The head of the Swiss Armed Forces, Philippe Rebord, has apologised for the excessive expenses incurred by the military leadership. In an interview given Saturday to the "Samstagsrundschau" broadcast of the Swiss German radio SRF, he recognised "moral errors" had been made.
This “culture” has existed in the army for years, but not enough thought has been given to its external impact, Rebord added. “We cannot be blamed for anything in criminal and disciplinary terms, but in moral terms, yes,” said the army chief, admitting that his institution had held on to certain habits no longer in tune with the times.
“As of today, I must admit that moral faults have been committed in the army hierarchy,” said the army chief. “I would like to apologize to all the people in Switzerland, who rightly expect to make good use of the taxpayers’ money.
In his opinion, a change of culture is necessary in the military. The minister of defence, Guy Parmelin, has given orders to that end. Rebord, for his part, says he will do everything in his power to ensure that the new expense regulations help usher this change.
More
More
New Swiss armed forces chief outlines future strategy
This content was published on
Philippe Rebord, the new head of the Swiss Armed Forces, outlines his vision for the future and the challenges the army faces. (RTS, swissinfo.ch)
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
What factors should be taken into account when inheriting Swiss citizenship abroad?
Should there be a limit to the passing on of Swiss citizenship? Or is the current practice too strict and it should still be possible to register after the age of 25?
This content was published on
French and Swiss armoured and artillery units will train together to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Swiss army.
Harmful substances in particulate matter underestimated: Swiss research
This content was published on
Measurements significantly underestimate the amount of harmful substances in particulate matter, says an international research team under Swiss leadership.
Switzerland reopens its humanitarian office in Kabul
This content was published on
Switzerland opened its humanitarian office in Kabul in mid-March to provide targeted aid to the Afghan population in distress.
This content was published on
From Wednesday, a Swiss passport will no longer be sufficient to enter the UK - Swiss travellers will also need an electronic travel authorisation.
This content was published on
A German security expert could imagine Swiss soldiers being part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine after an eventual ceasefire.
Leading Swiss politician favours closer EU defence ties
This content was published on
Co-president of Swiss centre-left Social Democratic Party calls on Switzerland to step up security cooperation in Europe.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss army on track to shrink reserves
This content was published on
At the start of next year, the Swiss Armed Forces will shrink its reserves down to 100,000 troops and its training will be shortened by three weeks.
This content was published on
After 100 days on the job, Philippe Rebord, the new head of the Swiss Armed Forces, says the army’s CHF5 billion budget is not enough.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.