The signal from the Federal Council is a pleasure for the social partners

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis put an end to speculation on Wednesday. He wants to stick to the red lines. (Image: Anthony Anex / Keystone)

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis was angered by the left in mid-June when he questioned the implementation of the measures of 39, accompanying the free movement of persons. It was an almost religious issue for both parties. To advance in the negotiations on a framework agreement with the EU, the EU and Switzerland should jump into the shadows, said Cassis. The EU has long been a thorn in the foot of the pre-registration deadline of eight days to work in Switzerland. EU circles say that Switzerland has to move here if it wants a framework agreement. Cassis also told media Wednesday that the flank is a major blocking point on the road to an institutional deal.

An "action of the rearguard"

At its meeting, the Federal Council put an end to speculation last week. He confirmed the existing red lines for the free movement of people. This means that Switzerland should continue to be able to regulate wage protection independently. In order to explore any possibility of concessions with the EU, he wants to know the opinion of the social partners and cantons during the summer. Daniel Lampart, Chief Economist of the Trade Union Confederation, speaks of a "rearguard action". The attitude of the social partners is well known. If Cassis had probed earlier and backstage, probably fewer domestic dishes would have been broken.

Lampart is satisfied with the attitude of the Federal Council. In doing so, he confirmed that Switzerland relies on independent support measures to protect wages. The attack of the Federal Councils of the FDP was stopped. Switzerland has the highest wages in Europe, so it needs the best wage protection.

The Labor Switzerland union does not take for granted the agreement on the free movement of persons and the associated competition for domestic workers. The political promise of protected wages and working conditions thus serves as flank protection for bilateral treaties with the EU

The FDP leaves doors open

Unions and employers agree on that question. It is also essential for the employers' association that Switzerland can decide independently on the protection of employees and thus maintain the level of protection. The association therefore welcomes the government's respect for its red lines in the negotiations with the EU and the pursuit of an agreement on this basis, he wrote in a statement. Accompanying measures are a central element of the free movement agreement and should not become an EU trading currency. They would have worked well to ensure local conditions of wages and work. Today 's level of protection is not up for grabs.

The FDP also sees the current flanking side as a red line. Important is the level of protection. The liberals, however, leave a door open: it is necessary to discuss the concrete implementation, so that the Federal Council has more leeway vis-à-vis the EU. The CVP also wants to maintain the existing level of protection for workers and businesses. Relaxing the flanking parties would compromise the acceptance of the framework agreement. The UDC is uncompromising and calls for the halting of negotiations.