分类： politics

In a bid to reduce the steep 39% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Swiss exports, Swiss ministers and business leaders have embarked on a diplomatic mission to Washington. Initial efforts by Swiss President Karin Keller Sutter to negotiate a reduction were unsuccessful, but a recent visit by Swiss industry chiefs appears to have shifted the dynamics. On November 4, these leaders presented Trump with luxurious gifts, including a Rolex gold watch and a specially engraved gold bar from Swiss-based gold refining company MKS. These gestures seem to have influenced Trump, who has since hinted at a potential tariff reduction, stating that a deal is being worked on to bring the tariffs ‘a little bit lower.’

The Swiss delegation emphasized the unity between the private and public sectors in their initiative. Notably, some Swiss business figures, particularly those in luxury goods and commodities, already had connections within Trump’s circle. For instance, Jean Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex, had previously hosted Trump at the US Open tennis final in September. Last week, Dufour and other business leaders, including Johann Rupert from Richemont and Marwan Shakarchi from MKS, met Trump in the Oval Office. Following the meeting, Trump was photographed with a Rolex ‘Datejust’ desk clock, a collector’s item worth tens of thousands of dollars, on his desk.

While the White House confirmed the receipt of these gifts, it remains unclear whether Trump will retain them, as all presidential gifts become US property and are eventually transferred to a presidential library. Historically, President Richard Nixon once declined a Swiss Omega watch commemorating the Moon landings. However, Trump’s apparent softening stance towards Switzerland has sparked optimism among Swiss officials. Economy Minister Guy Parmelin and chief trade negotiator Helene Budliger Artieda, who arrived in Washington on Wednesday, are hopeful that the tariffs could be reduced to 15%, aligning with those of Switzerland’s EU neighbors.

In exchange, Swiss pharmaceutical giants have offered to build more production plants in the US, and Swiss International Airlines may shift its fleet from Airbus to Boeing. Despite these efforts, Swiss industries remain anxious, with some companies warning of potential staff furloughs if the tariffs persist. As a last resort, Swiss officials may call on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a long-time friend of Trump, to intervene. Infantino, who visited the Oval Office in August with the FIFA World Cup trophy, has also announced a new FIFA world peace prize, to be unveiled in Washington DC on December 5. The outcome of these diplomatic efforts remains uncertain, but the stakes are high for both nations.

In a controversial move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to British billionaire Joe Lewis, the 88-year-old magnate whose family trust owns the Tottenham Hotspur soccer club. Lewis had been fined $5 million in January 2024 after pleading guilty to insider trading and conspiracy charges in New York. The pardon, revealed by a White House official on Thursday, allows Lewis to seek medical treatment and visit his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the United States. Lewis’s legal troubles stemmed from allegations that he shared nonpublic information about publicly traded companies with friends, employees, and romantic interests between 2019 and 2021, enabling them to profit from the tips. Despite the severity of the charges, Lewis avoided prison time in April 2024 when a federal judge cited his declining health and a lifetime of philanthropic contributions. During his sentencing, Lewis expressed remorse, stating, ‘I made a terrible mistake. I’m ashamed,’ and vowed to rebuild trust for the remainder of his life. In addition to the $5 million fine, Lewis and his company, Broad Bay Limited, agreed to pay over $50 million in financial penalties. Lewis, whose fortune was once estimated by Forbes at over $6 billion, has extensive investments in real estate, biotechnology, energy, and agriculture. He acquired a stake in Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 and oversaw the construction of its state-of-the-art stadium. While Lewis relinquished operational control of the club in 2022, his family trust remains the majority owner of ENIC, the holding company that owns the team. Lewis’s Tavistock Group controls over 200 companies globally, and his art collection includes works by Picasso, Matisse, and Degas. His business ventures also include collaborations with celebrities like Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake.

Germany’s coalition government has finalized a comprehensive military service plan aimed at significantly bolstering its armed forces. The initiative, which follows months of political negotiations, mandates all 18-year-old men to complete a questionnaire assessing their suitability for service and, starting in 2027, undergo medical screenings. This move is part of Berlin’s broader strategy to establish Europe’s most formidable conventional army. Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest defense firm, expressed confidence in the plan’s feasibility, stating that Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s goals are ‘realistic’ and supported by decisive government action. The Bundeswehr, currently comprising 182,000 troops, aims to increase its numbers by 20,000 in the next year, eventually reaching between 255,000 and 260,000 by 2035, supplemented by approximately 200,000 reservists. While the plan initially introduces voluntary military service for women, men will face mandatory assessments. If recruitment targets are not met, compulsory enlistment could be considered. The decision comes amid heightened security concerns, with German defense chief Gen Carsten Breuer warning of a potential Russian attack within four years. Despite opposition from some political factions and a significant portion of young Germans, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has sought to reassure the public, emphasizing that a stronger military enhances deterrence and reduces the likelihood of conflict. Germany’s defense spending, which declined after the Cold War, has seen renewed focus following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with NATO allies urging increased military investments. Rheinmetall, a key player in Europe’s rearmament efforts, has reported substantial revenue growth, driven by demand for vehicles, ammunition, and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. Papperger, who has been linked to a Russian assassination plot, remains optimistic about Europe’s defense capabilities, stating, ‘Whatever you call it, it’s not a peaceful time.’