The Land Developement Affair of Federal Councilor Parmelin (Swiss Press Text 2017, by Christoph Lenz) - Swiss Press Award
Blick
Christoph Lenz
The tax break for farmers was a talking point in itself: The National Council declared a land tax concession in which no federal taxes will be incurred if agricultural lands are sold on as much more valuable property development land. A perfect scandal was exposed when the author of the article publicised the fact that, using a report, a member of the government had strongly campaigned in favour of the legal amendment, despite there being no call for action from his department. Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin was subjected to accusations of having attempted to further his own family’s financial interests. His brother owns an exclusive property in Bursins (VD), which is affected by the tax break. Parmelin retroactively transferred his personal share of the prime location vineyard to his brother, three days after submitting the contentious report.
Interview with Christoph Lenz
