Swiss optimistic about Brexit effect

The Swiss believe that the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union will have a positive effect for Switzerland, both for the economy and in giving the country a stronger  bargaining position, a survey has found. The results of the report, carried out by the gfs.bern research institute as part of the Credit Suisse Worry Barometer 2016, largely go against warnings from observers and experts that Brexit’s effects would be negative for Switzerland. In all, 55% of respondents believe that benefits are likely or could even be major for the Swiss economy, according to the findings which were published on Sunday. And 54% think Brexit will have a positive impact on negotiations between Switzerland and the EU. Switzerland is not a member of the EU but does have bilateral agreements with the body. However, the relationship has been fundamentally shaken by the Swiss population’s acceptance of an anti-immigration initiative in February 2014. This would set ...