Parties want to confront Cassis

The federal parliament no longer wants to stand by. Iran has been in a state of emergency since the death of Mahsa Amini († 22) in mid-September. The mullahs’ regime is doing everything it can to quell the ongoing protests. To the shock of world opinion, two young men have been executed in recent days. A list of 25 other protesters who are also threatened with the death penalty has already been published.

Even after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (61) and the entire Federal Council were very cautious. EU sanctions were only passed under enormous pressure and Russian atrocities were only commented on with extreme caution.

‘Ignazio Cassis does far too little’

Even now the government does not show its colors. Criticism of the Iranian regime remains discreet – mainly because of good offices to the US. Switzerland has represented US interests in Iran since 1980. The protecting power’s mandate officially allows Switzerland to hold direct talks with Tehran. The Bundesrat does not want to jeopardize this.

But the parties are no longer satisfied with that. Doubts are growing whether Switzerland will achieve more on the diplomatic scene if it does not appear too critical in public. “Ignazio Cassis does far too little,” says the centre-left. “He should not just send a sign of solidarity and condemn the executions much more clearly.” The Bundesrat should also adopt the EU’s sanctions.

Now the faction leaders want to confront Cassis. There is no set date yet and nothing official yet. But Blick knows that while the session is still running, the top politicians will ask the Federal President for a meeting this week. “There is great concern about the situation in Iran,” the lobby said.

Even the mandate of the protecting power is being questioned

Expectations differ. While some simply want to explore what room for maneuver Switzerland has due to the protecting power’s mandate, others clearly take the position that the country should also adopt EU sanctions, including personalized sanctions against members of the regime.

Compared to CH Media, Green National Councilor Sibel Arslan (42) even questions the mandate of the Swiss protection force. Ultimately, this also serves the regime and its maintenance of power. “The Federal Council must condemn the actions of the regime and use all means to ensure that no further death sentences are carried out.”

Iranian representative summoned

The State Department itself sees itself as anything but lazy. Switzerland has intervened several times with the Iranian authorities in recent days. At the same time, the department recalls the ongoing dialogue with the regime. “Switzerland believes that with this approach it can achieve the most long-term results for the Iranian people,” it told CH Media.

But that is not enough for Parliament. It now wants to make its own mark. The formation of the parliamentary group “Free Iran” was announced on Thursday. She wants to give the people of Iran in Switzerland a better voice in their pursuit of human rights. In addition, the nonpartisan members undertake individual sponsorships for people sentenced to death by the regime.

“Don’t want to block the diplomatic route”

“We cannot change the world, but we can give a sign of solidarity,” says FDP national councilor and founding member Doris Fiala (65). Switzerland should not look the other way and simply remain diplomatically silent. “If we’re just quiet, that’s a really cool human sign that’s incomprehensible to a lot of people.”

At the same time, the liberal also defends fellow party member Cassis. “The Bundesrat has a different role here. Due to the protective power mandate, his hands are partially tied,” she emphasizes. “We don’t want to hinder this diplomatic path and make the situation worse.”