On the recommendation of its security policy committee, the senate voted against two proposals on Monday: one calling for parliament rather than the government to decide on permission criteria for arms exports (20 to 17, with 6 abstentions), the other on stricter controls to prevent Swiss arms from landing in war zones (22 to 16, with 5 abstentions).
The committee based its recommendations primarily on the pending popular initiative, Against arms exports in countries in civil warExternal link – saying that it didn’t want to preempt the discussion on the initiative and a possible counter-proposal.
Proponents of the motions had pointed out that weapons from Switzerland had landed in conflict zones after export to countries such as Thailand, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Those against the motions expressed concern that if passed, they could hinder various economic interests.
The first motion, regarding the criteria under which arms can be exported, had been filed by the centre-right Conservative Democratic Party. The House of Representatives had approved it 97 to 82, with 11 abstentions.
Under parliamentary rules, the motions decided on Monday have failed.
The motion on stricter controls had been filed by centre-right Radical-Liberal Senator Raphaël Comte, who cited a report by the Federal Audit Office concluding that the current arms export laws are generously interpreted and partly circumvented.
In 2008, the government tightened the rules with an eye on a popular initiative from the Group for a Switzerland Without an ArmyExternal link calling for a ban on arms exports. In 2014, it relaxed them again on behalf of Parliament.
In October 2018, the government abandoned newly-hatched plans to ease Swiss weapons exports following public outcry.
More
More
Swiss arms exports still at odds with humanitarian tradition
This content was published on
A Swiss historian explains how the “arms exports versus humanitarian tradition” paradox has been a recurrent theme since the First World War.
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?
This content was published on
A criminal investigation into a Swiss media editor and a former health ministry official over leaked government Covid pandemic strategy is to be closed.
‘James Bond’ Schilthorn summit re-opens in Switzerland
This content was published on
The summit of the Schilthorn mountain in Switzerland will be accessible again from Saturday after being closed for five months.
Swiss lawmakers urge tougher stance with criminal asylum seekers
This content was published on
The Swiss Senate wants to tighten laws to both restrict the movement of asylum seekers being investigated for crimes and to expel the guilty.
Switzerland eyes high-speed train fleet for European connections
This content was published on
Swiss Federal Railways eyes 40 strong high-speed train fleet to service international destinations, such as Italy and France.
This content was published on
Driven by purchases abroad, e-commerce in Switzerland continues to grow, with sales approacheing the CHF15 billion markin 2024.
Switzerland close to further restricting tobacco advertising
This content was published on
Switzerland moves a step closer to restricting tobacco advertising in the print media as one chamber of parliament votes in favour of measures.
Swiss researchers improve therapy for paralysed patients
This content was published on
Using rehabilitation robots and a spinal cord implant, Swiss researchers are helping people with spinal cord injuries to walk again.
New Swiss government minister prepared for defence mandate
This content was published on
New Swiss government minister Martin Pfister says he is prepared for the defence mandate sif he be asked to take on the vacant role.
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.
This content was published on
Swiss peace brokering and Swiss weapons in the world’s wars are uncomfortable bedfellows. We take a closer look at the issue.
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.