Environment Rösti in the climate debate in the National Council: "They grilled me"
Environment Minister Albert Rösti is confronted with numerous questions and demands during a climate debate in the National Council. "They grilled me", said the Federal Councillor during the debate.
17.12.2025, 11:12
SDA
But that was a good thing, Rösti added. Four urgent interpellations and dozens of questions criticized the Federal Council's climate measures and called for them to be expanded. Among other things, Rösti was criticized for Switzerland's CO2 offsetting abroad. According to Marionna Schlatter (Greens/ZH), the federal government would only be "putting off its homework" and making its "lack of national ambition" visible. According to her, climate policy fails because of political will.
In response to a question from Sibel Arslan (Greens/BS) about Rösti's commitment to international climate policy and excuses for more ambitious federal climate targets, the Environment Minister reacted angrily.
"We pay 3.4 billion a year from our budget and you say I only have excuses," said the Federal Councillor. "I explain here what we are doing and you come and say we only have excuses."
Rösti referred to the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, a month ago. There, it was not possible to define at least one international roadmap without binding points for CO2 reduction, he continued. Major emitters such as China, India, Saudi Arabia and the USA were not prepared to do so.
"We are committed to decarbonization, but it will only benefit Switzerland if the same happens worldwide," said Rösti. The whole world must do more. "Switzerland alone will not change the climate one iota," added the Environment Minister. But Switzerland is doing its bit and setting an example for others.
