Many participants carried Ukrainian or peace flags with them. The Russian President Vladimir Putin was criticized on numerous banners. An estimated 3000 people were present at the anti-war demonstration approved by the city of Berne authorities. The organizers spoke of 5000 participants.
In speeches on the Bundesplatz, several speakers called for fewer oil and gas imports from Russia. Those who do not import fossil fuels from this country are weakening Vladimir Putin’s war chest. It is therefore important to push ahead with the energy transition at full speed.
Switzerland plays an important role in the sale of Russian oil and gas, it said: 80 percent of the trade in this gas and oil is handled in Switzerland. This trade needs to be monitored – Switzerland bears a great deal of responsibility.
During a march through the city center, young activists carried a banner reading “No natural gas. No war”. “Tease Putin: Heat less!” It said on another banner.
The Young Socialists (Juso) Switzerland, the group Switzerland without an army (GSoA), the Greens, the SP and other organizations called for the demonstration. In statements before the rally, the Greens and GSoA also called for measures to be taken against Russian commodity trading.
On February 26, between 10,000 and 20,000 people demonstrated in Bern against the war in Ukraine, and on March 5 around 40,000 people demonstrated in Zurich.
(SDA)