The National Council wants comprehensive and uniform supervision of the Swiss Post by the Federal Postal Commission (Postcom). On Wednesday, they accepted a proposal from Lars Guggisberg (SVP/BE) with 111 to 81 votes and one abstention. The Federal Council should propose the necessary adjustment in the Postal Services Act to Parliament. According to Guggisberg, the Swiss Post has been acting questionably for years by acquiring numerous companies in various industries, such as construction logistics, sterile medical instruments, and forests in Germany, thus competing with the private sector. This creates an uneven playing field for smaller companies due to the size and financial strength of the Swiss Post.
In contrast, the Post plans to close 170 post offices in Switzerland, neglecting the service to the public, which is supposed to be their main priority. Guggisberg aims to eliminate this „chaos of responsibilities.“ Post Minister Albert Rösti tried in vain to oppose the proposal in the Council. The government acknowledges the need for clarification and adjustment in the supervision of the Post but believes it is more appropriate to address it in conjunction with ongoing supervisory processes and further revisions in the postal sector. The unresolved issues in the supervision processes are crucial for any potential reorganization of supervisory powers.
The Federal Council is also considering adjustments to postal basic services. The future design of basic services and supervision are closely intertwined. Depending on the adjustments made, new regulatory questions may arise. The next step is for the Council of States to decide on the motion.
In other news, during the burning of the Zurich Böögg in Heiden AR on June 22, the guild members will not be riding horses around the snowman but will be using hobbyhorses due to the terrain. Historical toy horses will be used for the event.
