The disclosed political contributions and substantial lobbying expenditures, particularly involving dark money channels, raise concerns about the potential alignment with entrenched, non-transparent political interests. Such practices may contribute to undue influence over policy-making and indirectly support authoritarian tendencies, warranting a negative assessment through an anti-fascist lens.

Novartis AG Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The committee's financial summary reflects very modest contributions and expenditures, which implies that Novartis is not actively engaging in political funding that would support far‐right or authoritarian agendas. This neutral level of activity is notable given the current political climate.

Novartis Corporation Political Action Committee - FEC

The planned layoffs of 680 employees reflects a negative impact on labor relations and human rights practices. This decision undermines job security and worker protections, which is particularly concerning from an anti-fascist perspective that values strong labor rights and the protection of marginalized workers.

Novartis plans to axe 680 employees

The detailed External Partner Risk Management (EPRM) framework and targeted assessments for high-risk external suppliers in the supply chain indicate a proactive approach to addressing human rights risks, including risks of forced labor in raw material sourcing.

Human rights - Novartis

The reported nearly $6M lobbying expenditure indicates a significant investment in political influence. From an anti-fascist perspective, such heavy spending on lobbying may help entrench corporate interests over democratic accountability and can potentially support policies favoring authoritarian or undemocratic approaches.

Novartis AG Lobbying Profile

The report highlights a rigorous approach to supply chain risk management by screening thousands of third parties and enforcing corrective actions via audits and remediation plans. These practices underscore Novartis's commitment to ethical supply chain management and reducing human rights risks, including those related to child labor.

PDF Novartis report on child labor due diligence in our supply chain

Novartis demonstrates responsible political behavior by transparently disclosing all lobbying expenditures and engaging in evidence-based policy dialogue. This adherence to legal requirements and ethical standards contributes positively to democratic processes and accountability, countering tendencies toward opaque corporate political influence.

Public Policy

Novartis demonstrates responsible executive political engagement by actively participating in policy discussions, emphasizing evidence-based data and transparent practices. Its commitment to constructive dialogue with regulatory bodies and governments positively contributes to a progressive legislative environment.

Public Policy

The settlement details reveal that Novartis engaged in unethical business practices by channeling payments through foundations to cover patient copays and by providing kickbacks to physicians. These actions not only manipulated Medicare mechanisms and contributed to increased healthcare costs, but also undermined public trust in the healthcare system. Such behavior is indicative of a broader disregard for ethical business practices, warranting a strongly negative score in the Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility category.

Novartis Pays Over $642 Million to Settle Allegations of Improper Payments to Patients and Physicians

The guideline demonstrates Novartis' positive commitment to ethical business practices by instituting robust corporate responsibility governance, transparency in reporting, and clear accountability measures. These actions support progressive values and help mitigate risks associated with corporate complicity in authoritarian or exploitative practices.

PDF Corporate Responsibility Guideline - Novartis

Novartis' decision to cut a significant number of jobs, impacting domestic employment and sparking union protests, reflects a disregard for worker welfare. This move prioritizes profit over the rights and security of workers, aligning with practices that undermine labor relations and human rights.

Protestors urge Novartis to scrap job cuts