“Why Switzerland” is the title of a book published in 1976, in which the author, Jonathan Steinberg, a professor at Cambridge, questioned whether Switzerland still had a reason to exist in a world at the dawn of globalization.
Nearly fifty years later, we can proudly affirm that Switzerland has successfully met the challenge of modernization and truly deserves the often-assigned label of a “virtuous state.” A nation that has skillfully interpreted its neutrality, generous and open to globalization and change.
Political stability stems from a concept of direct democracy and respect for minorities, which translates into efficient governance and closeness to its citizens and entrepreneurs, acknowledging their contribution to the prosperity of the entire nation.
Switzerland takes a pragmatic approach to managing public finances, capable of curbing excessive debt while also planning major public works with foresight, of which AlpTransit – the largest railway tunnel in the world – is the most significant example. A lean, minimally bureaucratic state, attentive to the consequences of every action, where security, legal certainty, and fiscal reliability prevail. Rules may change, but they often do so through popular votes, where the sovereign citizen decides, and the state must frequently adapt.
Significant investments are also made in education and innovation at all levels.
From primary schools to dual education programs (combining school and work for apprentices) and up to universities ranked among the best in the world – such as ETH Zurich, EPFL Lausanne, and the University of St. Gallen – Switzerland demonstrates a state attentive to the unique characteristics of its territory, embodying the essence of a federal state. Even the most remote areas are never abandoned; rather, they are supported when in need.
Healthcare security is ensured through hospital planning based on public-private collaboration, a system that was not undermined by COVID-19. On the contrary, the response of Swiss hospitals to an unprecedented situation was exemplary, reassuring all citizens. Switzerland’s high-quality healthcare system has been recognized internationally, the result of careful and effective health policies.
Timeliness, swift action, and substantial financial support provided to the economy to safeguard SMEs and jobs whenever needed.
It took just a few weeks from the start of the pandemic to provide financial support to SMEs and ensure that all Swiss workers could receive their salaries at the end of the month. The reliability of an efficient state, where you can request and receive funding in a single day – all contained on one page (including conditions) – amazed the entire world!
This is why Switzerland today stands as a strategic homeland, renowned for excellence in all its facets, a “Switzerland” brand that meets the needs of a modern society, capable of planning its future with vision and cultivating day by day a primary asset increasingly sought after: a high quality of life in complete security.
From this comes our vision of Switzerland as a model and Ticino as a destination, able to attract families and entrepreneurs with a welcoming spirit, in an enchanting territorial context. A safe Ticino in a world full of uncertainties.