Clear rules, a secure Switzerland: Swissmem strongly supports the revision to the War Material Act. This modernisation strengthens Switzerland’s security and defence capabilities. It establishes modern and responsible rules for the export of defence equipment to partner states without abandoning the strict control mechanisms currently in place.
The security situation in Europe has deteriorated considerably, and Switzerland must be able to defend itself. This requires an operational Armed Forces and a strong defence industry. Current restrictive export rules are increasingly cutting Swiss companies off from international markets and supply chains, thereby endangering the country’s security-relevant expertise and industrial capabilities. Without customers abroad, however, the domestic defence industry cannot survive. The revision facilitates exports to clearly defined partner states, the majority of which are in Europe.
Oversight remains assured: every export transaction will still be subject to approval by the federal government. Exports to states that commit serious and systematic human rights violations will remain prohibited. In addition, the Federal Council may prohibit deliveries on foreign policy, neutrality or security policy grounds.
No to the permanent VAT increase for the 13th OASI payment
Swissmem firmly rejects the permanent increase in VAT by 0.4 percentage points to finance the 13th OASI pension payment. A higher VAT burden will negatively impact both businesses and consumers while increasing costs across the Swiss economy. In light of demographic developments, and further reinforced by the popular vote in favour of a 13th OASI pension payment, structural reform of the OASI system is urgently needed. Permanently increasing taxes does not solve the underlying problem, however.
Preventing tax complexity and additional costs: no to the initiative on the taxation of married couples
The Swissmem Council has also adopted a recommendation to vote against the initiative entitled “Yes to Fair Federal Taxes for Married Couples Too.” If approved, it would create a two-track tax system involving a considerable additional administrative burden. At the same time, it would undo the valuable contribution made by individual taxation, which was approved only this past spring, towards addressing the shortage of skilled workers.
Promoting technology neutrality: yes to the indirect counterproposal to the Blackout Initiative
Lifting the ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants through the counterproposal to the Blackout Initiative promotes technology neutrality and expands Switzerland’s long-term room for manoeuvre in securing a reliable, economically viable low-carbon electricity supply. Swissmem therefore supports the counterproposal. It likewise continues to expressly back the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources.
For further information please contact:
Noé Blancpain, Member of Management and Head of Communications & Public Affairs
Tel. +41 44 384 48 65 / mobile +41 78 748 61 63
E-mail n.blancpainnoSpam@swissmem.ch
Philippe Cordonier, Member of Management and Head of Swissmem Romandie
Tel. +41 44 384 42 30 / mobile +41 79 644 46 77
E-mail p.cordoniernoSpam@swissmem.ch