Proposed Discontinuation of Daily Mail Deliveries by Swiss Post Triggers Public Outcry
The Swiss Post, a significant component of social cohesion in the country, is facing a debate that challenges its role in public service. The debate stems from a radical proposal by the think-tank Avenir Suisse to reform Switzerland's postal service.
The proposed reform includes significant changes, such as reducing letter delivery frequency from daily to twice a week initially, and potentially once a week by 2035. The aim is to modernize Swiss Post, improving its financial sustainability amid digitalization and increased competition from private parcel carriers like DPD, Planzer, and DHL. Avenir Suisse believes these reforms could save over 100 million Swiss francs annually.
However, the proposed changes have raised concerns among some MPs about their potential impact on public service. Deputy David Roth and Simon Stadler, two MPs, have expressed their worries that the reform could dismantle public service in Switzerland, particularly in unprofitable areas, and limit postal service in rural and mountainous regions.
The reform is also perceived as potentially impacting the basic needs of mountain and rural populations negatively. Another MP, Simon Stadler, views the proposed reform as an attack on public services and the basic needs of these populations.
The Swiss Post, wholly owned by the government, requires parliamentary approval for this proposal to be adopted. As of now, the main controversy centers on reducing traditional postal services to align with changing usage patterns and cost-saving.
Delivery of A mail, currently part of the universal service, would become a 'premium' service outside the universal service. This could limit access to essential services for some sections of the population.
The debate underscores the importance of public service in Switzerland and highlights a growing tension between profitability and public service. As the reform progresses, more detailed information on the parliamentary debates and opposition from MPs is expected to provide clearer insight into the controversy.
[1] Source: Avenir Suisse report on the proposed reform of Switzerland's postal service [2] Source: Swiss Info article on the proposed reform of Switzerland's postal service
- The proposed reform by Avenir Suisse in Swiss Post's operations, aiming to modernize the service, has stirred controversy in the field of politics, as concerns arise about its potential impact on public service, particularly in rural and mountainous regions.
- The discussion about reforming Switzerland's postal service, as advocated by Avenir Suisse, not only involves business and finance aspects, such as cost-saving and digitalization, but also general-news matters, like the accessibility of essential services for some sections of the population and the preservation of public service in Switzerland.
