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If the SP, Mitte and FDP work together, this is called a “coalition of reason” or a “coalition of slackers” in Switzerland, depending on your point of view. Politically neutral – and following the example of Germany, which likes to name its alliances after national flags – you could also call it the “Armenia coalition”: red, blue and orange united.
The Armenian coalition now has its first security policy success in sight since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. Together with the GLP, the three parliamentary groups in the National Council have agreed to the decommissioning of 25 Leopard 2 tanks from the Swiss army. And also stated that the tanks should be sold back to the German manufacturer.
That’s what the German government asked for. She has a gap in inventory, having delivered part of her own tanks to Ukraine. Because Germany promises not to pass the tanks on to Ukraine, there are no impediments under neutrality law. A resale would be possible without changing the War Material Act.
Armenia coalition in the making
Such a broad political alliance was previously a rarity in security policy. The classic left-right scheme dominated. Even the outbreak of the Ukraine war did not change this immediately: the bourgeoisie increased the army budget against resistance from the left. The Leopard tanks are different because both the left and right poles are split. SVP and Greens do not want to return the tanks to Germany, while FDP and SP are in favor.
The Armenian coalition was already in the offing during the debate about the re-export of Swiss arms to Ukraine. But the factions were partly divided internally, the interests diverged more. So far there has not been a majority-capable proposal. The importance of the Armenia coalition could increase in the future. With the changed security situation in Europe, international cooperation is also becoming a more important issue for neutral Switzerland.
Parties squint at elections
The Leopard tank business is still going to the Council of States, where voting is not just based on party affiliation. In the competent Council of States commission, commoners had generally reported concerns. They saw Switzerland’s ability to defend itself in danger and therefore ordered a report from the DDPS.
However, there will be no obstacles to tank sales there – Defense Minister Viola Amherd has meanwhile made it clear. With which most of the Councils of States from the center and FDP are likely to give up their opposition. So the new coalition can hope for an initial success shortly before the federal elections. Which the parties would then probably write individually on the flag.
With regard to the elections, the security policy now offers a clear distinction between the SP and the Greens, who are often seen as political twins. Because the SP also wants to help Ukraine and its European partners militarily, the Greens are now promoting themselves as the “last bastion against militarization”. The gap between the SVP and the FDP is also becoming ever clearer on this topic.
Voters in Switzerland move only slightly, but within a political camp they sometimes change parties. For the SP and FDP, there could be indications in the fall as to whether they are seen as part of a “coalition of slackers” – or a “coalition of reason”.