The Council of Europe is recommending that Switzerland establish an independent climate authority. It would oversee climate policy. The proponents’ argument sounds harmless. A body would merely provide knowledge and sound advice. But anyone who believes that doesn’t understand how things work in federal Bern: councils produce recommendations, and recommendations generate pressure—or are implemented as expert advice. The end result is speed limits, road pricing, new taxes on gasoline and diesel, or even (partial) driving bans. That is precisely where this is all headed.
Road traffic already bears the heaviest burden
Road traffic already bears the heaviest burden. It pays fuel tax, value-added tax, and the heavy vehicle tax. In addition, it generates billions in federal revenue through road traffic. Nevertheless, it is now to be made the prime suspect. That is unfair. And above all, it is factually incorrect.
The electrification of mobility is advancing
After all, the automotive industry has long been taking action. E‑mobility is growing year after year, month after month. Fleets are becoming more efficient, and freight transport in Switzerland—where sensible and possible, albeit with certain setbacks—is shifting to rail. Above all, however: in no other country is the electrification of freight fleets being driven forward as rapidly as in Switzerland. This development is driven by the market, not by a regulatory body. A climate authority would not accelerate this process. It would merely make it more expensive.
Direct democracy, too, would likely soon fall by the wayside in some respects. In Switzerland, the people decide on a case-by-case basis regarding roads, fuels, and transportation taxes. That is precisely how it should remain. A climate council, however, shifts power to unelected experts.
Switzerland has all the necessary tools
The role of Greenpeace is particularly problematic. The organization is behind the lawsuits filed by the Swiss Climate Seniors. Following that, the environmental protection organization commissioned a study that touts a climate authority as the solution to all ills. And now it is promoting the body, in which Greenpeace climate activists are ultimately likely to take seats as well. This triple role is anything but neutral.
Mobility cannot tolerate any more bureaucracy. It needs planning certainty, affordable powertrains, and a reliable infrastructure. Bureaucracy delivers none of these. Albert Rösti’s department already has all the necessary tools at its disposal. There is no need for an additional regulatory body with its own sense of mission.
