The troublemaker from Cologny: Why the WEF can't get away from its founder despite paying millions
Klaus Schwab promised not to interfere with the WEF anymore in exchange for a large severance payment, but he did not keep his word. Now the Swiss Confederation is taking away his rights as founder of the foundation.
The World Economic Forum's (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab has threatened to take legal action against proposed changes to the organization's governance, which he claims would radically alter its unique multi-stakeholder institution. However, it has been revealed that Schwab had previously agreed to not interfere with the WEF in a settlement agreement dated 9 September 2025, for which he received a significant payment of 5,674,200 Swiss francs.
The Eidgenössische Stiftungsaufsicht (ESA) is pushing for reforms, including reducing the 28-member foundation council and redistributing decision-making powers. Schwab's attempt to block the changes may be unsuccessful, as the ESA believes he has lost his rights as founder after withdrawing from the organization.
Written by urgent.news from NZZ Wirtschaft's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
