Privatization of Swisscom becomes a political issue
Published: Friday, Mar 15th 2024, 15:50
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Following the takeover of Vodafone Italia, the possible privatization of Swisscom is becoming a political issue: while the proponents and opponents are positioning themselves, the Federal Council wants to clarify questions on this later this year.
The state government took note of the purchase on Friday and stated that the federal government, as the main shareholder, had been informed of the purchase intention at an early stage. The takeover does not conflict with the strategic objectives of the federal government.
Nevertheless, there are certain conditions: One of the most important expectations is that the Italian and Swiss businesses remain organizationally and structurally separate, the Federal Council wrote in a statement. Swisscom will still not be allowed to take on any universal service contracts abroad.
Swisscom top management must answer questions
The two parliamentary telecommunications committees will also deal with the takeover, as they announced at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency. Both want to question Swisscom's top management.
According to Chairman Philipp Kutter (center/ZH), the hearing before the National Council's Committee for Transport and Telecommunications (KVF) has been set for 26 March. The Council of States' sister committee has summoned Swisscom's top management for April 11, according to committee president Marianne Maret (center/VS).
SVP condemns takeover
The SVP has already condemned the takeover "in the strongest terms". Companies with a de facto state guarantee should not carelessly put taxpayers' money at risk. It is therefore calling on the Federal Council to set clear limits for Swisscom's management. It must put a stop to negligent trading with an action for liability. And the ownership strategy must "include a mandatory ban on foreign adventures".
The Green Liberal National Councillor Barbara Schaffner (ZH) wrote on X that the billion-euro deal made economic sense. But the question arises as to whether it is Switzerland's job to provide telecommunications services in Italy. It is therefore calling for a clarification of the conditions under which Swisscom could be privatized. GLP President Jürg Grossen is of the same opinion.
The Federal Council wrote that it wanted to clarify questions regarding privatization or partial privatization in the course of this year. This is provided for in the federal government's corporate governance guidelines.
Service public in Gefahr
The Syndicom trade union is opposed to the possible privatization of Swisscom. As the majority shareholder, the Confederation guarantees a strong public service in the telecommunications sector. This includes not only the basic service but also long-term investments in infrastructure and new technologies.
This is important for Swiss SMEs and the population. In addition, around half a billion Swiss francs flow into the federal coffers every year through dividends, which would be lost in the event of privatization.
©Keystone/SDA
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