The Swiss National Council and Council of States elections of 2023 brought some shifts in the political landscape. Fortunately, a majority of the election winners have already embraced crypto assets and blockchain technology, which should have a positive impact on the future of the Crypto Valley.
Thanks to early regulatory and policy initiatives, Switzerland has been a leader in the blockchain space since 2015. FINMA guidelines regulated the issuance of new cryptocurrencies during the ICO boom in 2018, and the DLT Act created the world’s first comprehensive framework for digital assets in 2021. As a result, there is a solid legal foundation in Switzerland. Many of this year’s election winners are looking to maintain this competitive advantage. An overview of all CVJ.CH political poll participants elected to the Swiss Parliament for this legislature.
Swiss People's Party (SVP Switzerland)
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes, my first transactions were over 6 years ago. Besides the technical aspect, I’m interested in the potential impact on the economy and society. More competition in the financial system is very welcome.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No. I consider excessive regulation or even bans to be the greatest danger for crypto assets, because of course a ban would not be technically feasible, but it would prevent institutional investors from investing. For the journey to the moon, however, that is exactly what is needed.
What priority do digital assets have in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
5: Very high in the sense that I am convinced it holds great potential and is also an opportunity for Switzerland, which is here from the beginning but must be careful not to fall behind. The same applies to NFT, DAO and other applications.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
I follow the topic regularly.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No.
What priority do digital assets have in your politics (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
3: I am committed to a financial market that is as free as possible – also in favor of digital currencies. However, physical currencies, namely cash, must be maintained in the future.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Of course I have dealt with cryptocurrencies and out of full conviction I also own some: While fiat money is centralized and manipulated by politicians, cryptocurrencies are organized in a decentralized way and thus less susceptible to inflationary monetary policies.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
Absolutely NO!
What is the priority of digital assets in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
5: The priority is very high, however, after FTX, policy must not fall into a renewed regulatory frenzy. Financial market law already leads to enormous overregulation. One advantage of cryptocurrencies lies precisely in their efficiency, which must not be ruined by government overregulation and compliance without end.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes, as the founder and co-owner of a Swiss bank, it is natural for me to be involved with cryptocurrencies.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No. I am generally against bans and regulations unless they are absolutely necessary.
What priority do digital assets have in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
3: The free market will decide which digital assets will prevail and which will not. Therefore, politics should only be concerned about providing good framework conditions.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes, cryptocurrencies are an interesting alternative to traditional financial investments.
Are you in favor of a Bitcoin ban?
No. Every investor is responsible for his or her own investment decisions.
What priority do digital assets have in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
2: Up to now, digital assets have played a rather subordinate role in politics, but this could change significantly in the near future.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Sure. Innovative and exciting. Definitely staying tuned.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No, I am fundamentally against any policy of bans and paternalism. Technology bans in particular are counterproductive.
What priority do digital assets have in your politics (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
3: The topic comes up again and again, which is why it should remain on the watch list. However, we should explicitly warn against excessive regulatory intervention.
Social Democratic Party of Switzerland (SP Switzerland)
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Not very much.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
I am in favor of strict oversight to prevent cryptocurrencies from being a vehicle for money laundering.
What priority do digital assets have in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
2: Only under the angel of money laundering.
FDP.Die Liberalen (FDP Switzerland)
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes. I hold cryptocurrencies myself, introduced crypto donations as the then president of the Jungfreisinnigen Schweiz, and am a founding member of the Swiss Blockchain Federation.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No. I am fundamentally against technology bans, as they hinder progress and innovation.
What priority do digital assets have in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
3: We have taken important steps with the DLT Act, which is why the need for political (legal) action is currently not as high as it was before.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes, we discussed early on in the Parliamentary Group on Digital Sustainability how cryptocurrencies could be positioned and regulated in the financial market.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No, in a free market all possible types of currency should be available.
What priority do digital assets have in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
3: For my policy, I rank digital assets at level 3 and rising.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes, but only partially, as I am less involved with financial instruments than some colleagues.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No, because I am convinced that we must not close our minds to new means. What is important is security for users and compliance with legal standards.
What priority do digital assets have in your politics (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
3: Given my other priorities.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes, in connection with my financial investments.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No. But consistent rules for digital and cryptocurrencies need to be created across the board.
What is the priority of digital assets in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
3: It is not a first priority for me, as I do not serve on the relevant commission. But it seems important to me that asset transfers are clearly scrutinized and not circumventing a white money strategy.
Le Groupe du Centre
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes.
Do you support a bitcoin ban?
No.
What priority do digital assets have in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
5: You have to take advantage of the opportunities.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Only casually.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No.
What priority do digital assets have in your politics (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
2: Is not high on the political agenda (which can also be an advantage!).
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes. Some colleagues own cryptocurrencies and I always get informed about the latest trends.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No. However, I think it is important that customers are well informed about the opportunities and risks.
What priority do digital assets have in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
2: In order for the Swiss financial center to be fit for the future, trends must be followed and also offered.
Grünliberale Partei Schweiz (GLP)
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes, but only on the surface.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No, I am open to new technologies.
What priority do digital assets have in your politics (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
2: My areas of expertise lie elsewhere. Serious politics is not possible without specialization.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
I am interested in the opportunities offered by this exciting product, but I set other priorities in my political work.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No.
What priority do digital assets have in your politics (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
3: I currently have dossier responsibility in another area.
Do you have any experience with cryptocurrencies?
Yes, as an economist and university lecturer, but also as a financial politician, I am interested in new developments on the money and financial markets. However, I do not own any cryptocurrencies myself.
Are you in favor of a bitcoin ban?
No, new technologies should have the chance to prove themselves and become established. If they don’t, they will disappear again on their own or eke out a niche existence.
What priority do digital assets have in your policy (1 = very low, 5 = very high)?
3: They have medium priority. The DLT Act has created a legal basis in Switzerland. The task now is to implement international standards worldwide, especially in the area of money laundering.
