Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis: "Switzerland is used to prosperity and security"
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has spoken about the current geopolitical challenges and Switzerland's role in them. The foreign minister said in an interview with the Tamedia newspapers that the global situation is probably not yet sufficiently taken into account in this country.
30.12.2024, 06:09
SDA
"I believe that we in Switzerland have become accustomed to our prosperity and security over many decades. We believe that they are almost God-given." It is a "strategic necessity" for Switzerland to have a stable relationship with its neighbors, he said with regard to the treaty package with the EU. He emphasized that economic, social and cultural ties with Europe were closely interwoven.
With regard to the ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the escalation in the Middle East, Mr Cassis spoke of a "ring of fire" surrounding Europe. "Switzerland is at the center of the continent - we are part of the European community of destiny," continued Cassis.
Cassis: "America first, Europe first, Switzerland first"
At the same time, he expressed concern about the weakening of multilateralism and the return of nation-state thinking: "We are returning to a logic of 'America first, Europe first, Switzerland first'", said Cassis. This is leading to an increased striving for power by the major powers, which is also being carried out by force. "A new world order is emerging, but we don't know what it will look like."
When asked whether Switzerland would have to arm itself even more in the medium term, Cassis conceded that the global trend was moving in this direction. The 2025 federal budget already provides for an increase in funding for the army of CHF 530 million. In return, other expenditure, such as foreign aid, will be cut by CHF 110 million.
