2024-02-02 14:24:49
– The PS demands an investigation into the finances of the Swiss army
Swiss socialists demand that all light be shed on the management of costs, finances and liquidity of the great mute.
Published today at 3:24 p.m. Updated 11 minutes ago
The financial situation of the army is “a big surprise” for the PS.
KEYSTONE/Martial Trezzini
The army must show its credentials before getting more money. The PS demands on Friday that an investigation be carried out into the finances of the army and that full transparency be made on its expenditure, following revelations regarding a lack of liquidity.
“We denounce the culture of irresponsibility and the absence of transparency within the army,” launched the co-president of the group Samuel Bendahan (VD) to the media. And to demand that the Federal Audit Office or Parliament open an investigation that sheds light on the management of costs, finances, liquidity and expenses.
“We need to know who knew what when, on what basis the commitments were made and what operating costs should be expected, particularly for the F-35 fighter jet, which is a gigantic generator costs, in terms of operating costs and subsequent costs,” asked National Councilor Fabian Molina (ZH).
“The army must be held accountable”
“The army must be held accountable,” Mr. Bendahan continued. This “debacle” should not allow the army to obtain additional funds. The implications of the military’s mistakes should not lead to cuts in other important areas like training or international cooperation. And the PS denounces the financial policy of the bourgeois camp which has already led to cuts in important areas.
The financial situation of the army is “a big surprise” for the PS. “We were used to the Department of Defense not spending everything that was planned. There, suddenly, it’s the opposite,” was surprised MP Pierre-Alain Fridez (JU). This lack of transparency raises questions.
“Calculation error”
“A calculation error of 1.4 billion is unacceptable,” said Fabian Molina. According to him, the army faces too many financial crises, scandals and delays. And to trace a “history of poor planning”: the purchase of 16 mortars, new Hermès drones or even masks during the pandemic.
National Councilor Sarah Wyss (BS) also recalled that the army had already exceeded its budget in the past. Computer program costs have spiraled out of control.
The SRF revealed on Wednesday evening that the army budget presented a funding deficit of one billion francs. The army had already announced last week that it would have to cancel various events as a cost-saving measure.
“Not a drama”
The head of the army, Thomas Süssli, came to explain himself to the media on Thursday. Due to the financial situation of the Confederation, the increase in the army budget was delayed. Instead of reaching 1% of GDP by 2030, we will have to wait until 2035. The main increase will take place following 2027, explained Mr. Süssli.
This lack of liquidity of 11.7 billion francs by 2035 is “not a tragedy”, he downplayed. For the coming year, all payments are assured. Payments amounting to 800 million have been moved to 2025. 400 million have been moved from 2025 to 2026 and 200 million to 2027. It will be necessary to wait until 2028 for all of the planned commitments to be paid.
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