gRowing in Zurich usually feels like being evacuated from the world. It shouldn’t be like that: after all Switzerland It is the core of Europe. Riding on the comfortable Zurich tram, I heard all the languages in the world. The airport offers more direct intercontinental flights than Berlin. However, Switzerland is like sitting in an aquarium and looking at the world through a thick bulletproof window.
Last week, Donald Trump announced that the glass was broken 39% tariff On the Swiss export. The United States is the most important destination for Swiss products: 18.6% of all exports Go there. If Trump maintains tariffs, sells them to the United StatesWill effectively annihilateIndustry lobby groups in Switzerland said. Right-wing Swiss Commerce Minister Guy Parmelin announced a leave plan to protect the economy from “popular layoffs.” Tabbed newspaper Blick captured the emotions with a bright black front page, declaring it was “Black Day” in Switzerland.
Trump’s tariff shock has stirred a major identity crisis in a country rich in exports and does so in isolation from world politics.
To learn about Switzerland, imagine it is a huge country club. First, it’s not easy for you to get there: immigration laws are tight, although getting rich helps. Second, it’s a neat place: every inch of land is carefully planned and every lawn is mowed. Third, plenty of leisure activities are provided: after get off work, Swiss people ride bicycles, or show off their hues of corpses along the perfect lake.
Most importantly, the Swiss club traditionally provides peace to its members. History won’t happen here. The last war in Switzerland was the Sonderbund War in 1847 (lasting 26 days, with about 100 deaths). The country has been run by a majority of right-wing governments since 1848. Swiss economy has signed There are only six in the past 60 years.
As a teenager in the 2000s, I looked through bulletproof windows in other parts of Europe and saw Islamic terrorism and mass youth unemployment. We have nothing. The crime is very low Although Islamophobia did raise ugly minds in the 2009 vote, social conflicts are hardly there Prohibited ceremonies. Switzerland has the lowest working day percentage Lost strike. Disputes are resolved through compromise, and frustration is triggered by direct democracy or is submerged in the ocean of passive aggression. Yes, 93.2% of trains Run on time.
This feeling of omnipresent calm and predictability is perhaps the main reason why so many wealthy people move here. On a chaotic and anxious planet, Switzerland offers the luxury of living in parallel reality – the opportunity to get out of the world. That was a Swiss dream. This is the story of Heidi, a children’s book, in which a wealthy German girl escapes the Alps in Frankfurt. That’s the story of Thomas Mann Magic Mountainin which the European neurotic elite retreated to the Swiss Alps, thriving on the state of the world from a safe, numb distance.
Switzerland’s long history of neutrality and intentional distantness also cultivates a sense of Swiss exceptionalism. Surviving the two world wars, many believe that many are staying safe alone – indeed profitable, especially when you are happy to trade with Nazi Germany and segregated South Africa.
Isolationism brings benefits even today. Not participating in NATO or part of the EU allows Switzerland to become the only European country to reach a free trade agreement with China. It also allows Bourne to spend only 0.7% of GDP Ministry of Defense – well below NATO’s 3.5% target. Switzerland’s aid to Ukraine is standing 0.13% of GDPeight times lower than the Netherlands. Switzerland flourished without any burden. But this “owner your cake and eat” policy no longer works in a new era of Cutthroat’s geoeconomics.
Moreover, Trump’s actions completely blinded Byrne. In Switzerland, many believe that President Karin Keller-Sutter’s most right-wing administration will get along well with Trump wearing Rolex. After all, he doesn’t like the EU, taxes and horror, and so does Switzerland. When Vice President JD Vance Arguing at the Munich Security Conference In February, social media “censorship” was more dangerous to Europe than Russia, and Keller-Sutter praised the speech “Very Swiss”.
Trump’s shocking tariff announcements left Swiss agencies ignoring everything about how to respond. Last week, Keller-Sutter tried to convince Trump to let go of the United States $38 billion in trade deficit with Switzerland. Trump later Talking about phone“That woman is nice, but she doesn’t want to listen.”
Switzerland has little leverage. This country has promised Purchase the F-35 fighter jet. Keller-Sutter can’t even promise to cut tariffs on U.S. products. In 2024, Bern unilaterally canceled tariffs on industrial products. If Trump adds medicines to the 39% tariff, the economic pain will be real: GDP per year is up to 0.7%, or 700 Swiss francs. Swiss Institute of Economics. But the greater shock is psychological. A country that has been used to always in its own way is now struggling with a lower tariff than Algeria (30%). In a multicultural federal country with four official languages, the great unification narrative of Swiss exceptionalism is shattering.
Perhaps worst of all, Brussels has a better trade deal. In a country that supports EU membership, this has caused a lot of head scratching Stand at 17% In the 2024 poll. Keeping distance between the EU may no longer be the best choice. The first test will soon appear: The Swiss will vote against the EU on a new economic treaty – the far right of Switzerland is fighting teeth and nails.
Trump’s golf surgery style should see him fit into the Swiss country club. Who would have guessed that he would be the one who would eventually destroy his outstanding isolation?
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
