2024-02-03 07:41:42
Published3. February 2024, 08:41
Escalation is possible: Army chief Süssli: “War in Europe could spread”
The army under Chief Thomas Süssli and Defense Minister Viola Amherd is under pressure. Now Süssli speaks out in an interview.
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The army is pushing ahead with billions of euros in spending.
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The air is getting thin for the boss, Thomas Süssli.
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There is a lack of financial resources to renew systems.
These are troubled times for the army, its boss Thomas Süssli and Defense Minister Viola Amherd. This after the financial debacle became known. SVP National Councilor Andreas Glarner is already calling for Süssli’s resignation, Fabian Molina, who sits for the SP in the large chamber, is calling for an investigation into the events.
But what does the army chief actually say? “The weapon systems that we have in use are coming to the end of their life,” said Süssli in an interview with the “Tages-Anzeiger”. The increase in the army budget will be delayed until 2035. The financial resources for renewal will therefore come less quickly than planned. “We have to decommission weapon systems before we can procure replacements.”
Escalation is not ruled out
After the cancellation of major events such as “Air Spirit 24” in Emmen at the end of August due to the tense financial situation, the question arises as to whether the army will also withdraw its support from civilian events, such as the Lauberhorn ski race. Süssli denies this in the Tagi interview. «We will continue to fulfill all the orders we have received from politicians. And that also includes supporting major civil events.”
When asked about the danger of war for Switzerland regarding the war in Ukraine, the 57-year-old said that he had recently exchanged ideas with army chiefs from other countries. It was agreed that an escalation could not be ruled out. “We have to prepare for the fact that the war in Europe could spread.”
After the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Süssli said that in the event of war, the Swiss army would “be over after a few weeks,” as the “Tages-Anzeiger” continues. And nothing has changed in this opinion for the army chief.
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