Farmers' revolt against Parmelin: Swiss farmers abandon their closest ally in the Federal Council

Swiss farmers have torpedoed a free trade agreement with South American nations, dealing a significant political blow to Economics Minister Guy Parmelin. The farmers, alongside left-wing parties, voted down the Mercosur trade deal in the National Council, fearing substantial losses from tariff-free agricultural imports.

Parmelin, who had spent years negotiating the deal with EFTA states, attempted to assuage concerns by highlighting protected designations of origin like Gruyère and Sbrinz cheese. He also emphasized that changes to meat imports would be minimal. However, these assurances failed to sway the farmers, who demanded 880 million Swiss francs in compensation as a condition for their support.

The "unholy alliance" between farmers and left-wing parties, who criticized environmental and labor standards in Mercosur countries, proved decisive. This outcome is particularly bitter for Parmelin, who has consistently supported Swiss agriculture through policies like his agricultural strategy, which eschews steering taxes and favors direct payments. Despite these efforts, his former professional colleagues have delivered a political "stab in the back," rendering his concessions seemingly worthless in the current agricultural power play.