Since the outbreak of war, Switzerland has struggled with the question of how Ukraine can provide military support in the war against the aggressor Russia – without violating neutrality.
FDP National Councilor Maja Riniker found a way and on Wednesday convinced the National Council that 25 Leopard tanks will be decommissioned and sold back to the German manufacturer. Germany has promised that the tanks will not be transferred to Ukraine. Only the SVP faction opposed the decision. The case now goes to the Council of States.
Riniker summed up the problem with a simple question: “Where do these 25 Leopard tanks have a greater impact? Do we let them rot in eastern Switzerland, or do we send them back to Germany so that they in turn can pass on part of their property to the Ukraine?” for Ukraine, but Switzerland must contribute to the security architecture in Europe.
The SVP faction sees the process as a ring change and therefore incompatible with neutrality. Stefanie Heimgartner (SVP/AG) spoke of a “boy trick”: “How can you be neutral if, as a neutral country, you replace the weapons that others have unilaterally supplied to warring parties?” Switzerland must now look after itself and equip its own troops better and more modernly. (aargauerzeitung.ch)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
