Swiss Authorities Launch Bribery Probe into Gifts for Donald Trump
Swiss prosecutors have been asked to investigate whether significant gifts, including a valuable Rolex watch and a gold bar, presented to former US President Donald Trump by leading Swiss business figures, constitute a violation of Switzerland's stringent anti-bribery laws. This inquiry follows closely on the heels of a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Switzerland, which saw a considerable reduction in tariffs on Swiss goods.
The Gifts and the Tariff Deal Timeline
The controversy stems from a meeting held in the Oval Office where a delegation of prominent Swiss executives reportedly met with then-President Trump. According to detailed accounts from Swiss newspaper Blick and the US news outlet Axios, these business leaders presented the high-value gifts during their visit. Crucially, this meeting preceded by just ten days the finalization of a framework agreement between Switzerland and the US, which significantly slashed the tariff on Swiss exports from 39 percent to 15 percent.
Lawmakers Demand Legal Scrutiny
The call for an investigation originated from two Green Party members of the Swiss parliament, Raphael Mahaim and Greta Gysin. In a formal letter addressed to the public prosecutor, they urged the judicial system to thoroughly assess the legality of these gifts. Their letter emphasized a critical principle: "The end does not justify all means, especially when respect for important provisions of our legal order is at stake." The lawmakers specifically requested the prosecutor to determine if the gifts transgressed the Swiss Criminal Code, which includes provisions against providing "undue advantage" to foreign officials, a serious offense punishable by up to five years in prison.
Companies Involved and Lack of Comment
The delegation that met with President Trump reportedly included executives representing major Swiss corporations, such as MSC, Rolex, Partners Group, Mercuria, Richemont, and MKS. While Rolex has opted not to provide a comment regarding the situation, and the White House has not yet responded to inquiries, the Swiss public prosecutor's office has also remained silent on the request for an investigation as of Thursday.
This evolving situation underscores the complex interplay between international trade negotiations, political courtesies, and the rigorous application of anti-bribery legislation, reinforcing Switzerland's commitment to maintaining its legal and ethical standards on the global stage.
