As Switzerland's largest food manufacturer and retailer, Migros is always in touch with the world of politics. The Economic Policy Management Division of the FMC represents Migros' position to authorities, parties and trade associations. This often takes place under the auspices of the retail stakeholder group IG DHS.

Authorisation of parallel imports

Migros has been campaigning for years on behalf of customers and has been in the front line fighting against situations where the law has pushed up prices excessively. In 2009 the Swiss parliament voted to adopt the Cassis de Dijon principle. This followed a first break-through with the authorisation of parallel imports. Both are to be welcomed, as lower prices can only be expected from a combination of these measures.

The parallel import of a bodycare product has been a first success. Noticeable price cuts can be expected in particular from the agreement between Switzerland and the EU in the areas of agriculture, food and health. This agreement is important for both Swiss consumers and the Swiss economy. Migros actively supported the political process of the agreement through the agrofood stakeholder group Agrarstandort Schweiz.

However, this commitment to open markets does not mean that Migros will rely more on imports in future. Quite the opposite, in fact: being local and being sustainable are part of the Migros core values. Around 20 per cent of total agricultural production passes through Migros. We will continue to back these high-quality local products in the future. We emphasise long-term relationships with our suppliers and fair prices for agricultural products.

Prescription-free medication

Migros also wants to be able to include a limited number of non-prescription pharmaceutical products in its range without being obliged to offer advice. Medicines are up to 50 per cent more expensive in Switzerland, partly because of the restrictive approvals procedure. If non-prescription pharmaceuticals such as diuretic tea and Pullmex are available cheaply in Migros, this is likely to have a dampening effect on healthcare costs. The Federal Council will be deliberating on this issue in 2010 as it considers the new law on therapeutic products.

Binding book prices

Migros is strongly opposed to a reintroduction of minimum prices for books. Cartel prices would mainly benefit large foreign chains. The proponents of minimum prices have overlooked the increasing importance of online booksellers. Here too, the law would work in favour of foreign providers, as these would be excluded from the minimum prices.

espace.mobilité

Through the stakeholder group espace.mobilité set up in 2006 Migros makes a major contribution to identifying and resolving problems in town planning, transport and environment policy. For instance, it has made specific proposals to encourage efficiency and proper cost/benefit analysis of environmental measures and on constructive cooperation with the authorities. One example is the fundamental revision of the pioneering new Construction Code in Aargau, which was approved in a cantonal referendum in September 2009.