The press in Zurich | “Be as independent as possible”

(Zurich) Specter of a Russian assault, cyberguerre … Similarly, If the Swiss army could formerly aim for self -sufficiency to ensure its defense. Nevertheless, it no longer seems to be the case today, despite a conscription still in force for male citizens.

Posted at 5:00 a.m.

These threats force the country. Nevertheless, classified in 44^e rank of the world’s largest powers in defense^⁠1 -The United States is at 1^is rank, Canada, at 28^e -, to rethink its neutrality.

“Is Switzerland capable of defending its territory?” This is the question of the hour in the country, illustrates the former socialist president of press zurich | “be independent the Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey.

The armed forces have “a good basis,” said the researcher, stressing that conscription plays in favor of the country. Meanwhile, In March 2024, Switzerland had a real workforce of some 147,000 soldiers (assets or members of the reserve) for 8.9 million inhabitants. Similarly, Comparative, the workforce of press zurich | “be independent the Canadian Armed Forces according to similar criteria is some 88,000 soldiers, for a population of 40 million.

“The workforce is there,” confirms the national councilor of the Democratic Union of the Center (UDC) Jean-Luc Addor.

The goal is “to be as independent as possible”, specifies the press zurich | “be independent one who sits on the security policy committee.

Neutrality, “It is not a barrier that has been built around Switzerland to avoid having relations,” said ex-president Micheline Calmy-Rey.

The researcher Lucas Renaud abounds: “It is not an obstacle to international cooperation, even in the field of security policies. As proof. the Swiss army recently participated in a NATO crisis management exercise, in addition to considering a defense partnership with the EU.

Beyond his own army. Bern is focusing press zurich | “be independent on this ability to work with neighboring countries as a pillar for his security, explains M^me Calmy-Rey, who was at the head of the Federal Foreign Affairs Department from 2003 to 2011.

If Jean-Luc Addor acknowledges that to collaborate with foreign states is “useful. necessary”, a rapprochement with NATO is “risky”, estimates the adviser of the UDC, a first power party in the country, which militates regularly for a stricter neutrality.

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NATO, yes or no?

Faced with the threats represented by Russia for the European continent, Switzerland can only constantly reassess its partnerships. Could the country be tempted, like Finland and Sweden, to grow the ranks of NATO? “We should look in the crystal ball, drop the researcher Lucas Renaud. But for the moment, it is not something that is on the press zurich | “be independent agenda. »»

M^me Calmy-Rey and Mr. Addor are more categorical: membership would be contrary to neutrality. It should also pass the ramp of the popular vote, which seems far from being won. A recent survey published by the Military Academy. the Center for Security Studies shows that a thin majority of Swiss are in favor of a rapprochement with NATO (53 %), but they are only a minority to say favorable to membership (32 %).

The Swiss population remains strongly attached to its neutrality, not only as a tool for foreign policy, but also of domestic policy, press zurich | “be independent indicates the ex-president.

In a country where great cultures – French. German, Italian – share a small territory, neutrality is also “an instrument intended for national cohesion”, continues M^me Calmy-Rey.

What about Canada?

Since the return to power of Donald Trump. who continues to repeat want to make Canada the “51^e American state, Ottawa is also in full revision of its defense strategy. “We cannot and must not count first on the others to defend our country,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said.

Comments tempered by the professor at the Royal Military College of Canada Christian Leuprecht. who believes that “we are not to any extent [capable] to defend the country ”independently. The priority is rather to find a voice among our European allies, explains the professor.

The recent investments of more than 9 billion in defense will be used to “restore a minimum of credibility in Canada. to ensure it at least a low voice to shape the debates”, according to Mr. Leuprecht.

Ottawa also announced last week that it undertook to respect the new NATO target of 5 % of GDP for military spending, in addition to having signed a security and defense pact with the European Union press zurich | “be independent on Monday at a common summit in Brussels, reaffirming its desire to reduce its dependence on the United States.

In its quest for autonomy. could Canada draw inspiration from the Swiss model and go so far as to set up conscription? “It’s a good time to think about how to build more robust national capacities in which Canadians can enlist. ” said the teacher, citing as an example a offer of national civic services. However, the avenue of compulsory military service in Canada is “unthinkable”, he concludes.

1. Consult the “2025 Military Strength Ranking” classification (in English)