Newspaper early delivery remains with the Post Office
Swiss Post should continue to deliver newspapers at a reduced rate. A proposal to put this task out to tender for private companies did not stand a chance in the Council of States.
On Tuesday, the Council of States rejected a corresponding motion by 31 votes to 8. The motion is thus off the table. The proposal was introduced in connection with the discussions on indirect media funding.
The Council of States and the National Council's preliminary committee want to include support for early delivery of newspapers and Sunday newspapers in the package of measures. This costs the federal government 40 million francs a year. Council of States member Damian Müller (FDP/LU) now demanded that this contract be put out to tender.
Federal Councilor Simonetta Sommaruga maintained that Swiss Post must deliver subscribed newspapers and magazines six times a week at location-independent rates. "This is not done by a private company." She said this mandate ensures that newspapers are distributed throughout Switzerland at the same price. "We must not give up this achievement." (SDA)
