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National Council blocks ratification of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) - another win for the tobacco industry

Today, the National Council rejected a motion requesting ratification of the WHO FCTC tabled by National Councillor Laurence Fehlmann Rielle. With this rejection, the National Council not only ignores the advice of the Federal Council, but also the strong support from health care professionals who for many years have been calling for ratification of this international agreement by Switzerland.

This decision means that Switzerland will continue to be one of the few countries in Europe who have signed the Convention but have yet to ratify it. Globally, 183 states have implemented the agreement, thereby introducing evidence-based measures such as advertising restrictions, tax increases, and protection against second-hand smoke.

Last year, over one hundred health care professionals and experts shared an open letter with the Federal Council and Parliament appealing for an end to the over twenty-year deadlock and to strengthen the protection of young people against tobacco and nicotine products.

In total 107 Parliamentarians voted against the motion. This strong rejection is the direct result of intense lobbying by the Tobacco industry,[SM1] who for years have been working to prevent restrictions on one of the most dangerous and deadly products for human health – their only concern being their own financial gain.

By rejecting the motion, the National Council once again misses a key opportunity to bring Swiss Tobacco politics up to international standards and better protect its population. Whilst other states act decisively and quickly, Switzerland now stands as one of the last states in Europe yet to sign up to this global health agreement.

This begs the question: should Switzerland maintain a hypocritical stance hoping its parliament will one day find the courage to stand up to the tobacco industry? Or should we acknowledge reality, withdraw from the convention, and accept that one of the deadliest industries in the world will continue to operate virtually unrestricted in our country?

Further Information:

The Federal Council recommends FCTC ratification

Open Letter from health care professionals in support of FCTC ratification

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