Because of enormous financial problems: Parliament wants to review the army’s books

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To face the threats of the 21st century, a modern and well-equipped army is crucial, the Center Party emphasized in a statement. However, Switzerland is currently far from being able to achieve this. The army is in a financial hole. Urgently needed investments will have to wait. Army Chief Thomas Süssli (57) is already warning of the end of the army.

Not without pride, the center emphasizes that with their help the army budget for 2024 has already been increased and that they want to continue to support their federal councilor Viola Amherd (61).

“Decided in ignorance of all facts”

What the party does not say: In 2022, parliament decided to increase army spending to one percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. But after the Federal Council put the brakes on the cuts, the center left Amherd out in the cold last December. The financial target should now only be achieved in 2035. The military is missing out on billions, which has really gotten them into trouble.

A little later everything is different. While the FDP and the SVP always voted for more army money, the tide is starting to turn again halfway through – shaken by the army leadership’s call for help. “Parliament made its decision at the time without knowing all the facts,” says security politician Reto Nause (52). “We cannot afford to delay or cancel military investments. There is war in Europe.”

“Parliament must reverse its decision”

“Today I would vote differently. And it is clear to me that parliament must reconsider this decision,” Center Land Councilor Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter (59) told the “NZZ”. State Councilor Marianne Binder (65) also asks whether Parliament should go through the books again before the budget discussion in December. The army quickly needs more resources to guarantee security in the country.

When the center swings again, things look good for Süssli and co. The party, as so often, plays the tip of the scales in parliament. SVP State Councilor Werner Salzmann (61) is already considering going through the books again in the Security Policy Committee of the Council of States. It is Parliament that must take action now.

Questions are already being raised about the debt brake

Center state councilor Martin Candinas (43) is more reserved. “We will certainly look at whether we should release more money for the army in December,” he says. But that also depends on the general situation of state finances. “Public transport does not voluntarily give up money, just like education or agriculture.” Due to the current security situation, it should also be discussed whether contributions should be made outside the debt brake.

State Councilor Andrea Gmür (59), chairman of the Security Committee, clearly positions herself in the “NZZ”: “It is a turning point and we can no longer neglect security.” State councilor Nause also believes that the financial plan should be adjusted again or that additional loans should be provided. “We must also ask ourselves the political question of whether we should relax the debt brake in the interests of security. In the event of war, we can also go down without debt. But then it is no longer of any use to us.”

Source:Blick