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The Federal Decree on Free Circulation

Job market -
15 July 2008


The Federal Decree on Free Circulation
Next year (earlier than the end of May 2009) Swiss people are expected to cast their vote about the Federal Decree regarding the "Approbation of the Renewal of the Agreement between Switzerland and the European Community and its State Members on the Free Circulation of People", as well as the "Approbation and Enforcement of the Protocol in the purpose of extending the Agreement about the Free Circulation to Bulgaria and to Romania". What we are dealing there are votes which are difficult to tread with considering the arguments that each party defends are worth arguing, with, nevertheless, a slight advantage for the patronal right-wing. The expiration date of the referenda deadline is set on October 2nd.  The main topic of these popular votes debated on the site of the Swiss Confederation, it is clearly stipulated the prospect of a rejection by the people is besides likely to endanger the other six bilateral agreements as a result of the "Guillotine Clause". "Whether one among them (the bilateral agreement) turns out to be denounced, or not to be extended, every agreement will automatically cease to be applicable six months later after the reception of the notification. The non-renewal of the ALCP by Switzerland would shake up the whole structure". The economical associations of this country ("l'Union Suisse des Arts et Métiers","l'Union Patronal Suisse" as well as" Economie suisse") retaliate for the sake of fighting and promoting the free circulation of people and the extension of the latter to Romania and to Bulgaria. According to Gérold Buehler, president of "Economie Suisse", it could only result as a stimulating effect on the growth, the employment and the prosperity of Switzerland's economy. This is closely related to the fact that our country has established a fairly good relationship with Brussels. Not to mention there were 190000 jobs created those last three years thanks to free circulation. As far as the greatest fear of our opponents is concerned, meaning the arrival of immigrants, it appears to be unfounded given it has been under control. Moreover, it is illusive to believe that our potential is enough to satisfy all needs; Switzerland needs qualified European workers, which also proves to be a fortune for the PME who can thus have access to over 5 millions of people in search of additional jobs. As for the majority of associations, turning down this opportunity would mean the lost of the privileged access of Switzerland to the European market.  Mister Bühler also adds that the bilateral agreements obtained and made to measure by Switzerland can stand as a "best-seller", for they trace back to Switzerland's economic position. The growth of those last years can greatly be accounted for them. As an opponent, "La Léga" announced that they would launch a referendum about the issue in order not to make more concession at the massive arrival of foreigners. The UDC, as for themselves, studied the issue and decided according to the current updates on their site, to "fiercely reject the "package" of the free circulation of people, illusive and antidemocratic project, but refuses to launch a false pretence of referendum." In order to enforce this new decree, there will be a great deal of effort required so as to convince some of the political parties, which by far won't be an easy task to accomplish, then the people through a referendum. A case to be continued ...
 
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