“Since the largest country in the world attacked the largest country in Europe, the European security architecture has been under attack,” said strategy expert Marcel Berni in the “Arena” on Friday evening. This has fueled fears of war among many Swiss people. Politicians are now asked to provide an answer.
In fact, the threat situation for Switzerland has changed massively, said FDP Councilor of States Josef Dittli. He was very concerned about Putin’s blatant threats and the possibility that the Russian president could target other states or use nuclear or chemical weapons. “We have a need for action in Swiss security policy,” said Dittli.
In view of the war raging in Ukraine, does Switzerland have to upgrade its army? Or does it first require a comprehensive analysis of how we can increase our security? This fundamental question was at the center of the program.
EU member states are arming themselves
Germany, for example, has already pledged an additional 100 billion euros for the Bundeswehr. Whether and how the national security policy should be adjusted is currently being discussed in Switzerland in connection with the 2022 army message.
There is no reason to hastily pour billions into the army.
Marionna Schlatter, Green National Councilor, is certain that a stable peace cannot be achieved with armed force in the long term. The war in Ukraine in particular shows how quickly a situation can escalate with weapons. “There is no reason to hastily pump billions into the army,” Schlatter warned, speaking of a “hollow promise of protection on the part of the bourgeoisie”.
Switzerland cannot defend itself alone
The idea that Switzerland could defend itself against an aggressor like Russia is absurd. “You have to understand security differently.” Because the dependency on Russian gas, for example, is a security-related problem. One must concentrate on what really brings more protection – namely stable relations with the European countries, international law, democracy and disarmament.
It’s naïve to think that the world would be a better place if we didn’t have guns.
According to bourgeois opinion, among other things, an increase in defense spending leads to more security. For example, FDP President Thierry Burkart recently called for the army budget to be increased by two billion francs. And the security policy commission of the Council of States also passed a motion with a clear majority that calls for a gradual increase in army spending from 2023.
Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger, Councilor of States Die Mitte, was convinced that this was the only way the army could make long-overdue purchases. The attitude of the SP and the Greens is unrealistic. “It’s naïve to think that the world would be a better place if we didn’t have guns.” Switzerland has a defensive defense army. It’s all about protecting the public. Prevention is relevant here. “You can also buy a fire extinguisher in advance and not just when the house is already on fire.”
Talking about more money without knowing where it would be used is fundamentally wrong, criticized Sarah Wyss. The SP national councilor is not fundamentally opposed to more money being allocated to defense. However, a comprehensive analysis is required first.
“Switzerland does not yet have a long-term security strategy,” said Wyss. The current situation should therefore not be used for quick shots. The actionism of the bourgeoisie is scaremongering. “Our answer to war cannot be rearmament.”
Commoners want to increase the army budget
Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger clearly contradicted this accusation and referred to the federal security policy report, which clearly states what needs to be done. “Because the army budget has been increasingly cut in the past, projects have been postponed.”
Council of States colleague Josef Dittli agreed. Precisely because the procurement process takes several years, favorable conditions must now be created for it. “With the additional finance – based on the report by Defense Minister Viola Amherd – the performance and capability gaps in the army can be filled.”
The left say no to the F-35
According to the Federal Council, this includes the 55 fighter jets that are in use today but are to be replaced soon. That is why the Federal Council proposes the purchase of 36 F-35 fighter jets in its 2022 army message. The stone was laid – albeit narrowly – by the Swiss voters in September 2020. In the referendum on the framework credit of 6 billion francs for new combat aircraft, 50.1 percent said yes.
The fact that the people were able to vote on the loan but not on the type of fighter jet was problematic, said SP National Councilor Wyss. She expressed doubts as to whether the planned fighter jet would meet Switzerland’s needs. In addition, there would be the problem of costs, double National Councilor Schlatter. «The F-35 is bought by many countries. In many places they are struggling with massive cost overruns, for example in Great Britain.”
“And yet all countries buy the F-35 – for example Germany, Finland or Canada,” countered Gmür. The fighter jet has obviously proven itself. And the experts also agree that the F-35 is by far the most suitable combat aircraft. Dittli, meanwhile, emphasized the evaluation criteria according to which the fighter jet type had been selected: “The F-35 is clearly the best. Why choose the second-best fighter plane?”
Big differences in terms of security policy
The offer for the procurement of the fighter jets expires at the end of March 2023. If the contract is not signed by then, it will have to be renegotiated and that means additional costs. In addition, Dittli fears that there could be delays in delivery because other countries have procured the plane in the meantime and Switzerland is falling behind as a result.
With their popular initiative “Stop F-35”, the group for a Switzerland without an army GSoA, the SP and the Greens want to prevent the purchase. The collection of signatures for the popular initiative is currently still in progress. Schlatter said the round showed her again that the initiative was necessary.
What does the popular initiative achieve?
The F-35 is a jet designed to work in tandem with other countries. “This is not the fighter jet that Switzerland needs.” Meanwhile, Dittli and Gmür made it clear that the initiative had no suspensive effect. This means that the Federal Council can sign the contract for the purchase of the F-35 fighter jets without having to wait for any vote.
The “Arena” made one thing clear: the differences between the left and bourgeois parties in terms of security policy are sometimes large. It can be assumed that the first course in this regard will be set before the end of this year. In the summer and autumn sessions, the National Council and the Council of States are expected to discuss the 2022 army message.