In a new report the Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has called for specific measures to be taken to prevent corruption in Switzerland regarding persons with top executive functions (PHFE), i.e. members of the Federal Council, the chancellor of the Confederation, vice-chancellors, secretaries general, heads of information and personal advisors to members of the Federal Council, as well as members of the Federal Criminal Police (PJF) and the Operations and Prosecution Directorates of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).
In its evaluation report, GRECO notes that Switzerland has a generally adequate framework for preventing and combating corruption. Some rules are exemplary, such as those on access to information, transparency of the legislative process and public consultation. However, there is no detailed and specific analysis of the risks relating to corruption in the two areas evaluated. GRECO believes that the Federal Council's Strategy against Corruption could be more ambitious and concrete. The Interdepartmental Working Group on Combating Corruption monitors it but lacks the independence and resources to do so. GRECO therefore calls for a substantial strengthening of this body, an analysis of integrity risks and measures specifically targeting PTEFs, particularly on the key issues of lobbying and revolving doors.
The implementation of the 15 recommendations addressed to Switzerland will be assessed by GRECO in 2026 through its compliance procedure.
See the German and Italian versions of the report.
Switzerland must improve the way it addresses corruption risks within the government and law enforcement authorities
