There Swiss try the European Union path. The Swiss federation is considering introducing a tax on on-demand streaming giants, such as Netflix. Swiss voters are called on to speak out this Sunday, when they must vote in a referendum to approve or reject the proposal.
If approved, Netflix, Disney + and all other platforms must have at least the 4% of their turnover to making Swiss-produced films, TV series and documentaries. And not only that: at least 30% of the platform catalog must consist of content produced in Europe.
A proposal that not everyone likes. Critics speak of cinematic Colbertinism and argue that the law could discourage the giants’ presence in Switzerland, also leading to an increase in subscription costs.
“Switzerland is not a self-service store for large international companies, which sell the most expensive passes here, earn a lot of money and then invest it elsewhere,” Culture Minister Alain Berset explains to tutti.ch. “Our job is to defend the interests of Switzerland.”
For now, Netflix doesn’t seem particularly hostile to the proposal. “We have great respect for the decision-making process that underpins Swiss democracy, so we will respect the outcome of the referendum,” a spokesperson for the US company said.
Voters will also have to vote on another referendum question that same day. The object? The increase in funding to support the initiatives of theEuropean Border and Coast Guard Agency If the latter proposal is rejected, Switzerland risks being excluded from the Schengen area. The most recent polls seem to indicate that both proposals will be approved.
Source: Lega Nerd
