The Swiss wolf is still in sheep’s clothing: The tobacco industry use of philanthropy in Switzerland

Abstract

Background Switzerland is a country in which the tobacco industry (TI) has great influence (ranked 89 out of 90 on the Tobacco Industry Interference Index). A mechanism of this influence is the TI’s sponsorship of cultural events and donations to charities as a means of inserting itself in the local social fabric, building a network of allies, and projecting the image of a good corporate citizen. Objectives This presentation, based on TI’s internal documents, aims to show that TI‘s “philanthropic” programs are driven exclusively by its political and economic objectives, contradicting its attempts to present itself as a disinterested citizen. Methods We examined TI’s official communication and compared it with its internal declarations. In Switzerland, the main players contributing to these cultural and social programs are Philip Morris International (based in Lausanne) and Japan Tobacco International (headquartered in Geneva). We put their actions in perspective by assessing them in the light of scientific data on the use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by TI. Results In Switzerland, TI gives money to a range of actors, including political parties, cultural institutions, humanitarian organizations, LGBTIQ+ associations, and biodiversity promoters. Documents show that TI targets specifically the organizations and places where it wants to raise its influence and gain access to political elites. TI gives money without demanding anything in return from the recipients of its “generosity”: this creates the strongest binding effect. Conclusions Switzerland is lagging when it comes to structural measures to combat TI’s influence. The CCLAT recommends banning TI’s sponsorship and other CSR activities (Art. 13) and keeping TI’s interests out of public policy (Art. 5.3). In Switzerland, current and forthcoming regulations give the tobacco industry too much influence and freedom, perpetuating the devastating consequences of the smoking epidemic.