Switzerland's Middle Class No Longer Exists, Says Federal Statistical Office

The very notion of a 'middle class' in Switzerland is becoming increasingly outdated and requires urgent re-evaluation, according to recent analyses by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). The broad income spectrum currently used to define this group, ranging from 4228 to 19,028 francs per month, fails to capture the vastly different realities faced by individuals within it. Our publication, Le Temps, has long highlighted the nuances of Swiss society, and these FSO findings underscore the need for a more precise understanding. For instance, the data reveals that a significant portion of the 'lower middle class' dedicates over 40% of their income to housing, a burden far less common among the 'upper middle class'. This homogenization obscures real social divides and hinders the development of effective, targeted policies. The FSO's recommendation to split the 'middle class' into two distinct sub-groups—representing 25.6% and 29.5% of the population, respectively—is a crucial step towards acknowledging these disparities. From a Swiss perspective, understanding these economic stratifications is vital not just for statistical accuracy, but for ensuring social cohesion and addressing the specific challenges faced by different segments of our population. International coverage often overlooks these granular details, focusing instead on broader economic trends. However, for us, these distinctions are fundamental to grasping the lived experiences of our citizens and maintaining the social fabric that defines Switzerland.

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De toutes les personnes qui vivent dans un ménage dont le revenu brut équivalent est compris entre 70% et 150% de la médiane de l’année considérée