Aargau heads the Avenir Suisse Freedom Index

The Swiss canton of Aargau has ranked first in the latest Avenir Suisse Freedom Index with 67 out of a possible 100 points, according to a statement from the think tank. The index evaluated the economic and social freedoms of the Swiss cantons and the country of Liechtenstein. The top three is rounded off by Liechtenstein in second place and Appenzell Ausserrhoden in third place.

In terms of economic freedom, the canton of Aargau scores particularly well thanks to its regulatory impact assessment and healthy cantonal finances. For social freedoms, the absence of a church tax for companies, moderate rules on homeschooling and the protection of non-smokers stand out. 

Liechtenstein has been listed in the Freedom Index for five years. Currently in second place, the Principality scored well in the tax-related indicators. In social terms, it performed well for economics and public safety. However, according to Avenir Suisse, Liechtenstein takes a restrictive approach to homeschooling and church tax. In third place, Appenzell Ausserrhoden scored well with a solid debt brake, liberal shop opening hours and the waiver of hospitality fees. 

The index differentiates between the Latin-speaking and German-speaking cantons. The former achieve high scores in terms of social freedoms, but fall behind the German-speaking cantons when it comes to economic freedoms. The opposite applies for the cantons in German-speaking Switzerland. ce/hs