New citizens’ initiative as group therapy

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The anniversary comes at a bad time. The group for a Switzerland without an army (GSoA) was founded 40 years ago in the Kreuz restaurant in Solothurn. But eleven popular initiatives and four referenda later, she is further from her goal of abolishing the army than she has been in a long time. There is war in Europe. Switzerland is also rearming.

That is why the GSoA does not want to give up, on the contrary. It is clear to her that the greatest political resistance to the militarization of Switzerland must come from her: “The GSoA criticizes the military in its name and in its DNA. Here we have a monopoly, so to speak, and we must not give it up.”

Six initiatives are under discussion

In Solothurn’s “Kreuz” she will not only celebrate her anniversary at her general meeting next Sunday. It must be the starting signal for the counter-offensive of the peace activists. Six proposals for a new citizens’ initiative have already been made and three ideas must be continued.

The GSoA secretariat makes no secret of it: whatever it is, the initiative project must above all help psychologically. “It could have a unifying effect on the GSoA itself.” This can be found in the documents for the General Assembly.

“This can help to come across as united”

From the point of view of the GSoA, the war in Ukraine not only created an unfavorable political climate in the country. The GSoA Secretariat admits that even among peace activists there are differing assessments of certain issues. For example, even the pacifists are divided on the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine.

Another joint project is needed: “This can help to come across as united and spark new motivation and cohesion within the GSoA.”

1. Army Financing: The GSoA has set its sights on increasing military finances. An initiative could advocate the introduction of a cost brake or cap. The GSoA hopes that the war will be over by the time a vote is taken: “Then the chance that this initiative will also be approved by the more conservative part of the voters will noticeably increase.”

2. war profit tax: The war in Ukraine has caused commodity prices to explode, generating billions in profits for companies in Switzerland. Now the GSoA is flirting with an initiative for a war profit tax of at least 33 percent – for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

3. Humanitarian Corps: A military attack on Switzerland remains unlikely. However, with climate change, natural disasters are likely to increase. The army could be gradually dismantled to create a humanitarian aid corps in return.

4. Arms export: Already with the correction initiative, the GSoA focused on arms exports, after which the War Materials Act was tightened. But there are still too many loopholes. The designation of arms exports is also extremely opaque. You want to change that.

5. Embassy Asylum: Several attempts have already been made to reintroduce the embassy shelter. Today, many asylum seekers would have to take great risks to gain access to asylum procedures at all.

6. Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons: Despite the parliamentary mandate, the Federal Council has still not signed the contract. However, with the war in Ukraine, the nuclear danger is increasing again. If a citizens’ initiative were accepted, the Bundesrat would be obliged to sign the treaty.

It seems self-evident: in the first phase, the content of a new citizens’ initiative seems to be of secondary importance. The six suggestions form a colorful potpourri. The main thing is that a new project unites the ranks. A popular group therapy initiative.

Source:Blick