), asserted that the world is witnessing the decline of neoliberal globalization.
“We are witnessing a change of time,” wermuth stated, “and the only response from the Federal Council is to keep calm.” He expressed frustration that the government is treating the situation as merely a matter of customs policy, arguing that it is a basic question of who sets global rules.
“” Wermuth said, “whether the American president must be the king of the world or not.”
Federal Council’s strategy Criticized
Mattea Meyer, also co-president of the PS, criticized the Federal Council’s approach, suggesting it prioritizes “dirty business” for economic gain. She argued that Switzerland, as a small country, should instead promote a functional international order.
Meyer stated, “It is the well-known strategy of Switzerland that has proven itself: we prefer the dirty business with a business step at all. As a small country, we should in contrast promote an international order that works.”
concerns Over U.S. trade tactics
Wermuth expressed concern that any concessions to the U.S. administration on customs duties could embolden further aggressive actions.He suggested that initial customs gestures could lead to pressure on peace agreements with Russia, trade agreements, human rights, and climate accords.
“Trump tests the countries he can break and submit,” Wermuth warned.”If it has proof that it effectively works with customs duties, the next step will be the peace agreement with Russia, then trade agreements, human rights and climatic agreements.giving him right now would be fatal.”
Meyer echoed this sentiment, stating, “I expect from the Federal Council that it takes up position and decides on countermeasures, in close consultation with the EU.”
Call for Countermeasures and EU Collaboration
Meyer urged the government to take a firm stance against what she described as Trump’s policies and to implement countermeasures in close coordination with the European Union, targeting those who benefit from the U.S. approach.
“First of all, that he takes a position to say that we do not participate in this game,” Meyer said. “Then, that he decides on countermeasures, in close consultation with the EU, to target the beneficiaries of Trump policy.”
switzerland’s Role in Potential EU Retaliation
Regarding potential EU retaliatory tariffs, Wermuth emphasized the importance of Switzerland aligning with the EU to avoid becoming a loophole.
“Switzerland would, if not, risk serving as a bypass platform for European customs duties,” Wermuth stated. “we don’t want to. And it is vital that we support these measures in terms of domestic policy.” He suggested using additional revenue from customs duties to support sickness premiums.
EU as Switzerland’s Primary Partner
Both Wermuth and Meyer underscored the importance of the EU as Switzerland’s primary partner, notably given concerns about the reliability of the United States.
“What other partner for Switzerland than the EU?” Wermuth asked. “The United States is no longer reliable.The choice would be Moscow or Beijing, not necessarily vrey pleasant either. Despite all the criticisms, only the European union remains for geographic reasons and also because it is the only block that preserves democratic principles and the rule of law.”
Call for Parliamentary Action
Meyer called for an extraordinary session of parliament to address the current situation, similar to the one held after the Credit suisse crisis. She also suggested it would be an possibility to reconsider the purchase of F-35 combat aircraft.
“we ask for an extraordinary session, as after the Credit Switzerland debacle,” Meyer said. “It would also be an chance to debate the abandonment of Buying the F-35 combat aircraft.”
Wermuth added that Switzerland needs a clear strategy, which can only be achieved through parliamentary input.
Organizing a Public Debate
Wermuth emphasized the need for a public debate on these critical issues, arguing that parties should be forced to take clear positions.
“It’s about organizing a public debate,” Wermuth said.”Parties should no longer be able to hide behind the government. They must openly take a position.”
Mario Stäuble: from Zurich to National journalism
ZURICH – Mario Stäuble, a seasoned journalist and winner of the Zurich award for Journalism in 2018, currently works in the national section of tamedia in Zurich.
Early Career and Education
Stäuble’s career includes a prior role as chief co-editor of the “Tages-Anzeiger.” He is a graduate of the University of Zurich,where he studied law.
Experience at “Tages-Anzeiger” and Tamedia
His professional journey includes an internship at the “Tages-Anzeiger” from 2011 to 2012. Begining in 2013, he became a member of the Tamedia survey cell, contributing to investigative and data-driven journalism.
Contact
He can be found on Twitter @mario_staeuble.