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Supporters of the amendment argue that, since streaming services, including Netflix, are more expensive in Switzerland than in other countries, it’s only fair that these services give something back.Īccording to pro-consumer website Comparitech External link, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are, in fact, the two countries with the most expensive Netflix subscription rates – subscriptions cost CHF2-CHF5 more, depending on the country and/or subscription tier. In Switzerland, a “premium” subscription has gone up from CHF21.90 a month to CHF24.90. Netflix, however, is raising its prices only in certain territories, regardless of local legislation. Those behind the referendum also say the law would lead to higher prices for the various services’ subscription offers.

The youth wings of Switzerland’s major centre-right and right-wing political parties (the Radical-Liberal Party, the Swiss People’s Party, the Liberal Green Party and the Centre Party) had already announced a referendum before the government decided to impose a 4% levy. Yet there was enough opposition at the political level to force a nationwide vote on the amendment. “I don’t understand how anyone could be against it,” said filmmaker Fred Baillif during a discussion at the most recent Think Cinema festival in Lausanne in March. Industry professionals are largely in favour of the proposal. This is expected to generate between CHF18 million ($19.3 million) and CHF30 million extra a year for the Swiss film industry, according to estimates from the Federal Office of Culture External link (BAK) and the Swiss parliament External link. With the proposed change, the government wants to regulate the presence of major international streaming platforms in Switzerland, requiring them to invest 4% of their domestic revenue in Swiss audiovisual productions. On May 15 the Swiss vote on an amendment to the federal cinematic culture and production law dubbed “Lex Netflix”.