Swiss Politicians and Industry Leaders Debate War Materiel Reform Ahead of Referendum

Ahead of the nationwide referendum scheduled for November 29, Swiss politicians and industry representatives debated the proposed relaxation of the War Materiel Act on the public broadcaster SRF's "Arena" programme. Federal President Guy Parmelin and other proponents argued that the revision is essential to maintain the country's defence capability and arms industry, while opponents criticized the reform as a risk to export oversight and humanitarian principles.

During the debate, Parmelin defended the proposal elaborated by parliament over two years, stating that it balances respect for Swiss neutrality with the operational requirements of the defense industry. He noted that the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs would continue to examine each individual export request if the law passes. Stefan Brupbacher, director of the industry association Swissmem, reported that domestic arms manufacturers are benefiting less from the global demand increase than foreign rivals due to current legal constraints, prompting some firms to move production abroad. National Councillor Matthias Jauslin of the Green Liberal Party added that international procurement relies on reciprocal delivery guarantees.

Centre Party Vice President Marianne Binder stated that restoring Switzerland's defence readiness requires a viable domestic security sector and active international cooperation. She asserted that failing to adapt export regulations would undermine national security over the long term.

Opponents of the revision presented contrasting arguments, alleging that the law surrenders necessary controls over Swiss arms exports. Social Democratic Party Co-President Mattea Meyer argued that the reform could lead to weapons ending up in non-democracies while failing to permit deliveries to Ukraine. Green Party National Councillor Gerhard Andrey stated that an effective national defence does not depend on an export-focused weapons industry and called for prioritizing peace promotion. Evangelical People's Party National Councillor Marc Jost described the shift of oversight powers from parliament to the Federal Council as an erosion of legislative authority.

Patrick Walder, campaign coordinator for Amnesty International Switzerland, warned that human rights protections in arms export decisions would be severely compromised under the new rules. Voters across Switzerland will make the final decision on the amendments to the War Materiel Act at the ballot box on November 29.

Written by Martina Kirchner martina.kirchner@alpineweekly.com