Each quarter, Reto Savoia, CEO of Deloitte Switzerland, takes a look at current issues. He talks about the Swiss economy and explains what the next priority is within the company. Reto looks back on events that have impressed him, and we put him on the spot by asking him to choose between two things. Here’s what he had to say in this quarter.
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What current challenges in the Swiss economy will be felt most over the coming three months?
Switzerland’s growth prospects are currently at the mercy of a dangerous mix of geopolitical crises, ever-increasing government debt, a zero-interest-rate policy and a strong Swiss franc. It’s hardly surprising that this is eroding consumer confidence and people’s willingness to invest. This is also borne out by the latest figures from SECO, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, which are suggesting growth of just 1.3 per cent for 2025 and as little as 1.2 per cent for 2026. In per capita terms, that is practically no growth whatsoever.
Astonishingly, this urgency has not yet been sufficiently recognised in Swiss politics.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the clear stance that the government has taken on the new bilateral agreements that are designed to stabilise our relationship with the EU over the medium to long term. You can tell that the Federal Council has picked up the mantle on this issue again and gone back to acting in a more concerted manner. This is strengthening people’s confidence, especially in these highly uncertain times.
What is the main priority for Deloitte Switzerland in the coming months?
Our top priority is still to support our clients. In light of all the uncertainty hanging over the economy and society, we’re helping them to make their business activities more efficient, more robust and more resilient. We are also working as hard as ever on things that will keep our employees fit for the future, such as training on agentic AI. As a people business, we continue to support a wide range of employee initiatives geared towards improving cooperation across various boundaries, such as in the areas of neurodiversity, multiculturalism, LGBTQI and triathlons.
Which recent development have you been most impressed or preoccupied with?
I was recently lucky enough to attend a graduation ceremony for the ‘Matura’, or federal academic baccalaureate, as a father. I was impressed by how self-assured, mature and yet cool these young people are. We certainly don’t need to worry about the next generation!
Would you prefer a non-fiction book or a thriller for your summer reading?
Non-fiction. Ideally something about current affairs, politics, history or philosophy – especially if it’s written like a thriller!