Political commitment

The political commitment of Caritas

Caritas Switzerland contributes to political debates with targeted comments and proposals for solutions. Andreas Lustenberger explains how it effectively represents the concerns of people affected by poverty both at home and abroad.

Andreas Lustenberger, why is Caritas Switzerland involved at the political level instead of investing all its resources in direct aid?

We have a clear vision: a Switzerland without poverty, a world without poverty. Our projects make an important contribution, but at the same time structural and political changes are needed. Thanks to our diverse fields of activity, we are very familiar with the needs of disadvantaged people. We can combine their everyday experiences with our own analyses and official statistics to develop solutions. Policymakers need the perspective of actors who are close to the issues.

How do you introduce these proposed solutions into the political debate?

For instance, we engage directly with members of the National Council and the Council of States, presenting our concerns and ideas. We prioritise personal discussions, organise informational events, and write letters and emails. While our proposals don’t always receive unanimous support, we ensure that all parties hear our voice. Additionally, we maintain ongoing dialogue with both the government and administrative bodies at national and cantonal levels.

In 2024, you were at the round table on the topic of housing, which was organised by Federal Councillor Parmelin. A success?

The invitation shows that we are perceived in the federal government as a credible and competent voice for people experiencing poverty. We were able to explain how ever-increasing rents are driving people on a tight budget into poverty. That is definitely a success. However, we are not yet satisfied with the results of the round table.

In the summer of 2024, you were a member of the Swiss delegation at the UN meeting on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. How did you experience those days in New York?

With the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations has set itself the goal of eradicating poverty. This may sound utopian, but I found it very motivating to see how many people are committed to this goal. The intensive exchange with other NGOs was also valuable. What was sobering, however, was to see that poverty and hunger have increased again after the pandemic. Within the delegation, I tried to raise awareness of poverty in Switzerland – and to show that we need to act urgently.

Is that controversial?

It is now widely recognised that more and more people in this country are experiencing financial hardship – not least because Caritas has been highlighting this issue for years. At the same time, discourse has become tougher, for example, towards refugees. I am concerned that populist concerns are gaining majority support here.

In 2024, parliament tightened asylum policy and decided to make savings in development cooperation. How do you deal with such setbacks?

You can’t always win in politics, but we learn from failures. The discussion about development cooperation showed us how far-removed parliament is from reality. We have to do a better job of explaining how our projects work and that they achieve results.

What other goals have you set yourselves?

We want to show how much migrants in Switzerland contribute to the functioning of the economy and society. We would also like to play a leading role in implementing the national poverty strategy. Finally, we shall be speaking out more on climate change measures. Solutions are needed that are affordable for people affected by poverty.

• More about the political commitment of Caritas Switzerland

Climate crisis increases poverty

At an event organised by Caritas Switzerland in Bern in November 2024, Ugandan climate activist Evelyn Acham showed how global warming threatens the livelihoods of many people.

During her visit, Acham also spoke with members of the Swiss National Council. At the climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Caritas called on the Swiss delegation to advocate for fair climate financing.

Less money for development cooperation

A world beset by crises demands a greater commitment to humanity. Yet Swiss policy is sending the opposite signal. In both the 2025 budget and the four-year strategy for international cooperation, parliament has decided to cut funding for development cooperation. Together with Alliance Sud and other development organisations, Caritas Switzerland was able to prevent far higher cuts from winning a majority.

Quotepertaining to Swiss Federal politics

Published in a guest article on the fight against poverty in the Tages-Anzeiger and Bund on 18th September 2024

Poverty monitoring: A model being increasingly implemented

The federal government, cantons and municipalities need accurate data to effectively combat poverty. Together with the Bern University of Applied Sciences, Caritas Switzerland has developed a model for this. The cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Valais are already using it, Solothurn will follow in 2025, and Aargau will also introduce poverty monitoring.

Premium relief: A challenge for the cantons

Health insurance premiums have risen significantly for the third year in succession; an enormous burden for many households. Caritas Switzerland has campaigned for the premium relief initiative, which has made an indirect counter-proposal possible. This will now come into play following the No vote at the ballot box in June 2024. It obliges the cantons to expand premium reductions.

Family reunification for temporarily admitted persons

In December 2024, the Council of States rejected a motion that would have completely banned family reunification for temporarily admitted persons, which is already subject to very restrictive rules. Caritas was able to contribute to this success in the fight against unjustifiable tightening of asylum law.