Ignazio Cassis (61) had something to say to the world community. At the start of the climate conference in Egypt two weeks ago, the Federal President promised new contributions from Switzerland to the global environment and climate funds. Switzerland will pay CHF 183 million for the next four years, which would have been an increase compared to previous years.
The contracting parties to the Paris Agreement had decided to double the contributions paid in 2019 for developing countries. Switzerland followed. Cassis did specify in Egypt that the money still needs parliamentary approval. So far everything has been according to standard practice.
But even at the conference, the Environment Committee of the Council of States in faraway Bern undermined Cassis’s announcement and proposed, by a vote of seven to six, to scrap the funds planned by the Federal Council. The Commission wanted to pay 50 million less to developing countries, the same amount as in the previous period. The reason is the “tense financial situation” in Switzerland.
Observers now see the Swiss delegation at the climate conference exposed – especially the liberal federal president and EDA head Cassis.
Interesting detail: Ruedi Noser (61) and Martin Schmid (53), two of the three FDP members of the committee, voted against the Bundesrat’s proposal and sawed off their own fellow party member Cassis.
The Swiss promise of Egypt could still be fulfilled: if the councils agree despite the Commission’s decision.
Tobias Martin
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
