Council of States also wants to expel foreign spies more consistently
Published: Monday, May 27th 2024, 19:20
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Parliament wants a tougher stance against foreign spies. In future, the Federal Council must expel all persons who endanger Switzerland's security through prohibited intelligence activities. The prerequisite is that they cannot be prosecuted under criminal law. After the National Council, the Council of States also voted in favor of a corresponding proposal on Monday.
The vote in the small chamber was clear, with 32 votes in favor, nine against and two abstentions. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Council of States (FAC-S) recommended approval of the motion in advance.
"As the headquarters of international organizations and as a country in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is an attractive location for intelligence services," said Commission spokesperson Franziska Roth (SP/SO). According to reports from the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS), for example, one in five Russian intelligence officers stationed in Europe is based in Switzerland.
The illegal activities thus endangered, among other things, the protected dialog spaces provided in particular by International Geneva. These activities could therefore pose a risk to Switzerland's diplomatic interests and the individuals targeted.
Forbidden intelligence services therefore not only endanger potentially sensitive information and secrets of Switzerland, but also the freedom of expression and assembly of certain communities. This could also damage Switzerland's reputation as a host state.
A conservative minority requested that the motion be rejected. They saw no added value compared to the Federal Council's current practice. Petra Gössi (FDP/SZ) said that there were various measures, such as preventive entry bans and the expulsion of unmasked agents, which were already being applied.
Prohibited intelligence service is punishable in Switzerland. Defense Minister Viola Amherd assured the Council of States that, even if the motion is accepted, a case-by-case examination and decision will continue to be made in order to "take due account of the special circumstances and the interests of Switzerland".
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