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‘Rich and weak’: is Switzerland easy prey?

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Where does Switzerland stand in the world? And where is it heading? I focus on current and possible future developments. After completing my studies (history, law and European studies), I worked for a time at the Swiss embassy in Athens. I have journalistic experience at home and abroad, at the local and national levels, as a freelancer and as a staff journalist. Today, it's with an international focus.

Wealth offers little protection for a small country like Switzerland in today’s increasingly aggressive world, says Thomas Süssli, who recently stepped down as head of the Swiss armed forces. He warns that Switzerland lacks sufficient military readiness.

Swiss neutrality has long been armed, reflecting a belief that the country could be drawn into a war. One of the central foreign-policy debates now is whether Switzerland should move closer to the European Union and NATO, an issue that has been fiercely contested for some time.

The country is also facing major economic challenges. Last year Switzerland found itself at the sharp end of a trade dispute with the US, facing steep import tariffs justified by Switzerland’s prosperity – tariffs imposed on Swiss goods by the US eventually fell from 39% to 15% – showing how even supposed allies can suddenly become a risk.

Is Switzerland well equipped for a world where strength, not rules, seem to determine outcomes? And what should it do to hold its own in such testing times? Let us know in the comments below!

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Prop D
ProperD

I have mentioned in a previous post in this debate how the country Switzerland needs to be careful of is the United States. The USA is on the prowl as it is an empire in demise, financially stint (the Treasury Department in the USA said in 2025 that the United States is insolvent) and now looking for countries (especially smaller ones) where it can steal...oops...I mean take their resources like they did in Venezuela. Well, according to a recent article Trump is saying that "Switzerland's wealth is because of the United States and Switzerland needs to pay more." Just like I predicted. USA will use Switzerland as a piggybank if the Swiss don't put their foot down. US needs money wherever they can get it and Trump sees Switzerland as "easy prey." Wake up Switzerland...expand your trading options before the US completely humiliates you on the global stage.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@ProperD

How do you think Switzerland should respond in this situation?

Wie denken Sie, soll sich die Schweiz in dieser Situation wehren

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@ProperD

How do you think Switzerland should respond in this situation?

Wie sollte sich die Schweiz Ihrer Meinung nach in dieser Situation verhalten?

Prop D
ProperD
@Giannis Mavris

IMHO...Switzerland will have to "slowly" ease dependence on the USA as a trading partner. Not completely cut-off trade but Switzerland must expand their options....Many countries are starting to look for alternative markets to maintain the balance of their exports and imports, thereby decreasing dependence on countries in conflict like the United States......For example, Canada is negotiating a trade pact with Southeast Asian countries. The reason is because It’s hard for trading partners to know where they stand with the USA on any given day. Especially with Trump in office where "a deal is really no deal at all." And this will not change once he leaves office....Switzerland went in good faith to the US concerning the tariff dilemma but the USA consistently finds reasons to come up with new tariffs or schemes to impose on trading partners even when these partners thought that they'd already made enough concessions....Switzerland will have to rethink old ties with not only the US but overall.... Currently, U.S. trading partners are cutting deals amongst themselves even forgetting past differences when necessary in a desire to diversify their economies away from a newly protectionist USA....Switzerland will have to do the same. Switzerland should re-consider sanctions and consider doing more trade with BRICs countries. The BRICS countries represents 55.61% of the world's population that's 4.45 billion people out of a global population of 8.01 billion! This makes BRICs significant for trading and as a vast consumer base. Switzerland is an intelligent and innovative country. I hope that they can see the "writing on the wall" and realize that by being loyal to a partner who doesn't care about your devotedness is much too risky.

S
Sagnik

I believe in self sufficiency to the extent possible, a logic that naturally goes into Swiss armaments industry. Indeed Switzerland is a small country but it can design and build complex machine, to produce advanced to very advanced systems capable of delivering arms and armaments that are solid and good to protect our neutrality. I am not advocating for wars and effectiveness of the armament outputs can be verified in many ways. But peace time progress should not be seen as cowardness or laziness to build defense capabilities. __Wars are today fought not only with boots in the ground but also with systems developed in small spaces that can outdo any number of powerful forces and can create and sustain havocs to far superior military might. __I think a rich country and flourishing environment nourishes and sustains that complex process.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Sagnik

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Do you think Switzerland can achieve military autonomy? Should it even aim to do so? After all, Switzerland is moving towards limited partnerships with the EU and NATO in this regard.

