Death is a taboo subject for many – for SPs it is a potential source of money. To fill the treasury of the party, the SP is targeting the money of the deceased comrades. The background is the new inheritance law that will come into force early next year.
In the future, everyone in Switzerland will be able to decide more freely who gets the money they leave behind after death. The so-called compulsory share, to which children and spouses are entitled, is now only half – much less than before. The rest of the property can be bequeathed to whomever you wish. In addition to your loved ones, recipients can be organizations or parties.
Full details of SP Advertisement
The SP wants to take advantage of the change in the law. In the members’ magazine, the party advertises a new rules guide it has created. The lavishly designed brochure with foreword by party presidents Mattia Meyer (34) and Cedric Wermuth (36) spans 16 pages as well as a detailed appendix explaining what needs to be done to uphold one’s will. And what are the possibilities of taking the SP into cognizance.
Informative instructions on wills, living wills and advance directives are attached with the party advertisement. The guide contains, among other things, several fictional quotes from SP members, intended to explain a so-called legacy to the SP. For example, it says: “I am so grateful that I can live my life independently. With the legacy of SP Switzerland, I’m sure I’m contributing to values that will last my life.” And of course there’s also a sample will that you can use as a template.
“The chances are huge”
Says Regula-Sibile Schweizer (59), who is responsible for the so-called estate planning at SP, seeks to enlighten members, sympathizers and donors with a guide and sensitize them to the topic. Last year, SP did not find a single successor, which should change in future. “The potential in Switzerland is huge and will only increase in the years to come,” says Schweizer. Of the billions inherited each year, it is estimated that less than 1 percent currently goes to nonprofits.
So SP is not the only party tracking this source of income. According to his own statements, heritage does not play a major role in any party today. Unlike non-profit organizations that actively promote it. Environmental protection organization Greenpeace is considered a leader when it comes to heritage marketing. About 10 percent of Greenpeace Switzerland’s income comes from inheritance and inheritance.
The Greens and the GLP Want to Count on It Too
The Greens also want to take a leaf out of it. “Since dealing with death is an extremely sensitive subject, we have so far only focused on it,” says Greens general secretary Florian Erminger (39). Now, however, there are plans to intensify communication on the subject.
Something similar can be heard from Green Liberals. “Legacy is an issue that we definitely need to look into, especially in the context of the amended inheritance law,” says GLP co-secretary general Ahmet Kut (45). There is currently no clear call for this. However, the goal should be that the testator “also consider the GLP for future donations”.
SP is not afraid of contact
The Center and the FDP, on the other hand, say upon request that they will not actively promote the legacy – and have no plans to replace them. It’s apparently not even planned for SVP. The party had advertised Leggett in its members’ magazine several years earlier through the Foundation for Civic Politics. Today she doesn’t do that anymore.
While other parties are reluctant, SP does not find it strange to ask for donations after death. After all, the guide to the will is not simply sent out, but only upon request, says SP estate planner Regula Schweizer. “This means that most of those who ordered the guide have already dealt with the subject a little or intend to do more of it in the future.”
