13/07/2006 7:35:43 am
Swiss Lunch. Yesterday, I had a lunch with the Minister for Home Affairs (including for example social security, health care, energy, culture) of Switzerland, and some of his colleagues. Mr Pascal Couchepin is something as uncommon in Europe these days as a politician with a real interest in issues and free-market reform. He is also the former Finance Minister and apparently he really enjoyed my book. An interesting discussion about Sweden, Europe, reforms and the longer perspective.

Switzerland is an interesting case, since it is a European country with a rather small state, i e low public expenditure. Private insurance companies compete in offering welfare services and social security to people. Every country, of course, have reforms they should do but some also show the way forward more than others. In terms of low taxes and private welfare, Switzerland is a country that should be studied more by others.