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It was a shock for Defense Minister Viola Amherd (58), who was clearly visible in her media appearance on Sunday. Although all the polls had predicted a comfortable cushion for the purchase of new fighter jets, the vote was almost a disaster. Only 50.1 percent of those eligible to vote were in favor of the purchase. What’s next now? And does the near result change something in the plan? VIEW shows the most important points.
Which are the next steps?
Manufacturers of fighter jets are due to submit bids this year. The best cost-benefit result is determined in conjunction with previous test results. Based on this, the Federal Council should make a standard decision next year. But then a check is not simply written. Because the parliament has to give its blessing to the business again in the army message.
What guys are still in the race?
Four suppliers want to sell a plane to Switzerland: the US manufacturer Lockheed Martin with the F-35 and Boeing with the Super Hornet, as well as the Rafale fighter jet from the French group Dassault and the Airbus Eurofighter. The Swedish Gripen, which ruled before the people in 2014, has withdrawn from the process.
What is the schedule
Offers will be sent no later than November 2020. As planned, the Federal Council will make the type decision next May. Parliament is expected to give its blessing in 2022. The Defense Department expects the first planes to be delivered starting in 2025. The last planes should land in Switzerland in 2030.
Can you still keep the schedule?
That is currently unclear. Because the group for a Switzerland without an army (GSoA) is examining a popular initiative. In reality, it can only begin once the Federal Council has made its decision, that is, next summer. So the GSoA would have 18 months, until the end of 2022, to collect the 100,000 signatures it needs. Parliament may not be impressed by this and stick to the federal calendar. But if the initiative arises, the purchase would be postponed, at least two years. Because then the initiative would also have to be approved by the Federal Council and Parliament.
Would the initiative have a chance?
Difficult to judge. Opponents of fighter jets can now smell the morning air, but a referendum after Sunday’s yes could be viewed by the population as coercion. Much will depend on what type and price the Federal Council decides. If an expensive and controversial plane does get kissed on the hand, opposition is likely to increase.
Is politics reacting?
CVP President Gerhard Pfister (57) and FDP President Petra Gössi (44) already took a step towards the quick winners on Sunday in the SRF elephant round. The cost limit of 6 billion francs must be absolutely respected. “Those that are cheaper are probably one step ahead,” says Pfister. And the leader of the SP’s parliamentary group, Roger Nordmann (47), in turn, demanded that, in view of the tight result, no US aircraft would be considered.
And what does that mean?
The Federal Council had learned from the flu debacle and wanted to depoliticize the process. People should only say yes or no to the renewal of the air force, the choice of type should be based on technical experience. After the yes to the jet, this plan failed. Politics is back in the jet deal with 8,670 votes cast.
All the results of the federal ballots on September 27 are available here.
