SP federal councilor faces the SVP: Baume-Schneider ventures into the lion’s den

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Sleeping in on Saturdays is not an option for Minister of Justice Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (59). She is invited to the SVP faction meeting at 8 a.m. There the federal councilor must provide information about her asylum policy. Parliamentary group leader Thomas Aeschi (44) invited Baume-Schneider when there were turbulent scenes in the National Council before the elections and the SVP bombarded Baume-Schneider with questions.

The SP magistrate will first give a presentation and then answer questions from MPs, says SVP Councilor Martina Bircher (39). These questions will include whether Switzerland could also outsource asylum procedures abroad.

“We are afraid that Switzerland will miss the developments in Europe,” says Bircher. “Other countries such as Italy have already signed agreements, while Mrs Baume-Schneider refuses even simple inspection orders.”

In fact, such proposals are in trouble: the highest court in London has rejected the British government’s plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. There is a risk that they will not receive a fair trial there. Italy has signed a deal with Albania, but there is also criticism.

“Baume-Schneider follows a zigzag course”

Baume-Schneider will have to ask himself further questions. There is an urgent need for border protection and closed centers for rejected asylum seekers – “uncontrolled immigration is a security risk”, says the National Councilor. The SVP also wants to pay attention to the extension of protection status S, which Switzerland – in line with the EU – has extended until March 2025.

«Baume-Schneider is taking a zigzag course. When it comes to relaxing the measures, such as asylum for Afghan women, it follows the European countries, but not when it comes to tightening them,” says Bircher. She also calls for a task force to investigate asylum claims from Turkey. The recognition rate in Switzerland is ten times higher than in neighboring countries.

Baume-Schneider pays a courtesy visit to the SVP faction. Of all people, the parliamentary group that continues to attack her personally. SVP campaign leader Marcel Dettling (42) recently called it a “security risk for our country” in a Blick interview. That’s not a problem for Bircher. «I believe Elisabeth Baume-Schneider can handle it. The faction meeting behind closed doors is conducted in a civilized and constructive manner.

And in any case: Baume-Schneider doesn’t have to skip breakfast to get up early. “Coffee and croissants will be provided,” Bircher promises.

Source:Blick