Danke für diese Gedanken. Glauben Sie, dass die Schweiz militärische Autonomie erreichen kann? Sollte sie das überhaupt? Die Schweiz steuert ja begrenzte Partnerschaften mit der EU und der Nato an diesbezüglich.

N
Nörgler
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

What good is our wealth if the Federal Council and our politicians are literally ‘saving us to death’? For once, our money isn’t protecting us against foreign drones targeting our internationally vital and completely unprotected infrastructure. __When it came to Covid, billions were suddenly made available. Yet in the face of an international threat like the one we’re facing now, our government is asleep at the wheel and “hoarding” its pennies. Our political parties would rather squabble for years on end than reach a consensus as quickly as possible.__“Deliver instead of dithering”

Was nützt uns unser Reichtum, wenn der Bundesrat und unsere Politiker uns buchstäblich "zu Tode sparen". Unser Geld schützt uns einmal nicht gegen fremde Dronen auf unsere international wichtige und absolut ungeschützte Infrastruktur. __Bei Corona konnten plötzlich Miliarden frei gemacht werden. Bei einer internationalen Bedrohungslage, wie wir sie jetzt haben, schläft unsere Regierung und "brütet" auf ihren Fränkli. Unsere Parteien streiten lieber jahrelang, anstatt möglichst schnell einen Konsens zu finden.__"Liefere statt lafere"

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Nörgler

I find it interesting that relaxing the debt brake is out of the question. Unlike other countries in Europe, which raise funds internationally to finance their military build-up.

Interessant scheint mir, dass eine Lockerung der Schuldenbremse dafür nicht in Frage kommt. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Ländern in Europa, die für ihre Aufrüstung international Geld beschaffen.

A
Adam7

Small countries like Switzerland can never build the same level of military power as large states such as the United States. __Their size naturally limits how far they can go. So ‘weakness’ is always relative. ____However, even compared with other small countries, Switzerland does not appear particularly strong. One recent military ranking by Global Firepower places Switzerland behind Israel, Sweden, Singapore, Greece, Portugal, Norway, and Denmark. __That suggests Switzerland still has a great deal of work to do if it wants to be more credible in a harsher world.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Adam7

Thank you for the interesting comparison. What do you think: how does neutrality influence the

Danke für den spannenden Vergleich. Was denken Sie: wie beeinflusst die Neutralität das

J
Janko
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Switzerland is like NASA: they only show what they want to show and say what they want to say. Switzerland has enough wealth to be a modern country in military terms. Let's say it's like Israel in the heart of Europe. When you are "weak", it's best not to show everything you have.

Suiza es como la NASA , solo dejan ver lo que ellos quieren y cuentan lo que ellos quieren.__Suiza tiene suficiente riqueza para ser un país moderno a nivel militar. Digamos una Israel en el corazón de Europa. __Cuando una es "debil" , lo mejor es no mostrar todo lo que tienes .

Prop D
ProperD

So...it looks like the USA is on the rampage AGAIN yet, Switzerland (and EU countries) are worried about Russia LOL It's easy to see who the world bully is. United States has no qualms about going into any country and "taking" whatever they want yet no outcry from Switzerland about US "breaking international law." Recently USA accused a bank in Switzerland of money laundering and now this bank has closed down yet, no one does more money laundering than the USA! America has so much debt that it will pillage countries around the world (like Venezuela) and Switzerland will be used as a piggybank as well IMHO... I think Switzerland (and the world) had better take a reality check as they may become the next "prey" of the world's thug i.e. United States of America. As the saying goes "the USA has no friends only interest."

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@ProperD

Can there really only be one tyrant? According to this line of reasoning, there is only one perpetrator, and everyone else is a victim. That is a rather simplistic view of the world, which consists of almost 200 countries.

Kann es denn nur einen Tyrannen geben? Nach dieser Argumentation gibt es nur einen Täter, und alle anderen sind Opfer. Das ist eine ziemlich einfache Sicht auf die Welt, die immerhin aus knapp 200 Staaten besteht.

S
Swimiami
@ProperD

Most people in Venezuela and Iran are glad their dictators are gone. Would you rather have Russia calling the shots? Good bye to your freedoms

Prop D
ProperD
@Swimiami

You're using the term "most people" rather loosely. Where did you get this propaganda from? They're showing old videos from 2024 (they were found on a Google reverse image search) of people in Venezuela supposedly celebrating Maduro's capture. The video has nothing to do with current events. In fact, you don't see big displays of celebration on the streets of Venezuela nor do you see protests because the people are too afraid.....In addition, US has no business in Iran a country 1000s of miles away. US has a habit of starting chaos in countries and leaving them in disarray like Syria, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan and the list goes on....I gather you're fine with US destruction and hegemony perhaps it hasn't reached your region yet? The US, which often speaks of her so-called “Rules Based Order” however continues to refuse the will of the international community. US is no beacon of democracy and freedom either. People have more freedom in Russia than people in the USA just ask the Americans who have moved there.

