Growing Disapproval: Swiss Politicians Express Discontent Towards Trump and the U.S.

Switzerland's Leading Figures Blast Trump's Moves

Swiss political bigwigs haven't minced their words when it comes to assessing Trump's administration, particularly over his threats of a 25% tariff on European goods and his controversial dealings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Nicolas Walder, a deputy from the Green Party, expressed his shock and disgust at Trump's behavior. He criticized Trump for humiliating a country that's been fighting for its independence for three years and doesn't have the means to challenge American power.

Even though Switzerland's government doesn't want to ruffle feathers with the U.S., President Karin Keller-Sutter stood by Zelensky on social media.

Anti-Trump Actions

There are whispers of concrete actions being taken against Trump's regime within certain political circles. For instance, the Social Democratic party is pressing the Federal Council not to sign the free trade agreement with the U.S., given Trump's plans to impose heavy tariffs on the EU.

"The U.S. is trying to tear Europe apart," said party president Mattea Meyer. This view is echoed by the Greens, who have launched a campaign to reject any political rapprochement with Trump's U.S. and its tech oligarchs.

These reactions aren't limited to the political left. The Centre Party's MP, Vincent Maitre, also shares these views. "The U.S. position goes against the promises made earlier and it's unacceptable," he said. "It should motivate us to reduce our dependence [on the U.S.]"

(Switzerland exports goods totaling nearly 57 billion francs to the United States).

Another member of parliament, Fabien Fivaz from the Green Party, has gone as far as suggesting that since Trump "is no longer a reliable ally," Switzerland should abandon plans to purchase fighter jets from the U.S. and the Federal Council should consider the legal and financial consequences of a breach of the F-35 purchase contract. The most virulent criticism of the U.S. president, however, came from co-president of the Social Democrats, Cédric Wermuth.

He summed up his view of Trump's actions towards Europe and Ukraine in a stark, no-nonsense post on Instagram.

(Despite the severe criticism, there's currently no direct evidence of concrete actions being taken by Swiss political parties against the U.S., but trade tensions still simmer.)

Enrichment Data:

Trade Tariffs: While the Swiss government has not yet announced direct countermeasures, political parties and business leaders have criticized the cautious stance, suggesting a need for proactive responses to protect Swiss export-oriented companies.
Political and Economic Engagement: Switzerland is among 15 countries with which the U.S. plans to hold privileged negotiations regarding tariffs, indicating that Switzerland is actively engaging with the U.S. on trade issues.
General Swiss Perspective on U.S. Policies: The Swiss view Trump's administration's approach as disruptive and transactional, which could impact broader diplomatic and economic stances.
In response to Trump's proposed 25% tariff on European goods, the Social Democratic party is urging the Federal Council not to sign the free trade agreement with the U.S.
The Greens, in agreement with the Social Democrats, are campaigning to reject any political rapprochement with Trump's U.S., aiming to reduce Switzerland's dependence on the country.
Center Party's MP, Vincent Maitre, aligns with these viewpoints, stating that the U.S. position is unacceptable, motivating Switzerland to decrease its dependence on the U.S.
Switzerland's exports, totaling nearly 57 billion francs, to the United States could be affected by the ongoing trade tensions between the two countries.
Politicians like Fabien Fivaz from the Green Party have advocated for the abandonment of plans to purchase fighter jets from the U.S, should Trump prove to be an unreliable ally, raising questions about the legal and financial implications of breaching the F-35 purchase contract.