Hundreds demonstrate for peace at Easter march in Bern

"We are experiencing a setback in terms of peace policy, in Switzerland and worldwide," said the organizers in their appeal. Against the backdrop of global armament, the Federal Council is investing billions more in an army that has no credible answer to the real threats.

Switzerland should advocate comprehensive peace, international cooperation and the strengthening of multilateral organizations. In addition, the Federal Council should finally give up its opposition to joining the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

"Outcry of indignation"

The government's stance is a break with Switzerland's humanitarian tradition, said Marc Jost, member of the Bernese EPP National Council. It also undermined Switzerland's credibility as a nation of peace and as an advocate of international law.

In his speech, Jost described the Easter march as an "outcry of indignation against violence and warmongering". Signatures for the initiative to ban nuclear weapons were collected on the fringes of the rally.

Almost 40 organizations, mainly from left-wing and church circles, had called for the Easter march. Rainbow flags dominated the parade, which led from Köniz along the River Aare to Bern's old town.

Peace work instead of armament

On Münsterplatz, Green Party President Lisa Mazzone criticized the additional billions for the Swiss army as "a provocation". There was no real threat.

At the same time, the right-wing majority is cutting back on humanitarian aid and support for countries in the global South. Ultimately, Switzerland is contributing to more instability, more hardship and more suffering.