“As a Swiss, you are a foreigner here” – Eastern Switzerland
The “Swiss Association in the Principality of Liechtenstein” has been a link between the Swiss and Liechtenstein authorities since 1948. Club president Olivier Künzler moved to the principality ten years ago.
Olivier Künzler, how and when did you yourself become aware of the “Swiss Association in the Principality of Liechtenstein”?
Before moving to Liechtenstein, my wife and I spent a year in Sydney, Australia. The Swiss we met there were members of the local Swiss association and had many acquaintances there. The first thing I did when I moved to Liechtenstein was to register with the local Swiss association. At the time, however, I would never have thought that I would one day preside over it.
How many members does the association have today?
Our association currently has around 400 active memberships. These are individual or family memberships, which is why we cannot quantify the exact number of people. However, we are considered a large association and are by far the largest association of foreigners in Liechtenstein.
On your website you write: “The problems faced by Swiss citizens living in Liechtenstein are often more diverse than generally assumed.” Can you briefly describe this spectrum?
It starts with the fact that the Swiss cannot simply move to Liechtenstein, as the other way round is easily possible for Liechtensteiners. Most Swiss only get a residence permit through a Liechtenstein spouse. It is not possible any other way, which many Swiss are not even aware of and which is sometimes connected as unjust. Further topics are naturalization or dual citizenship, which Liechtenstein does not allow, in contrast to Switzerland, or military service for young Swiss resident in Liechtenstein.
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Where and in what form is the association most drawn in for support?
We are regularly asked questions and concerns in all areas. For example, we have someone on the board who is responsible for the issue of “recruits / military”. Mainly, our association is there to promote the sociability among the Swiss living in Liechtenstein and to cultivate the bond with the valued “old” homeland. For many, membership is primarily an emotional matter.
How long have you been living in the Principality yourself?
I came here with my Liechtenstein wife in 2011. Before that, we lived in the canton of Zurich for several years. For us, the move away from beautiful and urban Winterthur to tranquil Liechtenstein was admittedly not easy at first.
Which prejudices that are generally in circulation about the principality should finally be put aside?
That there are only banks and trustees in Liechtenstein and no taxes are paid. First of all, the financial sector is not the most important branch of the economy in Liechtenstein, but the industrial sector. Liechtenstein has some real pearls and world market leaders to offer here. Then you have to pay taxes in Liechtenstein too. Another prejudice is that Liechtenstein residents tend to be closed to new things. I didn’t experience it like that.
Are the two countries actually so different in principle?
They are two independent countries: As a Swiss, you are a foreigner here. Basically, the countries are very similar: There are no border controls and Liechtenstein also has the Swiss franc. The system with a prince is different – and in part not easily comprehensible for a Swiss-style democrat. This has far-reaching powers on the legal basis, which in my opinion should be unique in the western world. However, the Princely House is intelligent and far-sighted enough to only use this power in a targeted manner and never to exhaust it. This also explains the high level of popular acceptance.
And what about the mentality of the citizens?
There, too, there are a lot in common with the Swiss. The people are basically honest, straightforward and hardworking. In short: YOU are made of the same wood as the Swiss.
What is the first thing you give to interested parties? What do you have to know about the «Ländle»?
Liechtenstein is a very beautiful country that is nestled between mountains and offers many opportunities for development and development, both privately and professionally. Unfortunately, the Swiss cannot simply take up residence here if they want to die. You can visit the country at any time, which is absolutely worth it.
Can you classify or conclude the following aspects in brief words? describe their status – started with the Princely House?
The people of Liechtenstein are proud of the Princely House. It creates identity for them, as the country bears its name. For us Swiss, who are fundamentally strongly democratic, the great approval of the monarchist form of government is sometimes not easy to understand. But the people of Liechtenstein associate the country’s positive development closely with the Princely House and feel indebted to them.
And then the banking center …
This is undoubtedly very important for Liechtenstein. The banking center is now pursuing a consistent white money strategy that has been bearing fruit for several years and has a Swiss character. Numerous Swiss hold key positions: The CEO of the semi-state Landesbank (LLB) is now also a Swiss.
The importance in Europe …
I think Liechtenstein has found its place in Europe. It is a European model country with a high quality of life, low unemployment and no debt. Liechtenstein belongs to the EEA and at the same time maintains a customs union with Switzerland. Like Switzerland, Liechtenstein is very adept at entering into good cooperation with European countries without losing its own sovereignty.
And finally the relationship with Switzerland …
That’s very good. Switzerland is without a doubt the most important partner, like a big brother, so to speak. With the Customs Union 100 years ago, Switzerland gave Liechtenstein a hand and gave it a decisive hand. The subsequent development of Liechtenstein is known and this was possible thanks not least to Switzerland. I think it’s safe to mention that again.