“Why the OECD Minimum Tax Matters: A Letter to the Editor”

It’s actually a simple story, the OECD members have decided that large corporations should pay at least 15 percent in taxes, and Switzerland must also implement this. Otherwise, these additional tax billions go abroad. So why are left-wing parties against this seemingly sensible amendment to the law?

They want 100 percent instead of the intended 25 percent of the additional revenue to go to the federal government. According to the “proven” watering can principle, this should then allow the funds to rain into all possible projects. Experience has shown that there is no shortage of ideas for spending billions.

At the same time, the federal government can happily continue to expand the state apparatus, which has been excessive for decades, with the additional money. I think it would be more effective if the cantons use the 75 percent of the funds for their individual needs. Even cantons that receive few or no multiple names benefit directly from the financial equalization.

But if everything seeps into the federal treasury, no canton or municipality will benefit from it and therefore neither will we citizens. That’s why on June 18 I say yes to the OECD minimum tax.

Emil Schweizer, Neuheim