Many countries around the world have long recognised the far-reaching consequences of high petrol and diesel prices. The resulting surge in inflation not only hits the public very hard, but also damages the economy and global trade. That is why some countries have introduced a cap on fuel prices, whilst others are reducing fuel taxes. In Switzerland, it seems our elected representatives are a long way from doing the same. They are banking on an effect that could not be more anti-social or anti-business. The idea – driven purely by ideology – is that sky-high fuel prices will (finally) force the public to their knees and make them switch to alternative forms of transport. At times like these, one seriously wonders why we maintain a multi-party system when everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet in the style of a totalitarian regime. The term ‘democrature’ is reaching new heights in a system that seeks to suggest the very opposite to the people!
The interests of the people are being sacrificed for the sake of additional revenue and ideology
The push towards e‑mobility – which, when viewed in its entirety, is far from beyond all doubt and whose long-term effectiveness may well be called into question on several counts – does not appear to have brought about the desired shift to the extent hoped for through the measures taken so far, such as tax exemptions or reductions. Thus, the flashpoints in the Middle East, which are driving up oil prices, have come at just the right time to help a purely ideologically driven set of ideas gain a foothold. ‘Bring the people to their knees via their wallets’ seems to be the motto. However, this merely demonstrates once again how anti-social and anti-business Green policies actually are in reality. Like a festering wound, a totalitarian claim is oozing forth here, one that is completely at odds with our understanding of democracy, which regards the people as the supreme authority within the political system. Anyone who prioritises enrichment at the expense of the community and ideological standards over the interests of the people has, in principle, no place in politics; indeed, they should be opposed by the political establishment!
It’s easy to talk about and make demands regarding politicians’ salaries
So whilst the state is raking in substantial sums – thanks to taxes and levies set as a percentage – given the current price trends in the fuel market, and is able to record additional revenue running into millions and, in the longer term, billions, the purchasing power of the population and the economy’s competitiveness on the international stage are declining. Instead of generating additional revenue in such a cheap and shabby manner, it would certainly be more appropriate to take a tighter line on spending policy and ensure that the money – which flows 100 per cent from our own people into the state coffers – actually benefits the people.
Do our big-headed fools in Bern really believe, in all seriousness, that every Swiss man and woman will go out and buy an electric car tomorrow, given the deliberately high fuel prices? Leaving aside the age of their existing vehicle and the associated loss of capital, by no means everyone can afford, at short notice, an investment on the scale of a new electric car. Of course, it’s all very well for those on a politician’s salary – who, in some cases, rake in hefty extra earnings through lobbying contracts – to talk. Anyone who now realises that the salaries of our elected representatives are paid for out of the public’s tax money can only tear their hair out – it’s a bottomless pit!
And there we go again with the all-too-familiar double standards
Even so, one can’t help but be amazed. If you look around on the streets, you’d think that traffic volumes had dropped given the high fuel prices. Far from it! People are driving just as much as ever. On motorways, however, you’ll notice that, alongside electric car drivers looking to extend their range, drivers of combustion-engine cars are now also increasingly driving in ‘creep mode’ to save fuel. Be that as it may. The facts show that even many of those who oppose every road construction project and vote against every road transport proposal are not prepared to give up their cherished set of wheels. They’d rather chew on cervelat casings to save money than give up their car. Their guiding principle: what might be reasonable for others is – when it comes to me – absolutely out of the question! Do these people even realise any more how they’re lying to and betraying others – and themselves – in an endless loop?
How much longer will it be before everyone realises this and finally takes action to reverse the trend?
It should be pointed out once again that the Left and the Greens sought to impose a petrol price of 5 francs per litre years ago. We have now reached roughly half of that target price and can see the far-reaching and detrimental consequences of this hypocritical ‘save the world’ policy. Anyone hoping to find social, economic or technical competence in these circles is in for a rude awakening. Yet this group, which is completely incapable of thinking in broader terms, still seems to enjoy relatively broad support. Conservative politicians bow to their delusions, the media help them achieve a disastrous widespread impact, and the majority allow themselves to be trampled on as if there were no tomorrow. And if things continue in this direction, this could well come to pass sooner than we would care to think!
