The Council of States Security Commission (SiK) has presented an extraordinary proposal for a package worth billions. A center-left majority wants to create a fund with 10.1 billion francs for the Swiss army and 5 billion francs for reconstruction in Ukraine. The criteria for circumventing the debt brake are justified in this specific case, says SiK President Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger.
SRF News: You talk about an unusual alliance between the center and the left-green and an unusual idea. Are you not entirely sure about the billion-dollar package?
Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger: Not at all. The security of the country and the population as well as defense capability are priorities in our Commission. On the one hand, we decided on this fund for Ukraine. On the other hand, the budget for the army is to be increased again to one percent of gross domestic product by 2030.
For this security, Switzerland is to be burdened with a debt of 15 billion francs. Isn’t that going overboard?
As mentioned, it is fundamentally about security on the one hand, but also about the reconstruction and maintenance of the critical infrastructure in Ukraine on the other. Switzerland is a wealthy country and has a humanitarian tradition. We have always accepted our responsibility and shown solidarity.
If a war is not an extraordinary situation, I don’t know what else it could be besides a pandemic.
According to the law, the debt brake can only be circumvented in the event of exceptional developments that cannot be controlled by the federal government. The EFD does not consider the requirement to be met. Why does the Commission come to a different conclusion?
I like to remember the voting brochure for the debt brake from 2001. Even back then there was clearly talk of catastrophes, such as war. Nobody really expected the war in Ukraine. If a war is not an extraordinary situation, I don’t know what else it could be besides a pandemic.
It is worth it and it is absolutely necessary for Switzerland to prepare for an emergency.
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over two years and the situation is relatively stable. Can we speak of an acute emergency?
A look at developments shows that international security is at greater risk the longer it lasts: war in Ukraine, war in the Gaza Strip, Iran’s attack on Israel, the uncertainty before the US elections in the fall. The international situation is extremely fragile. It is worth it and it is absolutely necessary for Switzerland to prepare for an emergency. Of course, we always hope that this will not happen.
The debt brake has long been a cornerstone of bourgeois politics. As SiK President, you speak for the majority. What is your attitude as a centrist politician?
It’s not about throwing something overboard. The exception proves the rule. On the one hand, we have decided on this fund, and on the other hand, we want to spend one percent of GDP on military spending by 2030. The two options should be presented to the councils.
The interview was conducted by Nina Gygax.