Call to allow ammunition to be stored at home, again

A parliamentarian in Bern wants to reverse a law that’s been credited for cutting suicide deaths, especially among young men.

For the last 25 years those serving in the army have not been allowed to store ammunition for their issued weapon.

Before the rule change, this country had around one suicide death a day by a firearm – now that level’s been halved. 

But Walter Salzmann, a Swiss People’s Party member, says with the rearming of Europe – soldiers should be allowed to take ammunition home. He says it’s essential to protect critical infrastructure and carry out road checks. 

His idea is already gathering support – even from other parties. 

But the government is against the idea, citing the fall in suicides as proof of success. 

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