From May 11th onwards will be served again, although with restrictions. Image: KEYSTONE
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The big corona gamble: The Federal Council goes all-in and risks a lot
The Federal Council is going much further than originally planned to end the corona lockdown. The second opening stage on May 11 is ambitious. If only it went well!
The easing of the corona lockdown is a “middle course”, said Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga on Wednesday. That may be true, but the Federal Council has surprisingly and noticeably accelerated the pace in this way. “We will take a big step on May 11th,” said Health Minister Alain Berset. Or a jump.
Because the second opening stage is much more ambitious than announced two weeks ago. You can even see in PokerSlang that the Federal Council goes all-in. Not only should all shops and the compulsory schools reopen on May 11, but also museums and libraries. The normal timetable should again apply to public transport.
The Federal Council said that
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The easing in the catering trade is particularly noticeable. On May 11, she can serve customers again, without any restrictions on the size or concept of the company. The only requirement is that the guests sit (no standing drinks at the bar), four people are allowed per table. In addition, protection concepts are not defined in more detail.
Pressure from the economy
Just two weeks ago, the Federal Council did not even mention gastronomy and tourism. That caused a lot of bad blood. Where does this change of mind come from? Have you been impressed by Austria, where the restaurants are supposed to open on May 15th? Massive pressure from the economy, particularly on the bourgeois Federal Councilors, is more likely.
Economy Minister Guy Parmelin (SVP) has given a hint in this direction by describing the easing as “the best stimulus package for Switzerland”. With its poor communication, the Federal Council has opened the door to such pressure attempts. It is now likely to be tricky for companies that would rather have waited to open it.
Not a small risk
This “big step” is also tricky with regard to the unresolved corona crisis. Can it go well? Yes it can! But to do this, the hygiene and clearance rules must continue to be strictly observed. Alain Berset spoke of a “different normality”. He warned the population: “It takes patience, caution and discipline.” Otherwise it goes back to field 0.
Swiss can hope for fresh money. Image: KEYSTONE
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Nevertheless, the Federal Council is taking a not insignificant risk with its “gamble”. There is a risk that the brisk approach will rock people in false security and give (too) many the feeling that they can party again without a care in the world. However, further openings in tourism, for example, can only take place if the infection curve does not rise again.
Where are Swiss’s profits?
Two points from the extensive program must be mentioned separately: The decision to leave the written exams to the cantons is disheartening. And an affront for all school-leavers who have to go to the exam, while their friends are allowed to put their feet up in the neighboring canton.
The “rescue loan” for the airlines Swiss and Edelweiss is not just an affront, but a scandal. This applies not only to the lack of ecological requirements, over which activists and environmental organizations are rightly angry. The question arises, why the supposedly healthy Swiss begged for help from the state before the total lockdown was put into effect.
Swiss has posted profits totaling CHF 1.2 billion in the past two years. Now she receives a federal loan guarantee of the same amount. This is not only surprising Zurich finance director Ernst Stocker (SVP). Because the flight business was dazzling until the pandemic. If the federal government is not willing, the parliament must clarify this.
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