A committee made up of members of left-wing parties on Wednesday handed in the necessary signatures to trigger a vote on whether to overturn a parliamentary decision taken last December.
They argue the price for the new jets – to replace the aging fleet of F/A-18 and Tiger aircraft by 2025 – is too high and the money should better be spent on education, public transport and the state old age pension system.
“It is an irresponsible purchase and a waste of money,” said Green parliamentarian Marionna Schlatter.
However, an alliance including centrist and right-wing parties as well as employers organisations, have dismissed the allegations, saying the new aircraft were needed to ensure Switzerland’s security, freedom and economic prosperity.
September 27
In 2014, voters rejected a plan to buy 22 Swedish Gripen jets from Saab for CHF3.1 billion, overturning a decision by the Swiss parliament.
The government has scheduled the latest vote for September 27 alongside four other issues, including a right-wing proposal to scrap a deal with the European Union on the free movement of people, which has been in force since 2002.
The collection of signatures and nationwide votes – a key element of Switzerland’s system of direct democracy – were suspended until the end of May due to the coronavirus pandemic.
More
More
Swiss Air Force: the logbook
This content was published on
(All pictures Keystone, unless otherwise stated)
Swiss centre records over 200 victims of human trafficking
This content was published on
Last year 317 people took part in a protection programme run by the Specialist Unit for Trafficking in Women and Women’s Migration (FIZ) in German-speaking Switzerland.
This content was published on
The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and partners are opening a field hospital in southern Gaza on Tuesday.
Lack of smartphone sustainability in Switzerland hits environment
This content was published on
Almost half of all Swiss citizens hang on to their old smartphones, tablets and laptops, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Police clear out pro-Palestinian students protesting in Geneva
This content was published on
The police intervened early on Tuesday to dislodge pro-Palestinian students who had been occupying the University of Geneva for almost a week.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
This content was published on
The government has consolidated plans to buy new fighter jets for the Swiss air force for no more than CHF6 billion over the next few years.
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.