A key factor in Switzerland’s prosperity is the set-up of its government institutions. This small-scale federalism leads to duplications of effort, but in conjunction with the high degree of fiscal autonomy enjoyed by the cantons and municipalities it favors systemic competition, which allows the public sector to gear itself more closely to the needs of the population than in other countries. While (direct) democratic processes usually take longer than elsewhere, decisions are more broadly underpinned and often more accurate. Avenir Suisse formulates proposals designed to help optimize this complex system; in other words to weaken its weaknesses and strengthen its strengths so that government continues to serve rather than detract from our prosperity.
Inheritance in Switzerland: What Really Remains of Your Wealth
Bequests to direct descendants are often tax-free. But the assets being passed down have already been taxed multiple times over the years. A simple example shows how these tax burdens accumulate over decades.
