Rheinmetall is in Switzerland because they bought some Swiss defense companies to get thwor know how, namely the sky guard system because the Germans weren't at that time capable to build these themselves. These kind of mergers have to be approved by the govt. so if that kind of transaction proves to be unfruitful, transactions like that will not be approved in the future and they can go shopping in other countries. Switzerland is perfectly capable to develop systems itself, it's not the world's most sophisticated economy for no reason. The only reason we haven't so far is because we didn't want to, and that arms exports are, in fact, bad PR and somewhat complex. We deal in higher margin/lower effort business instead... But that might change.
Neutrality was appropriate when wars were taking place near the country and people did not want to get involved in other countries' conflicts. Back then, the means were not as sophisticated as they are today. Today, the situation is completely different. Defense is not tied to national borders. Constantly insisting on neutrality also means that you cannot count on anyone coming to your aid in the event of a conflict. That is my opinion as a Swiss citizen.
I really appreciate the guide in Zürich last year, who took time not only to explain what concept of "neutrality" in Switzerland, but also described how this concept almost never hold in war time.
From what? You want to attack a country which ranks second in weapons per civilian? Only the US households have more guns 🤣 and a lot of the men served in the military. That would be a very bloody fight
I am swiss and I would vote in favour of it! But our babyboomers will not... To all the people who hate switzerland for the role we play since the invasion started: Those are mainly the babyboomers... The younger generation thinks different! The babyboomers are the ones who want to benefit from indirect nato protection without having to contribute for it... And 90% what? I have not been questioned about that at least. I am totally against this neutrality and in my opinion it is a disgrace that even we as citiziens can be charged for donating money to Ukraine!!
Considering other countries as some kind of buffer is amoral thinking. Only by working together catastrophy could be averted. But if country want's to be neutral, then it needs capacity to safeguard and enforce that neutrality without others. If not, then being 'neutral' loose it's meaning.
The EU is completely bankrupt as well, for years they have employed more and more state employees, now they have 70% too many and no clue how to pay for their exorbitant retirement plans.
@@marcbjorg4823 The EU employees get paid by EU funds. They don't have their own economy. Some countries like mine in the Netherlands have 49% debt to GDP. If i would pick a country that would fall in the EU, it's definitely Italy. maybe France. The US is absolutely crazy with debt. in 8 years they borrowed 10 trillion. Half the GDP of all of Europe.
@@Joey-ct8bm, EU funds are obtained through growth crippling VAT. The EU itself has 95% too many employees. The EU average is 70% too many state employees. Italy, France are close to bankruptcy.
This is a slippery slope...Nato then EU...Very important that Switzerland remain neutral. We definitely require a place on the planet where all parties can talk and negotiate a settlement. Without that place in the world the possibility for conflicts to continue without conversation makes for a more dangerous world. There is a key advantage for the neutrality of Switzerland to continue. And not be drawn into the irrationality of joining Nato when the world advantage is for a unique place where belligerents can converse.
