A majority of the Swiss population is not in favour of increasing spending on defence, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, a new survey reveals. However, they support the government’s existing plan to buy replacement fighter jets.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/swissinfo/sb
Português
pt
Maioria dos suíços hesita em aumentar gastos com a defesa
The online poll published on Monday by the Tamedia newspaper group found that 45% of respondents believe the neutral country’s army budget, which currently stands at CHF5 billion ($5.3 billion), should be increased. Meanwhile, 41% say the army has enough resources and 8% want to reduce its budget.
Increased military spending is backed primarily by supporters of the rightwing Swiss People’s Party (62%) and the centre-right Radical Party (61%). But there is strong opposition from the left (73% of Greens and 70% of Social Democrats said “No”).
Among those seeking an increase in spending, half said the budget should rise by CHF1-2 billion.
More
More
Switzerland will remain neutral – until it’s attacked
This content was published on
Switzerland is neutral. So why has it been cooperating with NATO and the EU on security issues for years?
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the issue of new fighter jets has been keenly discussed again in Switzerland. The authorities plan to purchase 36 F-35A jets from the US company Lockheed-Martin to replace its ageing fleet.
The CHF6 billion ($6.37 billion) credit for the deal was narrowly approved by Swiss voters in 2020, but left-wing campaigners who oppose the idea of buying US planes have started gathering signatures to force another ballot.
More
More
US and Swiss air force commanders discuss fighter jet deal
This content was published on
The head of the US air force met with his Swiss counterpart on Tuesday after a three-day visit to the Alpine nation.
The Tamedia poll found that three out of five people would reject the proposal launched by leftwing oppenents including the Group for a Switzerland without an Army.
The online survey was conducted by the LeeWas Institute on behalf of Tamedia between from March 16-18 among 12,437 people.
More
More
Swiss army to beef up cyber defence with command centre
This content was published on
Parliament has given the green light to create a cyber command centre for the Swiss armed forces.
Swiss health minister criticises Trump’s ‘rash’ WHO exit
This content was published on
Switzerland has expressed “deep” regret over Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO, Swiss Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said in Davos.
This content was published on
Job vacancies in Switzerland fell by 10% in 2024, marking the first negative annual balance since the Covid-19 pandemic, says Adecco.
Swiss president meets Zelensky in Davos amid tensions with Europe
This content was published on
Swiss President met Zelensky at Davos. As Zelensky thanked Switzerland, Keller-Sutter said it's too early to discuss a new summit, awaiting Trump's actions.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
Swiss politician who shot at image of Jesus resigns from Liberal Green Party
This content was published on
Sanija Ameti, who caused controversy after shooting at an image of Jesus and Mary last September, has resigned from the Liberal Green Party.
Swiss campaigners gather enough signatures to submit ‘responsible business’ initiative
This content was published on
The Swiss people are set to vote again on the corporate responsibility of multinationals after campaigners collected 183,661 signatures in 14 days for their new 'responsible business' initiative.
Several Swiss municipalities and banks hit by cyberattack
This content was published on
Russian hackers attacked the websites of several Swiss municipalities and banks on Tuesday, just as the World Economic Forum (WEF), got under way in Davos.
Music strengthens brain connections in premature babies, Swiss study shows
This content was published on
In premature babies, music strengthens connections in certain areas of the brain, according to a years-long study by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG).
Swiss defence minister repeats calls for stronger army
This content was published on
The Swiss armed forces need to be boosted and better prepared, argues Defence Minister Viola Amherd. Nato membership however is “not an option”.
Swiss group campaigns against purchase of US fighter jets
This content was published on
The government’s decision to buy F-35A jets from the US could be challenged in a popular vote if critics get enough signatures.
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.