Positions - Tenzin Trepp

Climate Transition

The climate transition is not just about “being green” – it is essential for ensuring a safe and livable future.

We already know the facts, and we know the stakes: unchecked climate change will make life far harder, and in some places impossible, for those who come after us. That knowledge carries an obligation. We cannot pretend ignorance.

To act now is not charity toward the future; it is the minimum duty we owe the generations to come. Every delay deepens the harm they will inherit. The choices we make in politics, in business, and in daily life will decide whether the future is livable or hostile.

I am committed to cutting waste, accelerating renewable energy, and reshaping our systems so they work with nature, not against it. This is about ensuring that human life can continue to flourish, not only today but in the centuries ahead. The transition must happen now—because later will be too late.

Politics and Business

Political office must be free from all economic entanglements — no hidden corporate networks, no quiet board memberships, no private consulting deals disguised as “advisory work.”

In Switzerland, as in many countries, far too many politicians are tied into behind-the-scenes economic networks. These ties may be legal, but they are ethically corrosive: they erode public trust, skew policy toward private gain, and turn politics into a marketplace for influence.

For me, this is a non-negotiable line. If you hold political office, you must openly declare yourself free of all direct and indirect economic interests — not only while in office, but also for a defined period after stepping down. The public has the right to know that political decisions are made for the common good, not for the enrichment of a hidden circle.

A healthy democracy depends on independence, transparency, and the courage to put public interest above private profit. Anything less is not service, but self-service.

federal-palace-switzerland-curia-confoederationis-helveticae-bern-capital-city-switzerland

Open Education for All

Open lessons for interested individuals – including all taxpayers, regardless of academic background.

Education is not a privilege – it is a human right and a necessity for a strong, resilient society. Knowledge must be freely accessible, not locked behind paywalls or reserved for those with the right background or financial means. Open lessons, open access, and lifelong learning must be the norm for everyone, including all taxpayers who already support education through public funding.

True progress happens when learning is shared without academic ivory towers or closed gates. Institutions like the Open University of the Netherlands show that flexible study opportunities can give adults access to academic education without traditional barriers. Germany’s Federal-State Commission has shown how strategies for lifelong learning can support people at every stage of life.

Universities must embrace this mission fully — opening their doors, their research, and their teaching to the public. Education is the foundation for innovation, democracy, and human dignity. A society that hoards knowledge weakens itself; a society that shares it grows stronger.

Ecology and economy

For me, economic activity is inseparable from a responsible approach to our ecological resources.

Ecology and economy are not enemies — they are partners in survival. The idea that protecting the environment means sacrificing prosperity is outdated and dangerous. We don’t have to kill our economy to save the planet; we have to change it.

True economic strength is built on stability, and there is no stability on a damaged planet. Growth that destroys its own foundations is not growth — it’s collapse in disguise. A sustainable economy is the only way to secure long-term security, prosperity, and resilience for future generations.

This means innovation, investment, and development must be measured not only by efficiency and short-term profit, but by their ability to protect ecosystems and strengthen social cohesion. The smartest economies will be those that run on renewable energy, circular production, and ecological responsibility.

We have the choice: adapt our economy to work with nature now — or face the cost of rebuilding in a world where nature has turned against us.

Religion in Public Space

It’s important to me that religion remains a private matter and is only minimally present in public spaces.

Symbols such as summit crosses, crucifixes, minarets, or the wearing of burkas do not represent a neutral public sphere in my view, and can deepen divides between different worldviews. I believe that a secular space, free of religious symbols, is best suited to promote equality and respect for all – regardless of religion or belief. Everyone should be free to practice their beliefs, but the public realm should remain neutral to prevent conflict and foster integration. My goal is a public space that welcomes all people equally, without being dominated by religious signs or traditions. This is how we create a society that respects diversity and strengthens community.

Civic Empowerment

To me, civic maturity is a cornerstone of a functioning society.

Education and critical thinking are key to empowering people to make independent and informed decisions. Only those who can question and analyze information are able to form autonomous opinions. I advocate for universal access to neutral information and impartial perspectives. It is crucial that knowledge is delivered free from manipulation and one-sided influence. This is the only way we can prevent people from being steered in their thinking and instead promote a democratic and informed society. For me, this means shaping education and information sources to emphasize diversity and objectivity. My goal is to encourage citizens to critically examine issues and confidently form and express their own positions.

Overfertilization in Mountain Regions

As someone who spends a lot of time in the mountains, I witness firsthand the effects of overfertilization caused by intensive agriculture in fragile alpine regions.

These unique ecosystems are not only vital habitats for numerous animal and plant species but are also essential for clean water and stable climate conditions. I believe we must do more to protect mountain areas. Excessive agricultural use threatens biodiversity, causes soil erosion, water pollution, and long-term damage to the delicate balance of these regions. Sustainable solutions and tailored land-use strategies are urgently needed to preserve these landscapes for future generations. It is close to my heart that the mountains remain a refuge for both nature and people – untouched, alive, and full of diversity. That is why I advocate for more protection and fewer interventions in these exceptional ecosystems.

State and Church

For me, the separation of church and state is a fundamental principle that enables a pluralistic and fair society.

Religion is a private matter, and public funds should only be allocated to religious institutions when they provide a clear social benefit – such as social services. I believe taxpayer money should primarily support secular and public services that benefit all citizens. A close entanglement of church and state contradicts the principle of neutrality and endangers the equal treatment of all worldviews. My goal is a clear distinction that respects freedom and diversity without placing undue burdens on public resources for religious purposes.