Switzerland: Two political parties financed by Philip Morris

In Switzerland, two political parties received funding from Philip Morris for the National Council elections, while the law on tobacco products is due to be revised soon. Philippe Nantermod, vice-president of one of the two parties in question, said he saw no conflict of interest problem. However, Swiss newspapers highlighted his close ties to the tobacco industry.

In October 2023, the Swiss Federal Council requires political parties to declare the funding received, if it exceeds 15,000 Swiss francs, or 15,700 euros. This is the case of the Union Démocratique du Centre (UDC) and the Parti Libéral-Radical (PLR), which have declared having received 35,000 Swiss francs respectively from the manufacturer Philip Morris.

No risk of influence, according to the vice-president of the PLR

According to Philippe Nantermod, vice-president of the Swiss Liberal Radical Party, this situation is not problematic, and in no way indicates a relationship of influence of the tobacco industry with regard to the political line of the PLR. Questioned by the press, Nantermod assured that he had "discovered" that his party received money from Philip Morris, and that this fact in no way influenced his position with regard to tobacco, nor that of the party, summarized by the person concerned as aiming for "strong prevention with regard to minors".

Financing links criticized by part of the Swiss political class

These funding links, published by the Federal Audit Office, are however the subject of criticism from a section of the Swiss political class. Interviewed in the newspaper 24 heures, Pierre-Yves Maillard, from the Swiss Socialist Party, wonders: "Why would these companies pay these sums if they did not expect in return an impact on the votes of elected officials? If these donations exist, it is because they buy influence". Indeed, the disinterested nature of Philip Morris's funding of parties can be questioned, while the Commission for Social Security and Public Health, of which Philippe Nantermod is a member, is currently in the process of revising the law on tobacco products.

A close link between the vice-president and the general secretary of Swiss Cigarette

In this regard, several Swiss newspapers have recalled the closeness between Philippe Nantermod and Martin Kuonen, Secretary General of Swiss Cigarette, an association that brings together Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco International, the three tobacco manufacturers present in Switzerland. It was indeed at Philippe Nantermod's invitation that the Secretary General was accredited to the Federal Parliament. Nantermod, however, denies any link with the tobacco industry, stating that his link with Martin Kuonen is explained by the fact that the latter is also director of the "Employers' Centre which manages the secretariat of around thirty associations".

As the Swiss Association for the Prevention of Smoking points out, the links of interest between certain parliamentarians of the UDC or the PLR and the tobacco industry are well known, such as Gregor Rutz, who also holds the position of president of Swiss Tobacco and Damien Cottier representing the canton of Neuchâtel where Philip Morris has its global research and development centre.[1]

Positions in line with the interests of manufacturers

While Philippe Nantermod denies any influence from the cigarette manufacturer on his positions or those of his party in the fight against smoking, it is clear that the member of the Swiss Health Commission defends measures similar to those advocated by the cigarette manufacturers. In 2020, Nantermod declared himself against the ban on tobacco advertising, preferring to stick to a ban on advertising specifically aimed at minors: "banning what is directly aimed at minors, okay. But what could "perhaps" affect minors, no". However, on this point, scientific studies show that only complete bans on tobacco are effective, whereas partial restrictions only lead to a transfer of advertising investment from one medium to another.

A situation symptomatic of Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the last countries in the world that has not ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). In 2021, the Tobacco Industry Interference Index placed Switzerland in the penultimate place in the European ranking, highlighting the strong influence of cigarette companies in public policies. This strong influence is reflected in the country's considerable delay in terms of regulation, whether it be the ban on advertising or tax policy.

Keywords: Switzerland, PLR, UDC, Nantermod, lobby

[1] Swiss Association for the Prevention of Smoking, The 2023 Federal Election and Philip Morris Money, 02/102023, (accessed 20/10/2023)

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