'Promotion causing outrage': Plan to eliminate daily Swiss Post delivery service ignites public uproar
In a bold move, the 'Avenir Suisse' think-tank has issued a report proposing a radical reform of Switzerland's postal service. The debate over the reform highlights a growing tension between profitability and public service in the country.
The Swiss Post, a pillar of social cohesion, is currently facing challenges due to the decline in letter volumes as a result of digitization. By 2030, people are expected to receive only about 100 letters per year, making daily letter delivery economically unjustifiable. Avenir Suisse argues that reducing letter deliveries to twice a week starting in 2030 and potentially once a week by 2035 could save Swiss Post over 100 million francs annually.
The thinktank also advocates for liberalizing parcel delivery markets from 2030 onward. They believe that the current government regulation is unnecessary and that competition can drive efficiency and innovation. Abolishing the requirement that every person be within 20 minutes of a Swiss Post branch could cut losses and enable alternative access models like parcel stations and home delivery.
Regarding payment and newspaper delivery services, Avenir Suisse recommends focusing on ensuring universal access through the market or regulated tenders rather than state monopolies.
However, critics emphasize the importance of Swiss Post as a public service, especially for rural or less connected populations who might be disadvantaged by reduced delivery frequency and fewer local branches. This raises concerns about social equity and access to essential services. The proposed cutbacks could erode trust in Swiss Post’s role as a public institution, as daily deliveries and widespread physical presence are seen as key to social cohesion and citizen convenience.
There is also debate about the state’s role in regulating parcel services to guarantee uniform pricing and service quality nationwide, which might not be assured if fully liberalized. The Swiss Post, being wholly owned by the government, would need parliamentary approval to adopt these reforms.
Deputy David Roth has noted that if the measure is implemented, the public service to the population would be dismantled and postal service limited in unprofitable areas. Another MP, Simon Stadler, has expressed concern over the proposed reform, viewing it as an attack on public services.
Stadler specifically mentions the impact on mountain and rural populations, highlighting the potential disadvantages these areas could face due to reduced delivery frequency and fewer local branches. The debate over the reform is ongoing, and its future remains uncertain.
[1] Avenir Suisse Report, "Radical Reform of Switzerland's Postal Service" [2] Swiss Post Response to Avenir Suisse Report [4] Parliamentary Debate Transcript, Postal Service Reform Proposal Discussion
- The policy-and-legislation debate surrounding the Avenir Suisse report's proposal for a radical reform of Switzerland's postal service has sparked discussions in politics and general news, focusing on the balancing act between profitability and public service.
- The future of the proposed reform, which includes reducing letter deliveries, liberalizing parcel markets, and potentially closing unprofitable branches, remains unclear as it stirs concerns about social equity, access to essential services, and the role of parliament in approving such changes in the politics and policy-and-legislation sphere.
