Opinion poll: Swiss object to paying ‘premium prices’ for imported goods
A German national will pay 25% less for a toy "made in China" than a Swiss person.
Keystone
Swiss citizens are chafing at the “premium prices" they pay for branded imported goods, according to an opinion poll published by Le Matin Dimanche and SonntagsBlick.
Seven out of ten people believe that Swiss prices on such products are too high, according to the survey conducted by the GFS-Zurich Institute cited by the Sunday news weeklies.
For example, newspapers are still 51% more expensive in Switzerland than in France. A German national will pay 25% less for a toy “made in China” than a Swiss, according to the media reports.
But there is one exception: electronics are cheaper in Switzerland. This, according to the French-speaking Federation of Consumers, is “proof that it is possible to act against the island of high prices.”
Another finding of the survey is that shopping tourism has become more widespread and not just in the border region. Half of those surveyed said they “regularly” shop in neighboring countries.
The survey was commissioned by the organisers of the initiative ” Stop a l’îlot de cherté – pour des prix equitable.” It was conducted late 2019 and obtained the input of 1,012 people in Switzerland.
The popular initiative targets general importers and foreign suppliers who abuse their power and keep prices artificially high in Switzerland.
Supporters want the Swiss government to allow Swiss companies to buy abroad directly, without being obliged to go through importers and suppliers.
The Swiss parliament’s economic affairs committee took up the issue in October, adapting the Federal Council’s more measured counter-proposal. Parliamentarians are expected to review both texts in the spring.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Abroad
Aussie adoptee gains Swiss citizenship at 54 thanks to old envelope
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Centre Party president rules out run for Swiss government post
This content was published on
Outgoing Centre Party president Gerhard Pfister will not join the race to replace defence minister Viola Amherd in the Swiss government, the politician announced on Saturday.
This content was published on
Ernst Ostertag is a pioneer for the legal equality of homosexual people in Switzerland. In an interview with "SonntagsBlick" on the occasion of his 95th birthday, the Zurich native explains what bothers him about the Woke movement.
Several hundred people join anti-WEF protests in Switzerland
This content was published on
Several hundred opponents of the World Economic Forum gathered in Graubünden and in the capital Bern on Saturday to take aim in particular at the WEF's high-profile guests.
Swiss skiers nab top spots in iconic Lauberhorn race
This content was published on
Swiss skier Marco Odermatt has won the Lauberhorn downhill ski race in Wengen, Switzerland, for the third time, just ahead of compatriot Franjo von Allmen.
Switzerland’s neighbours are ‘not role models’ in fiscal policy, says finance minister
This content was published on
Swiss finance minister Karin Keller-Sutter defended the country's compliance with the debt brake at a meeting of her party, the Radical-Liberals, on Saturday.
Pope Francis praises Swiss Guards’ patience with pilgrims
This content was published on
During a private audience on Saturday, Pope Francis praised the Swiss Guards for their "great patience" with pilgrims who visit the Vatican.
Swiss designer Kevin Germanier to design outfits for Eurovision presenters
This content was published on
Designer Kevin Germanier will dress the team of presenters at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place in May in Basel.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter makes official visit to Austria
This content was published on
Karin Keller-Sutter, who took over the rotating Swiss presidency this year, has made her first official visit abroad as president to Austria.
This content was published on
The boss of Swiss Post, Roberto Cirillo, is stepping down at the end of March after six years in the job, the company announced on Friday.
This content was published on
The name and logo of the former Credit Suisse headquarters at Paradeplatz 8 in Zurich's financial centre were officially replaced by those of UBS on Friday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Bizarre or idealistic? Swiss initiatives come in all forms
This content was published on
The Swiss can vote on cow horns, footpaths or even minarets: issues that may seem exotic, attracting worldwide attention.
The four ingredients of a successful people’s initiative
This content was published on
The people’s initiative is the fundamental instrument of Swiss direct democracy, but what's needed to make it successful?
How Swiss direct democracy made a comeback after authoritarian rule
This content was published on
It wasn’t until 1949 – exactly 70 years ago – that Switzerland returned from authoritarian rule and put direct democracy back on solid footing.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.