Bernese SVP votes in favor of the energy decree
Published: Tuesday, Apr 23rd 2024, 21:50
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The Bernese SVP has voted in favor of the energy decree, thereby opposing the national party. The delegates of the SVP canton of Bern voted in favor of the bill on Tuesday in Thun by 218 votes to 29.
In doing so, they were following the lead of Bernese Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, who campaigned for a Yes vote in the federal referendum on June 9. Switzerland needs more of its own electricity as quickly as possible. Otherwise there is a risk of shortages.
The blanket decree creates the framework conditions for more hydro, wind and solar energy, said Rösti. Other technologies that are not yet fully developed should not be relied upon and the construction of a new nuclear power plant would take too long to cover short-term electricity requirements.
Rösti conceded that the blanket decree would not solve all problems by 2050. But it would ensure that more electricity would be available in winter in future.
"Don't pave over the land"
SVP National Councillor Thomas Knutti campaigned for a no vote. He warned against plastering the country with Chinese solar panels. "We must be careful with our land and our mountains."
Council of States member Werner Salzmann replied that the blanket decree ensures that there will be no uncontrolled growth. A Yes vote on 9 June was also important from a security policy perspective, as Switzerland needs its own electricity production to maintain its independence.
During the debate, opponents were accused of marching side by side with fundamentalist environmentalists. The Bernese SVP must not abandon the "energy general" Rösti, shouted Grand Councillor Samuel Krähenbühl to the delegates.
At the end of March, the SVP Switzerland adopted a "no" position on the energy decree. The SVP St. Gallen, whose delegates voted Yes at the beginning of March, also deviated from this position before the Bernese section.
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