Instead of offending those who think otherwise, discuss neutrality

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Once again, Alain Berset (50) is making headlines. With his statements about the war in Ukraine, the Federal President is playing on the political sidelines. You can tell by the fact that he receives applause from an unexpected quarter: “Bravo, Alain Berset!” SVP national councilor Roger Köppel (57) tweeted Tuesday, for many one of the biggest Putin savvy in Switzerland. The rest of the country is shocked, foreign countries are alienated. Moscow, on the other hand, should laugh.

In the Berset environment, you no longer understand the world. You simply repeat the attitude of the Bundesrat, say nothing new, you defend the SP magistrates. The fact that they were unaware of the effect of words like “war madness” speaks volumes – especially when they come from the top government official.

Anders Teflon rhetoricians

Especially if this is called Alain Berset, whose Teflon rhetoric has already given legions of journalists a hard nut. He puts every word on the golden scales and always aligns his political compass to avoid stepping on anyone’s toes.

Never before has Berset been spoken of so badly on the left side of the lobby as now. And even among the common people – except for his new friends in the SVP – there is not a good word about the Freiburger.

Switzerland is questioned

But it is about more than a federal president on the sidelines. The fact that Berset’s statements caused such a stir is also an expression of the fact that the war in Ukraine is questioning Switzerland’s self-image.

Neutrality is in the DNA of our country, just like direct democracy and cantonal spirit. It’s just that neutrality is cheap in times of peace. Now it’s hurting and costing reputation, partners, confidence and, as the defense industry would add, probably some jobs.

No more understanding from abroad

Defense Minister Viola Amherd (60) feels the pressure from abroad. At every meeting with foreign colleagues, she is asked about Switzerland’s refusal to allow arms shipments. The new dogma of the old friends is: the West – and Ukraine among them – can only be defended together. Those who dodge this do not deserve to be defended themselves.

Neutral Switzerland can no longer hope for understanding. Perhaps that will change again one day when neutral ground is needed to settle a conflict.

The crucial questions remain

But the crucial questions remain: Switzerland, what about neutrality? do you still want her? And if so, which one?

Berset has made the position of the majority of the Federal Council more than clear. The majority in parliament sees it diametrically differently. That pretty much reflects what people in the country think: a month ago, a survey by the Sunday Blick pointed to a stalemate: 41 percent, like Berset, thought Switzerland should behave strictly neutral, 41 percent, like Amherd, called for more commitment to Ukraine. 18 percent supported the lurching course the country has been on for nearly 13 months.

Switzerland, it’s time to talk instead of accusing others of war madness.

Source:Blick