In the canton of Aargau, Swiss women and resident foreigners will in future have to attend a civil protection information meeting. That has been decided by the cantonal parliament. This is intended to motivate more people to volunteer in civil protection. Residents who are not conscripted and who turn 23 in the current year will be called up.
The half day safety event is mandatory – and is not compensated. There is even a risk of a fine: anyone who does not appear at the information event after the second call will be fined CHF 500.
Left and right combined
The mandatory security event was supported by SVP, SP and Mitte. The offensive campaign for recruitment is welcomed, the SP said. All could do a service to society.
FDP, GLP and EVP expressed their doubts. However, they did not dismiss the events. One should try to take stock after five years, they said. The goal is to be able to recruit 150 people per year. The Greens spoke out against the plan.
It affects 3800 people a year
Councilor Jean-Pierre Gallati (SVP) said the events should be a success and not an end in themselves. According to the government council, the experiences of the orientation days show that five to seven percent of the invitees participate in the event.
The canton expects 3,800 Swiss women and foreigners living in Aargau to attend such a decentralized security event every year.
Civil defense organizations are divided
To keep the burden on employers low, the event should take place in the evenings and in some cases also on Saturdays. The Governing Council expects costs of CHF 277,000 per year.
Civil protection organizations are divided on the issue. The regional management bodies rejected the mandatory events in the consultation. (SDA/sf)