Fixed book prices to be reintroduced
Fixed prices for books are to be reinstated in Switzerland. The National Council has prioritized the protection of books as cultural assets over free competition. The media union Comedia welcomes this decision.
Binding prices should once again apply to books in Switzerland. The National Council has prioritized the protection of books as a cultural asset over free competition. After an intensive debate, it approved the bill by 103 votes to 74. For a center-left majority, it was obvious "that books are not sneakers, potatoes or car batteries", as Alec von Graffenried (Greens/BE) said.
For the market-liberal representatives of the FDP and SVP, the bill is nothing more than a "serious violation of competition" without a constitutional basis, as Hans Rudolf Gysin (FDP/BL) explained. Economics Minister Doris Leuthard also raised constitutional concerns. Fixed book prices were the wrong means to achieve the "noble goals". This is where cultural policy must come in. The book trade is not an economic sector whose existence is at risk.
Comedia pleased with decision
In a communiqué, the media trade union Comedia expresses its delight at the National Council's decision. The book market is definitely not suitable for neoliberal solutions. According to the union, cultural diversity, a dense network of bookstores and thus jobs can only be secured with fixed book prices. It is hoped that the Council of States will also clearly support the draft law and make one or two improvements, such as removing the exemption for cross-border online booksellers.
For the market-liberal representatives of the FDP and SVP, the bill is nothing more than a "serious violation of competition" without a constitutional basis, as Hans Rudolf Gysin (FDP/BL) explained. Economics Minister Doris Leuthard also raised constitutional concerns. Fixed book prices were the wrong means to achieve the "noble goals". This is where cultural policy must come in. The book trade is not an economic sector whose existence is at risk.
Comedia pleased with decision
In a communiqué, the media trade union Comedia expresses its delight at the National Council's decision. The book market is definitely not suitable for neoliberal solutions. According to the union, cultural diversity, a dense network of bookstores and thus jobs can only be secured with fixed book prices. It is hoped that the Council of States will also clearly support the draft law and make one or two improvements, such as removing the exemption for cross-border online booksellers.