Thomas Weber
Jean Thomas
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

The problem is a truly Swiss one. When it comes to armaments, people refuse to acknowledge reality. Pilots want the latest aircraft, tank crews want new tanks, artillery crews want new guns, and the infantry, who are on the front line and take the brunt of the fighting, want new socks. Thank God we have at least managed to do away with the cavalry and cyclists. Every day, we see clearly what weapons and equipment are needed in the war in Ukraine. The SP's stance – no realistic concept and no major clean-up in the department, no more money – is entirely correct. Sad as it is. And Federal Councillor Pfister is not to blame for this; he is a victim of the system, of the chaos created by his predecessors over decades.

Das Problem ist ein echt schweizerisches. Man will in Rüstungsfragen die Realitäten partout nicht erkennen. Die Piloten wollen neuste Flugis, die Pänzeler erneuerte Panzer, die Artillerie neue Kanonen und die Infanterie, die zuvorderst steht und am meisten abkriegt, neue Socken. Gott sei Dank ist es gelungen, wenigstens die Kavallerie und die Radfahrer abzuschaffen. Täglich wird anschaulich gezeigt, was für Waffen und Material im Ukrainekrieg benötigt werden. __Die Haltung der SP, ohne realistisches Konzept und endlich ein grossen Aufräumen im Departement gibt's nicht mehr Geld, ist völlig korrekt. So traurig dies ist. __Und BR Pfister kann dafür nichts, er ist ein Opfer des Systems, des Chaos, das von seinen Vorgängern über Jahrzehnte hinweg angerichtet wurde.

N
Nashipae9

Better than being rich or weak, Swiss neutrality might be more useful - in fact, a strength: a strategic position to mediate between the warring parties. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has pulled everyone in, taking even the lives of Africans.____Rise to the occasion.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Nashipae9

The talks in Geneva show that the parties involved continue to trust in Swiss neutrality. Let us hope that they develop positively.

Die Gespräche in Genf zeigen, dass die involvierten Parteien der Schweizer Neutralität weiterhin trauen. Hoffen wir, dass sie sich positiv entwickeln.

J
Jorg Hiker

Switzerland just shot itself in the foot – in grand style. A referendum to ban new foreigners in an economy dependent on foreign workers. Announced exactly when the lead headline of Swissinfo stated how the pharmaceutical industry is vital to Switzerland, how dependent it is on foreign workforce, and how the Netherlands, Ireland, and other countries want to lure companies to their countries. In pharma, 80% or more of important jobs are held by foreigners, and there is no possibility that Switzerland can train enough native chemists, doctors, engineers, AI scientists, etc. The city of Basel might as well put up a notice "closed permanently" and start selling cheese and alphorns. Other branches of economy are the same. _ This is exactly how Switzerland is losing the economic war. Other countries won't need to attack Switzerland with F-16s; all they need to do is persuade companies, banks, and individuals to move out of Switzerland. Switzerland is in a weak position because it lacks natural resources or a vast internal market; its entire economy is based on things that can essentially be done elsewhere. And our nice country is just helping itself to become prey.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Jorg Hiker

I assume you are referring to the "10 million Switzerland" referendum, which will be voted on 14 June? It would first have to be accepted before anything would change. Several referendums with an isolationist thrust are coming up in the near future. These are indeed groundbreaking times for the country.

Ich nehme an, Sie meinen die Volksabstimmung "10-Millionen-Schweiz", über die am 14. Juni abgestimmt wird? Die müsste zuerst noch angenommen werden, bevor sich irgendwas ändern würde. In nächster Zeit finden gleich mehrere Abstimmungen statt, die eine isolationistische Stossrichtung haben. Es sind tatsächlich wegweisende Zeiten für das Land.

J
Jorg Hiker
@Giannis Mavris

You don't understand - even a failed referendum shatters image of Switzerland as a predictable location of high-value industry. Even counting only the money directly spent by Swiss government in promoting the image of Switzerland to investors abroad, the "10 million Switzerland" referendum created damage much higher than 10 millions of Swiss Francs.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Jorg Hiker

Yes, votes always send a signal, regardless of the outcome. You're right about that.

Ja, Abstimmungen haben immer eine Signalwirkung, egal wie sie ausgehen. Da haben Sie recht.

