After two mistakes: a NATO friend becomes State Secretary

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The emergency solution could become a dream solution: Visibly relieved, Defense Minister Viola Amherd (61) presented Markus Mäder (52) on Friday as the new State Secretary for Security Policy. Amherd’s first choice, Jean-Daniel Ruch (60), encountered blackmail because of sex affairs. Amherd’s second mistake was Thomas Greminger (62) – he allegedly promoted a Russian lover. With Brigadier General Mäder, Amherd has selected a man who is also recognized in military circles and has not yet expressed any controversial views. Mäder’s only Achilles heel is his membership of the board of directors of the Swisspeace research institute, whose director Laurent Goetschel (58) is criticized for controversial statements about Hamas, the conflict in the Middle East and Russia. However, Mäder has nothing to do with Goetschel’s statements, the VBS emphasizes: “Markus Mäder supports the position of the Federal Council.”

Nothing is known about the private life of the State Secretary, which is probably in the interest of the DDPS. In his dissertation, Mäder dutifully thanks his parents.

Mäder’s task is to make the State Secretariat for Security Policy (Sepos) operational on January 1. Many doubt the necessity and usefulness of the sepo – Mäder has to convince the critics otherwise. What else is on his to-do list?

1. Doctrine of neutrality

“If you want peace, prepare for war”: this principle of the Roman war theorist Flavius ​​​​Vegetius Renatus shapes Markus Mäder. He is convinced that a teaching is only effective if it is constantly filled with life. An ideal doctrine combines “tested experience with imaginative thinking.” What advantages Mäder: Beat Jans (59) brings a breath of fresh air to the Federal Council – also when it comes to the issue of neutrality. Jans would have no problem supporting Ukraine with tanks.

2. Relationship with NATO

Switzerland has been affiliated with NATO since Federal Councilor Adolf Ogi (81) as part of the ‘Partnership for Peace’. For Ogi, NATO was a “menu for military cooperation without legal or political obligations.” However, those times are over: NATO expects a peace dividend and is no longer willing to protect Switzerland for free. Switzerland already cooperates with NATO. Switzerland shared its expertise in the field of tank transport by train. The railway country Switzerland has expertise that is unique in the world. Further cooperation with NATO will follow. One advantage: Mäder is considered a NATO friend with good contacts from his time in Brussels.

3. Armed exercises

Security expert Henrik Larsen issued a scathing assessment of the Swiss military in 2019: “Even if Switzerland wanted to, it would not be able to participate in the major NATO exercises because its militia army lacks the capacity for a larger contingent.” Army Chief Thomas Süssli (57) is in charge of driving the troops. Amherd’s security adviser Pälvi Pulli, 53, assured NATO partners that Switzerland wanted to participate in “the entire spectrum” of NATO exercises. So also the scenario of an attack on NATO.

4. Swiss NATO personnel

Although Switzerland is not a NATO member, it supports the alliance with personnel. Markus Mäder must fill vacancies in Belgium, Italy and Germany. Since Finland and Sweden joined NATO, new positions in the command structures have become available.

5. Ruag complex

Two investigations are likely to cloud Viola Amherd’s presidential year. Both the Federal Audit Office and an external law firm are investigating the chaos at the Ruag state arms factory. It’s about corruption, nepotism and a lack of control. The whereabouts of 96 Leopard 1 tanks in northern Italy is also the subject of the investigation. The German company GLS has achieved a victory in Italy: Ruag must supply 25 tanks to it, according to a court. Ruag announced an appeal. “The whole deal is poorly documented,” a Ruag insider told Blick. “If GLS manages to document the transaction, it has a good chance because there is agreement with the intention to sell.” Because the Ruag policy also affects the interests of NATO partners, Mäder must ensure order here.

6. Women, Peace and Security (WPS)

The role of women in peace processes cannot be overestimated. Studies show that peace works better when women are involved. Accordingly, VBS boss Viola Amherd is pushing for a clear WPS agenda, which Markus Mäder must specify.

7. Renew army equipment

“The financial situation is difficult,” Amherd said in Bern on Friday. “We already have a skills shortage. Over the past decades, the military has made cuts.” The artillery is considered to be conditionally ready for defense. Only on Monday did the DDPS inform about a temporary driving ban for armored personnel carriers. The military is threatened with disaster in the coming years. Mäder has his hands full working with army chief Süssli to resolve this situation. Not an easy task, because Parliament hit the brakes this week: the army budget will not be increased to one percent of gross domestic product in 2030.

Source:Blick