The lower house of parliament, the National Council, has voted in favour of increasing the defence budget by CHF 4bn.
There’s no disguising the reason - the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Left wing parties would prefer other investments for peace, but they were out voted by the right-wing and centrist parties.
But the financing will come from cutting areas of the civil service and international aid.
The left-wing points out Russia is already bogged down in Ukraine and will have to defeat NATO before reaching Swiss borders – they consider that unlikely.
But the right says security is essential – without it there’s nothing else.
Despite heavy snow, glaciers still retreat
Campaign to stop A1 widening accelerates
Minimum wage to rise slightly next year
Work is bad for your health
City places information boards about new bridge
Geneva youth price for TPG threatened
