Federal Council has no patent remedy for high magazine prices
Foreign magazines cost much more in Switzerland than in neighboring countries. The Federal Council finds these price differences—some of which are very large—difficult to justify. However, it does not have a magic solution to this problem.
The Competition Commission and the price watchdog have already looked into the problem. However, they have not yet been able to prove a breach of applicable law, as the Federal Council writes in its response to a motion from the National Council's Economic Affairs Committee published on Thursday. It rejects the idea of state price regulation. In its opinion, this could jeopardize the wide range of foreign magazines. In addition, the restriction of economic freedom would require an explicit constitutional basis. There is currently no such basis. The Federal Council therefore does not see a quick and simple solution, as called for by the Economic Affairs Committee in its motion. It therefore also recommends rejecting the motion. (SDA)
