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Two years have passed since the Ukraine war turned Europe’s security policy upside down. How should the Swiss army be positioned in the future? And: How much should it cost? These questions provide plenty of fuel in the “arena”.
A conventional war between two states in Europe has been a reality again for exactly two years. The security politicians in the “Arena” agree: the new threat poses challenges for the Swiss army. However, opinions differ on the question of where and how much money should be retrofitted or upgraded.
In the last three weeks, Federal President Viola Amherd’s defense department has made plenty of headlines. In the center of attention: the financial situation of the army. First, army chief Thomas Süssli spoke of liquidity bottlenecks, then VBS head Viola Amherd denied the financial problems and received support from parliamentary commissions. In the “Arena” on Friday evening, SVP Council of States Werner Salzmann assessed the events as a “communication problem in the VBS”. Meanwhile, SP National Councilor Priska Seiler-Graf is wondering how sensible it is to push ahead with such a large wave of commitment loans.
Viola Amherd has her shop under control
Center Councilor Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger defends her Federal Councilor: “Viola Amherd has her shop under control.” She also sees the media as responsible for scandalizing this matter. Council colleague Josef Dittli from the FDP partly agrees with Gmür-Schönenberger and speaks of a “storm in a teacup”.
Even if the questions surrounding the army’s finances have been clarified, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the extent to which the army is equipped. “The army chief spoke plainly and showed that the army has gaps in capabilities,” says Salzmann. The Bernese SVP politician sees a need for action, especially with the ground troops. Because Switzerland must prepare for the worst case scenario: a ground attack. In addition, an analysis of all possible threats is necessary so that the Swiss army can build up the necessary capabilities.
Josef Dittli emphasizes that the constitutional mandate to protect Switzerland’s security must be pursued in all areas. NATO also expects Switzerland to invest in the army and be able to defend itself, the FDP politician reminds us. “In order to be able to cooperate with NATO in a possible emergency, Switzerland must make preparations now without violating its neutrality,” said Dittli. Centrist politician Gmür-Schönenberger agrees: “We have to be careful that we are not perceived as free riders.”
We have to be careful that we are not perceived as free riders
A central point is so-called interoperability – the ability to operate with NATO weapon systems and troops. Switzerland has already made efforts in this area, said the Lucerne native.
How much can the army cost?
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter is on the path to austerity. Even if the army is spared from cross-sectional cuts, it will feel the effects. The army budget will not be increased to one percent of gross domestic product until 2030, but only by 2035. Looking back, Gmür-Schönenberger describes this step as a mistake.
There is agreement on the question of whether Parliament will correct its decision and implement the increase before 2035. All guests in the “Arena” classify such a decision as likely. Seiler Graf adds “unfortunately” to her answer. “Switzerland is already spending more per capita on the army than Germany,” said the President of the National Council’s Security Policy Commission. The additional financing also represents a big question mark for them.
We are reintroducing a military bond.
Werner Salzmann provides an idea of how the financing problem could be solved: “We are reintroducing a military bond, as was the case in 1936.” Specifically, these are securities that the population or industry can buy. Josef Dittli and Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger are open to discussing this idea.