New measures – the Federal Council is in the crown dilemma – news

The state government balancing action: the new measures should work, but not hurt the economy too much.

In recent days they have warned everyone: the restaurant industry, the tourism industry, cultural operators and others. They warned that too harsh measures against the virus could threaten their very existence.

“We hope that the government does not completely ruin the restaurant business,” says Casimir Platzer, president of Gastrosuisse, for example.

“There is no alternative to drastic measures”

On the other hand, there are warnings from scientists, who have been saying for days that urgent action is needed. Martin Ackermann, head of the Covid federal science task force, said on Tuesday: “In our view, there is currently no alternative to drastic measures.”

The Federal Council is therefore faced with a dilemma. It must protect the population, but at the same time it must not completely block the economy. The Conference of Cantonal Directors of Economic Affairs insists on this point.

Its president, Basel government adviser Christoph Brutschin, says the most important thing is to prevent a second arrest. He hopes “we don’t have to close retail stores again.” And that factories and construction sites must not be closed either. The Federal Council must take this into account when selecting measures.

“Set minimum standards”

Furthermore, the cantons are also looking to Bern with interest for another reason. Because currently the measures in the regions are very different.

“The federal government’s job is to set minimum standards. So that you know what applies to all of Switzerland, “says Brutschin.” So, depending on the local situation, there may be even stricter measures. But certainly not of lesser scope. “

How drastic these minimum standards should be is the big and controversial question. The explosion in the number of crown cases in recent days has greatly increased the pressure on the Federal Council.