Informations

Delémont, 27 September 2020

The GRPM applauds the Swiss people's decision

The GRPM is satisfied with the Yes vote on the acquisition of new fighter planes. With this result, the people have given a clear signal that they wish to prepare for the widest possible range of dangers, be they aerial, digital or terrorism-related. This 'yes’ to new combat aircraft is also a solid international sign that Switzerland is taking its national security, as well as the defence of its independence and neutrality, seriously. The GRPM is hoping for the same result in the federal vote on 29 November. It recommends rejecting the limitation initiative, which could prevent multiple Swiss companies from exporting military equipment.

When it comes to the economy—and particularly that of French-speaking Switzerland—this choice is doubly important: firstly, the people are saying yes to security and stability, which is a key condition needed for economic development. Secondly, the resulting economic benefits will allow us to bring expertise into the country as well as maintaining or creating jobs in fields that use cutting-edge technology. As a reminder, the aircraft manufacturer should offset 3.6 billion, 1.1 billion of which will take place in French-speaking Switzerland. Not only will companies specialising in aviation, defence and security have access to contracts, but fields such as watchmaking, mechanics, machinery, metalwork, rubber processing, IT security and research and development will also be involved. The GRPM will play its role as a platform between aircraft manufacturers and companies in French-speaking Switzerland.

The key now will be preparing for the 29 November federal vote on exporting military equipment. Opponents want to prevent public investment in companies that generate more than 5% of their revenue in this business sector. This is particularly dangerous in French-speaking Switzerland because many subcontractor companies are involved, even though no actual defence company has its registered office in the region.

Mixed political and economic campaign

Under the direction of the Association pour une Suisse sûre [Association for a Safe Switzerland], representatives from the RL, the SVP, the CVP, the BDP, the Green Liberals, the EVP, as well as various organisations such as the GRPM, Swissmem, the Swiss Employers' Association, Aerosuisse, the Swiss Officers' Association (SOG), AVIA - l’Association des officiers des Forces aériennes [Association of Air Force Officers], l’Association suisse de tir sportif [the Swiss Association of Shooting Sports] and many others, worked to acquire new combat aircraft. At an early stage, the committee established transparency with a code of conduct to guarantee that no money will be accepted from manufacturing companies and countries with a direct or indirect interest in acquiring new combat aircraft or a new ground-to-air system. The campaign was primarily based on an integrative approach from the beginning, such that over 2,000 people were able to participate in the ‘Yes to Security’ campaign.

GRPM, Rue des Voignous 9, 2800 Delémont / www.grpm.ch / contact@grpm.ch /
+41 (0)79 459 72 85, Philippe Zahno, general secretary

Read the original : http://www.grpm.ch/sites/default/files/Communiqu%C3%A9%2027%20septembre…