Such an honorary conferral of the passport has no basis in Swiss law, the Federal Justice Office announced on Tuesday, after it was contacted by the daily Südostschweiz newspaper.
The idea of honorary citizenship was reportedly raised by current Swiss President Ueli Maurer earlier this summer.
Maurer asked his government colleagues to consider Schwab, 81, for the honour as the World Economic Forum (WEF) prepares for its 50th edition next January in Davos. The idea was also initially discussed by officials at the regional and federal level after the 2019 WEF.
This came despite the fact that there is no tradition in Switzerland of granting national titles or awards. The idea was even questioned by the chairperson of Maurer’s political group, the right-wing People’s Party: “Mr Schwab’s services are undisputed, but the award of honorary Swiss citizenship to individuals is un-Swiss,” Albert Rösti told the SonntagsZeitungExternal link in August.
Schwab himself, who is German and a long-term resident of the commune of Cologny in Geneva – where WEF is headquartered – has consistently turned down the thought of applying for Swiss citizenship.
In an emailed statement, Schwab said that he has lived in Switzerland for more than 60 years and feels at home and rooted in the country. However, he indicated that he has never applied for Swiss citizenship and “always felt like a European with my national identity being secondary.”
According to the WEF websiteExternal link, Schwab holds 17 honorary doctorates, as well as national medals of honour including the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun of Japan, the Grand Cross with Star of the National Order of Germany and the Knight of the Légion d’Honneur of France. He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
More
More
Switzerland mulls honorary citizenship for WEF founder Schwab
This content was published on
According to the newspaper, Maurer has asked his Swiss cabinet colleagues to consider conferring the honour on the German citizen. This would be an unusual move as Switzerland has no tradition of awarding national titles or awards. The idea is reportedly being supported by the canton of Graubünden, which has hosted WEFExternal link’s flagship event…
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?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
A committee of Switzerland’s House of Representatives has found the people’s initiative to limit fireworks too extreme, but has suggested a counter-proposal.
UN investigators report evidence of crimes in Syria and call for national dialogue
This content was published on
UN investigators in Geneva report ample evidence of crimes in Syria and urge the regime to follow through on its promise of a national dialogue.
Swiss Trade Union warns EU deal could threaten wages
This content was published on
The Swiss Trade Union Federation warns that the new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU could threaten wage protection and public services.
Credit Suisse fines from Mozambique scandal to fund victims’ compensation
This content was published on
The fines imposed on Credit Suisse for the Mozambique scandal will be allocated to a fund for the victims, amounting to $105.5 million.
‘Confederation is a subsidy machine’: Swiss finance minister
This content was published on
The Swiss government is a machine for distributing subsidies to various actors in the country, says finance minister Karin Keller-Sutter.
Lack of funds ends third bid to salvage Säntis ship from Swiss lake
This content was published on
A third attempt to salvage the steamship Säntis, lying at the bottom of Lake Constance in Switzerland since 1933, has failed before it has even begun.
Nestlé Waters on trial in France over illegal waste dumps
This content was published on
Bottled water producer Nestlé Waters to stand trial, accused of illegally dumping waste and maintaining unauthorised dumps.
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
Switzerland mulls honorary citizenship for WEF founder Schwab
This content was published on
According to the newspaper, Maurer has asked his Swiss cabinet colleagues to consider conferring the honour on the German citizen. This would be an unusual move as Switzerland has no tradition of awarding national titles or awards. The idea is reportedly being supported by the canton of Graubünden, which has hosted WEFExternal link’s flagship event…
This content was published on
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to expand with the addition of 120 staff and a new wing to its Geneva headquarters.
Rising accommodation costs threaten Switzerland’s WEF host status
This content was published on
The World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos could be forced to move from Switzerland if accommodation costs continue to rise, its founder warns.
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.