E
Edvard
@Jorg Hiker

"Cheese and alphorns". -Sehr gut. It indeed is not wise to close the country to foreigners. It only leads to a siege mentality that chips away at intellectual and economic growth. All nations benefit from openness, one cannot be an island unto themselves and expect to prosper and provide. We're a complicated world, no answers are easy. I sometimes think back to the example of Tibet. Closed country, foreign influence and foreigner resistant, few ties to the outside world. When overrun by China they had no lifelines. It would be disheartening to see Switzerland eventually suffer that fate.

B
BCorsier
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.
@Jorg Hiker

Dear Sir, Switzerland has not shot itself in the foot: we will indeed soon be voting on a population cap, but this is not a referendum, but a popular initiative. Any Swiss citizen who has collected 100,000 signatures can propose an amendment to the Constitution, such as a new law, and the entire population votes on these initiatives. As a result, we vote several times a year, sometimes on surprising topics such as this initiative, which proposed a reward for farmers who keep cows with horns. It was rejected by the people but made journalists in neighbouring countries laugh. The large number of initiatives leads to a certain weariness about going to vote, but we are quite unique in the world in having the right to direct democracy.

Cher Monsieur, la Suisse ne s’est pas tirée une balle dans le pied: en effet, nous allons voter bientôt sur une limitation de la population, mais il ne s’agit pas d’un Référendum, mais d’une Initiative Populaire. Chaque Suisse peut, si il a récolté 100000 signatures, proposer une modification de la Constitution, par exemple une nouvelle loi, et tout le peuple vote sur ces initiatives. De ce fait, nous votons tous les ans plusieurs fois, et parfois sur des sujets étonnants comme cette initiative qui proposait une récompense aux paysans qui maintiennent des cornes à vaches, elle fut rejetée par le peuple mais a bien fait rire les journalistes des pays voisins. Les initiatives très nombreuses engendrent une certaine lassitude à aller voter, mais nous sommes assez unique dans le Monde à posséder un droit de Démocratie Directe….

C
Charles Paradis
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

Hello! I write Rich and could be Strong! With more than 590 million inhabitants, European NATO member countries should have nothing to fear. That's not counting Switzerland, which is not a member, but the bank is still in a secure neighbourhood, Switzerland. We Canadians are 40 million neighbours of the "orange man". This country tried to invade Canada twice (in 1776 and 1812) and failed. So take heart, join forces, and stop talking. By the way, there are 140 million Russians, and many would like to get the hell out of that country. Be united, be strong!

Bonjour! J'écris Riche et pourrait être Fort! Avec plus de 590 millions d'habitants les pays européens membre de l'OTAN ne devrait avoir peur de rien. C'est sans compter la Suisse qui n'est pas membre; mais la banque est toujours dans un quartier sécurisé, la Suisse. Nous les Canadiens sommes 40 millions voisin du ''bonhomme orange''. Ce pays qui a tenté d'envahir le Canada 2 fois (1776 et 1812) et qui n'a pas réussi. Alors courage, joignez vos forces, arrêtez de palabrer. En passant, les russes sont 140 millions et beaucoup voudraient bien foutre le camp de ce pays. Soyez Unis, Soyez Fort!

G
goldenray@aol.com

As Head of Foreign Affairs, one would think it is obvious to Giannis what Trump's MO is: ask for the extreme and settle for what he really wants i.e. normal negotiating tactic. This has already occurred frequently in a transparent manner - so no surprise there. Remember it was Trump who told NATO countries to pay their fair share into NATO and not rely on the US - when he did so at the UN a couple of years ago, the German contingent made signs suggesting he was "Schpinne": he was right, of course. Up until then NATO was relying on the USA as "the cavalry". Trump does not want to be the cavalry, for obvious reasons and is forcing Europe to look after its own militarily. It seems Europe does not like being forced to do so.__With regard to Greenland, it's obvious to many that there was no chance of him acquiring it so he applied the extreme posture, settling for what he really wanted. __Many would argue that he "lashed out" at almost everyone for good reason: Europe is indeed disintegrating under the weight of ever more "illegals" (thereby eroding each country's culture) and non-democratic bureaucracy (mainly in the guise of the EU: have you noticed any cancelled national election results of EU States recently, by any chance?) __Was Trump correct in asking for "fair" trade rather than "free" trade? Many would say yes. Why allow one country to export into your country only to be charged by that country when you export to them.... the answer should be common sense.__One issue has become very clear and that is: it is vitally important for each country to look to itself to maintain its status quo in the world, to control what it can in order to defend itself from outside shocks and to offer the world its Unique Selling Proposition. __Finances - and the control of Global finances - should be of concern to every Nation and learn how to combat those financiers whose intent does not align with 'ones' democratic National interest. Switzerland will ride the wave as will most well organised countries. Change brings pressures and strains: it is how each person/country reacts to those pressures and strains that shows the world whether they are adult or infantile thinking.__It is very easy to get involved in the detail without taking many steps back and investigating at what is really happening. One would hope that journalists are trained to do exactly so.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@goldenray@aol.com

