At the conclusion of a two-day state visit, the French president defended the discussion process launched by Jean-Claude Juncker with Berne. "When you have such a level of success, you should fear nothing," François Hollande told the Swiss, speaking at the Federal Polytechnic Institute in Lausanne, on 16 April.
Like the Commission president, Paris made no concessions on the absolute principle of respect for free movement, while Switzerland is campaigning for application of the initiative against mass immigration, intended to…
Swiss bankers in Brussels
Despite the difficulties, Swiss bankers visited Brussels on 16 April, in particular Financial Services Commissioner Jonathan Hill, for exploratory talks on access to the EU market, the aim being to be ready in the event an agreement is reached on free movement between Switzerland and Brussels. However, "we have to stop harbouring illusions about possible compromises on quotas and free movement of persons. The question has to be raised more generally," assured Patrick Odier, president of the Swiss Bankers Association (ASB), speaking on Swiss radio/TV on 16 April, after the meeting.He is convinced of the usefulness of the exploratory talks, even if the request for immigration control is "absolutely incompatible with free movement". "We in Switzerland have to realise that access to the European market is impossible without a solution." Imagining that a compromise is possible is a pipe dream, says Odier. "I am certain that we will have another vote, even if it remains to be seen what question will be asked." For the ASB president, the European issue is essential for the welfare of the Swiss population. It is therefore extremely important for this question to be publicly debated without delay. The election excuse is unacceptable, he hinted, implicitly criticising the silence of political parties in favour of the bilateral arrangements between Switzerland and the EU, in the run-up to next October's elections that will lead to renewal of the Swiss parliament.