The international situation has changed dramatically with the war between Russia and Ukraine? There have been many wars since the 1990s (Serbia, Afghanistan, the 2nd and 3rd Iraq wars, Libya, Syria) that should have shocked us, not but now! However, the situation for us Swiss has actually changed dramatically with the war in Ukraine, because Switzerland – in an unusual way – very quickly sided with one opponent of this conflict. On 28 February 2022, four days after the start of the war, it took over the EU’s sanctions against Russia and thus left the ground of neutrality. This was a shock to many and not understandable.
Why were sides taken so quickly in this war instead of relying on mediation and understanding of the conflict and peace work? The sanctions were justified by “solidarity with Western states”. Where were the sanctions and solidarity when others were attacked?
The Federal Council’s positioning is patronising the population. But our tradition is that we as citizens make up our own minds while the government holds back.
It’s good that we will soon be able to vote on the politically broad-based neutrality initiative (www.neutralitaet-ja.ch), which would like to have neutrality written more clearly into the Federal Constitution: “no sanctions”, because this is always a war-like measure against other countries, “unless there are UN sanctions”, i.e. unanimously passed in the Security Council. “No joining military or defence alliances. Switzerland uses its neutrality to resolve conflicts and is available as a mediator.” A development towards greater peace in the world involves Switzerland refocusing on its values such as impartiality, protecting the rights of all people and mediating between parties to disputes. It should not join a power bloc, as this would betray its freedom and identity.
Former Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey also accuses Swiss politics of double standards and ambiguity. Whether Switzerland wants to remain neutral needed to be clarified. “And don’t approach NATO through the back door.”
Monika Fry, Trimmis (CH)
Our website uses cookies so that we can continually improve the page and provide you with an optimized visitor experience. If you continue reading this website, you agree to the use of cookies. Further information regarding cookies can be found in the data protection note.
If you want to prevent the setting of cookies (for example, Google Analytics), you can set this up by using this browser add-on.