As a journalist, one is trained, among other things, to be able to classify statements. It is clear that you share Donald Trump's opinion and approve of his actions, which is of course your prerogative. However, this is not the majority opinion, as is already evident in these debate contributions. I must strongly disagree with your argument about Europe's decline: Pretty much all indicators show that Europe has better living conditions than, for example, the USA today. To speak of "cultural" decay is to have no better arguments for pursuing one's political agenda. And this is best seen when you take a step back.

Als Journalist wird man unter anderem dazu ausgebildet, Aussagen einordnen zu können. Bei Ihnen ist klar, dass sie die Meinung von Donald Trump teilen und sein Vorgehen gutheissen, was natürlich Ihr gutes Recht ist. Allerdings ist das keine Mehrheitsmeinung, wie schon in diesen Debattenbeiträgen hier sichtbar wird.__Einzig Ihrem Argument vom zerfallenden Europa muss ich Ihnen deutlich widersprechen: So ziemlich alle Indikatoren zeigen, dass Europa bessere Lebensbedingungen hat als beispielsweise die USA heutzutage. Von einem "kulturellen" Zerfall zu sprechen, heisst keine besseren Argumente zu haben, um seine politische Agenda zu verfolgen. Und das sieht man am besten, wenn man einen Schritt zurück macht.

S
Selseyboy2634!

Let’s start with something strange! Whatever one feels about Trump

M
mbally83

We have entered a new era, one in which old friends have become resources or enemies. The goals and policies of the US have drastically changed. It has only been 1 year since this new administration took office and so much has changed. The US no longer has friends or allies, every country is seen as a resource and how it can help enrich the US. The long term goal is to turn the US into a white theocracy and make the Americas its exclusive fiefdom. The rest of the world will be ignored unless they have something of value. Greenland will be used to destroy NATO and then mined for its resources. The US has become a police state with an autocratic government with huge segments (minorities and the evil left) living in fear. Switzerland is a rich and valuable resource that will be bullied into compliance sooner or later. Switzerland is also a free democracy with that threatens by example of what the US should be. Without a strong military and clear strategy to break it's dependance on US markets, Switzerland will suffer sooner or later.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@mbally83

Like many other countries, Switzerland concluded numerous new trade agreements last year and began talks with other countries with a view to concluding further agreements. This represents a diversification of trading partners, precisely in order to reduce dependence on the US market. Let's see how this develops.

Die Schweiz hat (wie viele andere Länder auch) im letzten Jahr viele neue Handelsabkommen abgeschlossen. Und Gespräche mit weiteren Staaten dafür begonnen. Es gibt also eine Diversifizierung des Handelspartner, genau um weniger abhängig vom US-Markt zu sein. Mal sehen, wie sich das entwickeln wird.

R
RobertNLB

A strategy is needed as soon as possible - the shifts in economic power are rapid and Switzerland is no longer ahead of the curve. Whether independence links to a stronger military is questionable - here too Switzerland is running behind the facts - the F-35 only prolongs dependence on the US and as we have moved to drone-wars it also seems outdated. The true dependence we have to get away from is the digital dependence on US high tech . If we fail to regain our digital sovereignty, then all other efforts are useless.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@RobertNLB

Many in Switzerland see it the same way: the F-35 and digital sovereignty are increasingly being discussed in this country.

Das sehen viele in der Schweiz gleich: Der F-35 und die digitale Souveränität werden hierzulande vermehrt diskutiert.

L
LeartKelmendi
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Switzerland's stability is no coincidence; it is the result of discipline, neutrality and long-term responsibility. We feel the impact of sanctions less strongly because we have avoided political and financial risks that other countries have deliberately taken. Now some are calling for Switzerland to strengthen its ties with the EU, not primarily out of solidarity, but to share the burden that they themselves have created. Cooperation is important, but sovereignty should not be sacrificed to finance the mistakes of others. Switzerland should remain open, strong, neutral and independent, and not become a financial safety net for systems that it has not weakened itself.

