Roberto Balzaretti, Switzerland’s top negotiator with the European Union, is reportedly losing his job because of the current stalemate in sealing a new framework agreement.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Tages-Anzeiger/RTS/jc
Several sources in the foreign ministry have confirmed this information according to Switzerland’s public radio and television channels, SRF and RTS.
This follows a report in the Tamedia group of newspapers that Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has decided to “sacrifice” his chief negotiator “because of the political turmoil surrounding the framework agreement – the agreement Balzaretti negotiated with the EU in 2018”. The papers, citing “reliable sources” said the government is expected to formalise this on Wednesday.
Although “the news had been in the air” for weeks, RTS said Cassis’s timing for the decision is surprising, coming a couple weeks after the September 27 vote on the free movement of people that was key for relations with the EU.
“The Swiss people’s ‘yes’ was supposed to signal a resumption of talks with Brussels on signing a framework deal to consolidate bilateral relations,” said RTS. “But today in Switzerland nobody wants it. And, so leaves the chief negotiator to try and defuse a dossier that has already worn out four secretaries of state.”
More
More
Swiss rebuff right-wing plan to curb EU immigration
This content was published on
A right-wing proposal to scrap a Swiss immigration accord with the EU has been clearly rejected at the ballot box.
According to the newspaper reports, Balzaretti’s succession has already been decided. It reports that he will be sent to Paris as new ambassador and that the current Swiss ambassador in the French capital, Livia Leu, will take his post as State Secretary.
It could also be accompanied by a restructuring within the foreign ministry. However, this remains to be confirmed.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Wealth is not all: how gentrification in Zurich has led to housing shortage
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
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.