Federal finances National Council wants half a billion francs more for the army
Next year, the Swiss Armed Forces are to have CHF 530 million more available for investment in armaments than originally planned. The National Council clearly approved a corresponding increase on Tuesday. Proposals from the left-wing and green parties, however, failed.
03.12.2024, 13:09
SDA
The large chamber thus followed the proposal of its Finance Committee. According to the proposal, the army will be able to spend CHF 2.7 billion on armaments in the coming year. CHF 200 million of this is earmarked for the longer-range ground-based air defense system (Bodluv).
The aim of the National Council is for military expenditure to reach one percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. The Grand Chamber made corresponding increases in the financial plan years 2026 to 2028.
"Switzerland must become more resilient"
The conservative majority prevailed. In geopolitically tense times, it is important to increase spending on defense capabilities, was the tenor. "It makes no sense to simply pour money into construction sites," argued Sarah Wyss (SP/BS) unsuccessfully.
Roman Bürgi (SVP/SZ) pointed out that investment in the army had been neglected for decades. "Switzerland must become fit to defend itself again." The Center and FDP parliamentary groups also pointed out that the army was not sufficiently well equipped today.
The left-green minority pointed out that the army was only one of many pillars for strengthening security. "International cooperation and peacebuilding are just as crucial," said Corina Gredig (GLP/ZH). The balance between the three pillars was at risk because the conservatives wanted to cut back on foreign aid.
Army to become more efficient
The large chamber will not decide on spending on international cooperation (IC) until Wednesday. In the area of security and justice, the National Council followed the proposals of its Finance Committee with one exception.
According to this, the army should compensate for part of the additional expenditure itself by increasing efficiency. Specifically, the National Council reduced the operating expenses of the Armed Forces and the Federal Armaments Office (Armasuisse) by a total of CHF 50 million.
The upper chamber also decided on additional revenue. For example, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) is to generate CHF 22 million by charging the cantons for the control of persons by the Border Guard Corps at Geneva and Basel airports.