Die Stabilität der Schweiz ist kein Zufall, sie ist das Ergebnis von Disziplin, Neutralität und langfristiger Verantwortung. Wir spüren Sanktionen weniger stark, weil wir politische und finanzielle Risiken vermieden haben, die andere Länder bewusst eingegangen sind. Nun fordern einige, dass sich die Schweiz stärker an die EU bindet, nicht primär aus Solidarität, sondern um Lasten zu verteilen, die sie selbst verursacht haben. Zusammenarbeit ist wichtig, aber Souveränität sollte nicht geopfert werden, um die Fehler anderer zu finanzieren. Die Schweiz sollte offen, stark, neutral und unabhängig bleiben und nicht zum finanziellen Sicherheitsnetz für Systeme werden, die sie nicht selbst geschwächt hat.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@LeartKelmendi

However, Switzerland's stability is also due in no small part to its neighbours: being located in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region is a huge advantage. What do you mean when you say that some people wanted Switzerland to forge closer ties with the EU "in order to share the burden"?

Die Stabilität der Schweiz verdankt sich aber durchaus auch der Nachbarschaft: In einer friedlichen, stabilen und prosperierenden Gegend zu liegen, ist ein riesiger Vorteil. Wie meinen Sie das, dass einige wollten, dass sich die Schweiz näher an die EU bindet "um Lasten zu verteilen"

L
LeartKelmendi
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Giannis Mavris

You are right: a stable neighbourhood is an enormous advantage and a central part of Switzerland's security architecture. By 'sharing the burden', I meant not so much importing security, but rather jointly managing political, economic and security policy costs, for example in relation to sanctions, energy supply, migration or geopolitical pressure from third countries. In my view, the debate revolves precisely around this point: how much independence should be preserved, and where should cooperation be sought without completely abandoning neutrality?

Sie haben recht: Die stabile Nachbarschaft ist ein enormer Vorteil und ein zentraler Teil der Schweizer Sicherheitsarchitektur.____Mit „Lasten verteilen“ meinte ich weniger Sicherheit importieren, sondern politische, wirtschaftliche und sicherheitspolitische Kosten gemeinsam zu managen, etwa bei Sanktionen, Energieversorgung, Migration oder geopolitischem Druck von Drittstaaten.____Die Debatte dreht sich aus meiner Sicht genau um diesen Punkt: Wie viel Eigenständigkeit bewahrt man, und wo sucht man bewusst Kooperation, ohne Neutralität vollständig aufzugeben.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@LeartKelmendi

Yes, I completely agree: that is precisely the question that many people in Switzerland are currently asking themselves, and it is likely to become even more pressing. Basically, it is the eternal question that a neutral state is confronted with, even when geopolitical circumstances change.

Ja, vollkommen einverstanden: Das ist genau die Frage, die viele in der Schweiz zurzeit beschäftigt, und es wird wohl noch zunehmen. Im Grunde ist das die ewige Frage, mit der ein neutraler Staat konfrontiert ist, auch wenn sich die geopolitischen Umstände ändern.

A
Ambrogio
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

Yes, Switzerland is becoming easy prey for the growing influence of finance diverted towards private interests. The German-speaking cantons in particular abhor anything that smacks of 'state' or 'étatique', including security checks in public places, as demonstrated by the tragedy in Crans. Even the SSR initiative at CHF 200, launched four years ago to push the SSR to slim down, a goal that has now been well achieved, would now serve to strengthen the various private media power groups, such as Blocher, so similar to the Trumpian method in vogue in the US. Translated: the victory of 'tribalism' over 'universalism', i.e. the private sector at all costs in order to dismantle the welfare state. To the advantage of the new man, an abnormal South African type, the brilliant paranoid and drug addict Elon Musk. 'Damn world', forgive me, but this is exactly the opposite of the glorious radical tradition that made Switzerland and its, our, Constitution great. Is this where so-called neo-liberalism is leading us? The lesson of Crédit Suisse, already forgotten (too big to fail paid for by the public!?) Would this spell the end of the Radical Switzerland of the early days? Switzerland, wake up for the sake of your country!

