A parliamentary group has criticised Ruag, a state-owned technology concern with a large defence unit, for spending on the campaign against a proposed arms export ban.
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On November 29 the Swiss will vote on the proposal to ban the transit of war material from Switzerland – an initiative put forward by the pacifist Group for Switzerland without an Army.
The security committee of the House of Representatives, which advises fellow parliamentarians on security matters, has called on the government to prohibit the practice of state-owned companies financing political campaigns.
It is asking for principles to be established on this issue, to which all state-owned companies would have to adhere.
Ruag estimates that half of its 4,000-strong workforce would be threatened if the initiative were successful.
The company has contributed some SFr200,000 ($199,000) to campaigns run by industry associations of which it is a member.
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Arms export vote reflects history of scandals
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On November 29 the Swiss will vote, for the third time since 1972, on banning the export of weapons and other military materiel. The government has recommended voters reject the initiative. The first of many arms scandals to rock Switzerland occurred in 1968, when during the Nigerian Civil War it turned out that planes belonging…
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Swiss industry has mobilised a campaign against the ban, arguing that it would cost jobs while the “yes” camp says lives come before profits. The government has recommended that voters reject a ban. On November 29, Switzerland will vote on the controversial and emotional subject for the third time since 1972. Two previous attempts to…
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Emil Georg Bührle started his collection during the Second World War. The unclear provenance of some paintings from Jewish owners has led the foundation to return 13 of them. A look back on the life of the arms dealer who wanted to be remembered as an arts lover. (SF/swissinfo.ch)
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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.