He said cyberattacks and espionage were the main security threats to Switzerland’s sovereignty.
Parmelin made the statement during a news conference on Friday with the head of the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS), Jean-Philippe Gaudin who took up his post just over three months ago.
The Swiss authorities believe that two Russian spies targeted a Swiss chemical weapons testing facility outside the capital, Bern. Prosecutors are also investigating a cyberattack against the offices of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in Lausanne.
However, neither Parmelin nor Gaudin gave further details.
Last month, the FIS said it had worked with British and Dutch counterparts to foil a Russian plot which allegedly targeted a laboratory in Spiez that tests nerve agents such as Novichok, used in an attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in England last March.
Gaudin expressed his surprise at the information policy of the Dutch intelligence service in the case, saying the Swiss authorities preferred more discretion.
He said an amended law, in force since September 2017, giving the intelligence service increased powers, notably monitoring cyberspace activities, had made it possible to uncover the Russian activities.
The Swiss authorities have set up a working group to prevent possible attempts to manipulate and influence the 2019 parliamentary elections in Switzerland.
More
More
Switzerland boosts cyber defences as attacks escalate
This content was published on
How can Switzerland protect itself against cybercrime? One radical idea involves rewiring obsolete internet functions.
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Swiss investigate four people linked to Russian oligarch
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland is investigating four individuals linked to Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov.
Swiss government scrambles to deal with egg shortage
This content was published on
From September 1, more eggs intended for consumption may be imported into Switzerland. In allowing this, the government wants to secure the supply of eggs for consumers.
This content was published on
Agricultural research sees new development opportunities for Swiss sparkling wines in the face of declining wine consumption. In a survey, half of consumers expressed a willingness to pay more for local products than for foreign ones.
Locarno spotlights filmmakers from South America and Caribbean
This content was published on
The Open Doors section of the Locarno Film Festival has named the winners for 2024. The spotlight is on the South American and Caribbean regions.
Storm paralyses trains to popular Swiss tourist resort
This content was published on
The railway line between Zweilütschinen and Grindelwald in central Switzerland is expected to remain closed until Friday following heavy rains.
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
One in four Russian diplomats in Switzerland is a spy, report claims
This content was published on
A report compiled for the Swiss government says that one out of every four Russian diplomats based in Switzerland is a spy, Swiss papers claim.
Russian spying ‘beyond normal levels’, says Swiss foreign minister
This content was published on
Following reports about Russian spying in Switzerland, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said he will raise the issue with Sergey Lavrov.
This content was published on
West ratchets up pressure amid determination to expose Moscow intelligence agency. Switzerland is also linked to the Russian spying controversy.
Swiss close investigation into cyber attack on defence firm
This content was published on
The Attorney General opened an investigation two years ago on the grounds of economic espionage carried out against the Swiss aerospace and defence group RuagExternal link. The hack first took place in December 2014 and the intelligence services responded in January 2016 following a tip from abroad. The authorities insisted it did not involve information…
Government reacts to criticism of ‘utility’ of spy Daniel M.
This content was published on
The controversial mission of the Swiss spy was carried out to fulfil a pressing need, the government has said in response to a committee report.
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.