eh si', la Svizzera sta diventando una preda facile per il crescente peso della finanza deviata verso interessi privati. Soprattutto i cantoni alemanni hanno orrore di tutto quello che odora di "stato", di "étatique", tra cui i controlli di sicurezza dei locali pubblici, dimostra come la tragedia di Crans . Anche l'iniziativa SSR a 200 chf, varata 4 anni fa per spingere la SSR a dimagrire, obbiettivo ormai ben raggiunto, adesso servirebbe a rafforzare i vari gruppi di potere mediatico privati, genere Blocher, cosi' affini al metodo trumpiano in auge negli USA. Tradotto: la vittoria del "tribalismo" contro l"universalismo", ossia del privato a tutti i costi pur di smantellare lo stato di dititto. A vantaggio dell'uomo nuovo, genere abnorme del Sud Africa, il geniale paranoico e drogato Elon Musk. "Porco mondo", perdonatemi, ma questo è esattamente l'opposto della gloriosa tradizione radicale che ha fatto grande la Svizzera e la sua, la nostra, Costituzione. A questo ci sta trascinando il cosiddetto neo-liberalismo ? la lezione del Crédit Suisse, già scordata (il too big to fail pagato dal pubblico !?). Cosi' finirebbe in rovina la Svizzera Radicale delle origini ? Svizzera, svegliati per amor di patria !

S
skiramia

in my opinion, Switzerland bunkers are good against satellite's imaging and google maps. Iran's generals were eradicated with precision thanks to digital dependence, whether their government is good or bad. Switzerland also needs air defense technology like iron dome and anti drone. self defence weaponry is much better than offensive ones. nuclear can also be a good deterrent if managed right as Ukraine was robbed of it in 1994 budapest in exchange of fake security guarantee. ____last but not least, fake antagonism, fake sanctions, trojan wars, anti trust, and espionage are what all of us have taken for granted. budapest 1994 could be an example of undeclared alliance between us, uk, and russia to disarm ukraine. fake temporary sanctions between ww2 allies could be taking many nations guards off. some could be confiding in fake enemy.

I
Ich weiss nix
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

The first thing Switzerland should do is get its IT under control. Next, it should purchase drones en masse. Almost anyone can use a controller these days, so training on such devices would be quicker. We can see how effective drones are in Ukraine. Then Switzerland should cancel its order with the Americans, who just want to rip us off. As we are currently seeing in Thailand, the Gripen is better than expected and does not cost as much. Then we should follow Poland's example and ban electric cars from critical infrastructure. The built-in cameras can be used for espionage. Finally, a shipload of brooms should be ordered to clean out all the bunkers. But what do I know?

Was die Schweiz als erstes tun sollte wäre mal die IT in den Griff bekommen, als nächstes Drohnen, massenweise davon anschaffen, fast jeder kann ja heutzutage einen Controller benutzen da wäre die Ausbildung an solchen Geräten schneller. Das Drohnen effektiv sind sieht man ja in der Ukraine. Dann sollte die Schweiz die Bestellung bei den Amis stornieren, die wollen uns ja nur über den Tisch ziehen der Gripen ist wie man gerade in Thailand sieht besser als gedacht und kostet nicht so viel. Dann sollten wir uns an den Polen ein Beispiel nehmen und E-Autos aus kritischer Infrastruktur verbannen. Durch die eingebauten Kameras kann dadurch Spionage betrieben werden. Als letztes sollte eine Schiffsladung Besen bestellt werden um die ganzen Bunker mal auszumisten. Aber was weiss ich schon.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Ich weiss nix

Thank you for your comments. It is indeed the case that "digital sovereignty" has been a hot topic of discussion in Switzerland recently. And also in Europe, with regard to the USA.

Danke für Ihre Ausführungen. Es ist ja tatsächlich so, dass die "digitale Souveränität" in letzter Zeit viel diskutiert wird in der Schweiz. Und auch in Europa, mit Blick auf die USA.

J
Jorg Hiker
@Ich weiss nix

Drones would also be important in our country for civilian uses. In China, drones are used to transport loads in steep mountains. In Switzerland, similar loads are still carried by hyper-expensive helicopters or by car, which necessitates the equally expensive maintenance of mountain roads and tracks that are rarely used. This is one example of how we lag behind Asia.

A
Ann
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Ich weiss nix

In a nutshell, nicely summarised

In a nutshell, schön zusammengefasst

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Jorg Hiker

I am fairly certain that we will see more of these developments in the future.

Ich bin ziemlich sicher, dass wir solche Entwicklungen in Zukunft vermehrt sehen werden.

D
Delphine
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

Switzerland does not exist. Unlike American exceptionalism and Russian pseudo-tsarism (and many other similar ideologies), Switzerland does not define itself as necessarily better than the rest (apart from a small minority of 30% with small minds). If Switzerland wants to defend itself, it must first define WHAT and against WHOM. And at what cost. Of course, the right wing believes it has the answer, which is to defend the "freedom" of the mythical self-governing peasant. And if possible, at any cost and against our evil neighbours. But when it comes to political movements that are clearly hostile to its own allies (it's hard not to understand that "MAGA" is not synonymous with "good for Switzerland"), these dear men and women of the right manage to bury their heads in the sand to the point of applauding when industrialists corrupt Mr. Trump with "gifts" beyond imagination. In short, the current state of Switzerland in no way justifies resistance against any imaginary or real "enemy".

