- Center President Gerhard Pfister called for an independent sanctions policy from the Federal Council at the party’s delegates’ meeting.
- The state government should also prepare measures to support the purchasing power of the population.
For the President of the Center Party, one thing is certain: Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is the second major turning point in a short period of time after the corona pandemic. The dogma of the West – change through trade – is naive liberalism, value-free globalization is at an end, according to Gerhard Pfister.
The West must take on more responsibility again and stand up for its values. According to Pfister, these values are about democracy and the rule of law, freedom and human rights, solidarity and equal opportunities. Economy without values, only committed to profit, that doesn’t work, said Pfister.
EU sanctions alone are not enough
According to the center party leader, it is correct that Switzerland supports the EU sanctions against Russia. Playing into the hands of an aggressor under the pretense of neutrality is the opposite of neutrality. But just adopting the EU sanctions with a delay is not enough. “We demand a coherent, comprehensive and independent sanctions policy in Switzerland,” said Pfister.
We demand a coherent, comprehensive and independent sanctions policy in Switzerland.
In view of the importance and know-how of its financial and trading center for Russia, Switzerland must assume more responsibility for Russia, the Zug National Council said. Switzerland bears a share of the responsibility “that this war is no longer financed from Switzerland”.
According to its party president, the center expects the Federal Council to keep an eye on the economic consequences. In addition, the energy supply must be ensured as independently as possible.
Legend:
Center Party President Gerhard Pfister speaks at the delegates’ meeting in Näfels, Glarus.
key stone
In terms of security policy, Pfister and his party are demanding that the Federal Council “promptly implement” the procurement of the new F-35 fighter plane. In addition, more money must be spoken for the army. From 2030, up to one percent of the gross domestic product would have to be available for Switzerland’s security.
Neutrality must be questioned
According to Pfister, Putin’s attack on a European country represents a “turning point”. War requires new answers to old questions. For example, when asked when neutrality is indecent. Switzerland is looking for answers. At least that “we owe the Ukrainian people,” said Pfister.
Because the Ukrainian people are paying a high price for defending Western values “for us too”. Switzerland has a vital interest in Ukraine not falling. Pfister: “In Kyiv we will also be defended.”