The campaigners stacked up the boxes with collected signatures for the referendum outside the parliament building.
Keystone/Anthony Anex
A committee made up of members of left-wing parties on Wednesday handed in the necessary signatures to trigger a vote on whether to overturn a parliamentary decision taken last December.
They argue the price for the new jets – to replace the aging fleet of F/A-18 and Tiger aircraft by 2025 – is too high and the money should better be spent on education, public transport and the state old age pension system.
“It is an irresponsible purchase and a waste of money,” said Green parliamentarian Marionna Schlatter.
However, an alliance including centrist and right-wing parties as well as employers organisations, have dismissed the allegations, saying the new aircraft were needed to ensure Switzerland’s security, freedom and economic prosperity.
September 27
In 2014, voters rejected a plan to buy 22 Swedish Gripen jets from Saab for CHF3.1 billion, overturning a decision by the Swiss parliament.
The government has scheduled the latest vote for September 27 alongside four other issues, including a right-wing proposal to scrap a deal with the European Union on the free movement of people, which has been in force since 2002.
The collection of signatures and nationwide votes – a key element of Switzerland’s system of direct democracy – were suspended until the end of May due to the coronavirus pandemic.
More
More
Swiss Air Force: the logbook
This content was published on
(All pictures Keystone, unless otherwise stated)
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Parliamentary inquiry on Credit Suisse collapse blames mismanagement
This content was published on
Credit Suisse's years of mismanagement were at the root of its downfall in March 2023, the parliamentary commission of inquiry concluded on Friday.
Cassis and Lavrov discuss the OSCE and the Ukrainian conflict
This content was published on
Russian and Swiss foreign ministers spoke about Switzerland's bid to chair the OSCE in 2026. They also discussed the Ukrainian conflict.
Switzerland announces candidacy to chair OSCE in 2026
This content was published on
Switzerland is officially in the running to chair the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026, the foreign ministry announced on Thursday.
Switzerland assumes protecting power mandate for Ecuador in Venezuela
This content was published on
At Quito's request, Switzerland will represent Ecuador's interests in Venezuela, the Swiss foreign ministry announced on Thursday.
Swiss researchers find security flaws in AI models
This content was published on
Artificial intelligence (AI) models can be manipulated despite existing safeguards. With targeted attacks, scientists in Lausanne have been able to trick these systems into generating dangerous or ethically dubious content.
Two Swiss nationals indicted for supporting Islamic State
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has filed charges against two Swiss nationals, aged 22 and 28, who are accused of supporting the banned terrorist group Islamic State.
This content was published on
The government has consolidated plans to buy new fighter jets for the Swiss air force for no more than CHF6 billion over the next few years.
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.