La Suisse n'existe pas. Contrairement au exceptionnalisme américain et le pseudo-tsarisme russe (et moult autres idéologies pareilles) la Suisse ne se définit pas en tant que forcément meilleur que le reste (à part une petite minorité à petite âme de 30%). Si la Suisse veut se défendre, il faut tout d'abord définir QUOI et contre QUI. Et à quel prix. Évidemment que la droite croit avoir la réponse, c'est-à-dire de défendre la "liberté" du mythique paysan autogéré. Et ça si possible à tout prix et contre nos méchants voisins. Mais quand il s'agit des mouvements politiques clairement hostiles envers ses propres alliés (c'est quand même difficile de ne pas comprendre que "MAGA" n'est pas synonyme avec "bon pour la Suisse"?) ces chers hommes et femmes de droite arrivent à faire l'autruche jusqu'à applaudir quand des industriels corrompent M. Trump avec des "cadeaux" dépassant toute imagination. Fin bref, l'état de la Suisse actuelle ne justifie en aucun cas une résistance contre n'importe quel "ennemi" imaginaire ou réel.

dario giandeini
Dario Giandeini
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.
@Delphine

On what basis do you claim that Switzerland does not exist? Let us give weight to our words.

Su cosa basa l'affermazione che la Svizzera non esiste? ???? __Diamo un peso alle parole.

D
Delphine
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.
@Dario Giandeini

It is clear that on this forum, reading comments translated by a machine, which cannot even format basic punctuation, sometimes makes comprehension difficult. "Switzerland does not exist" was a work of art by the artist Ben Vautier. Less well known, and less widely practised, is the second half of his work, "I think, therefore I am Swiss".

Il est évident que sur ce forum, le fait de lire des commentaires traduit par une machine, et qui n'arrive pas à mettre en page une ponctuation même basique, rend par fois la compréhension difficile. "la suisse n'existe pas" était une œuvre d'art de l'artiste Ben Vautier. Moins connu, et moins mis en pratique est la deuxième moitié de son œuvre, "je pense donc je suisse".

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Delphine

Hello Delphine, that's right: this debate is available in 10 languages and is automatically translated using DeepL. Sometimes there are minor bugs, which we are continuously fixing. However, automatic translation requires that the text is written as correctly as possible – if this is not the case, the translation will also be flawed.

Guten Tag Delphine, es stimmt: Diese Debatte gibt es in 10 Sprachen, es wird jeweils automatisch mit DeepL übersetzt. Manchmal gibt es kleinere Bugs, die wir fortlaufend korrigieren. Die automatische Übersetzung bedingt jedoch, dass möglichst korrekt geschrieben ist - ist das nicht der Fall, ist auch die Übersetzung mangelhaft.

A
AMunoz
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

The Swiss government lacks character in the face of a dying Europe and a US that has taken off its mask and revealed itself to be a complete bandit and total traitor to its "allies". Many want a share of the money and wealth that Switzerland has managed to create over the last 80 years, and sometimes it seems that our leaders are prone to political and economic blackmail and to paying to ease the pressure, but paying only gives them reason to raise the price of the blackmail and the pressure rises again. The Federal Council must show clearer signs of firmness so as not to allow people like Meloni to lecture us on morality and good behaviour!

El gobierno Suizo falta de caracter frente a una Europa moribunda y a US que se ha quitado la mascara y se muestra en bandido absoluto y traidor total de sus "aliados". Muchos quieren parte del dinero y la riqueza que Suiza ha sabido crear en los ultimos 80 años y aveces pareciera que nuestros gobernantes son dados a caer en el chantaje politico y economico y a pagar por calmar la presión pero al pagar esto solo da razón para que e chantaje suba su precio y de nuevo la presón sube. El Consejo Federal debe dar muestras más claras de firmeza para no dejar que gente como Meloni se permita hacernos cursos de moral y buena conducta!

dario giandeini
Dario Giandeini
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.
@AMunoz

Let's not worry about the Italian leader. She is just trying, amid many problems at home, to divert attention away from her own issues and doesn't know how to get out of this situation.

Non preoccupiamoci della leader italiana. Sta solo cercando, tra moltissimi problemi in casa sua, di distogliere l'attenzione dai suoi e non sa come uscirne.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR