The Swiss government has rejected calls to allow voters and cantons to set conditions for weapons exports.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
A people’s initiative collected enough signatures in 2019 to force a nationwide vote on the issue. It proposes enshrining rules for war materiel exports in the constitution, which would take this responsibility away from the government.
On Friday the government issued a counterproposal that would give parliament the power to adjust the rules for selling war materiel abroad. But the government would retain control over weapons exports for peace-keeping activities, primarily United Nations or OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) operations.
“This would mean that Switzerland would go much further than the regulations in the international arms trade treaty or the EU’s instructions to its member states,” stated a press releaseExternal link.
Opposition to Switzerland’s war materiel export policy started in 2018 when the government said it would ease certain restrictions on weapons exports – a stance it was forced to retract following public outcry. There has also been unease at reports that Swiss weapons have on occasion turned up in war-torn countries via other states.
Last November voters threw out a separate initiative that wanted to ban the Swiss National Bank, pension funds and foundations from holding shares or lending money to global companies which generate more than 5% of their annual sales from war materiel.
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
This content was published on
Unknown assailants detonated an ATM in canton Vaud early Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the building. The perpetrators fled the scene and remain at large.
Kudelski Group to sell Skidata division to Assa Abloy
This content was published on
The Kudelski Group is selling its Skidata division to the Swedish manufacturer of locking and security systems Assa Abloy.
Tragic weekend in Swiss waters: three bodies recovered
This content was published on
Swiss authorities recovered three bodies from local waters over the weekend, with one incident occurring in Zurich and two in Zug.
Lake Parade in Geneva attracts over 100,000 people
This content was published on
The 22nd Lake Parade and the Lake Sensation in Geneva attracted over 100,000 people in summery weather on Saturday. There were no major incidents at either event.
Graubünden storm causes significant economic damage, prompting support measures
This content was published on
The recent storm in Misox, in canton Graubünden, has resulted in severe economic damage, affecting SMEs, tourism, and agricultural land.
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
Initiative launched to stop relaxation of Swiss arms exports
This content was published on
Campaigners have launched a people’s initiative to prevent the Swiss government from relaxing rules for exporting arms to conflict-ridden states.
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.