Fri, Jun 14th 2024
The Swiss National Council approves a CHF 7.65 million budget to deploy the army for WEF security in Davos, despite objections over funding transparency.
The National Council has approved the deployment of the Swiss Armed Forces to assist with security at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos for the next three years. The commitment credit of CHF 7.65 million earmarked for this purpose was also approved.
The decision aligns with the Security Policy Committee’s recommendation, highlighting the WEF as “a unique platform for Swiss diplomacy.” The forum advances Switzerland’s foreign and security policy interests and involves the protection of numerous foreign heads of state and ministers.
To finance the security measures, the Federal Council requested that Parliament approve CHF 7.65 million until 2027, contributing CHF 2.55 million per year.
A left-green minority’s motion to suspend the matter until the WEF Foundation disclosed its finances was rejected. They argued that the WEF should contribute more to security costs. However, the majority stated that the financial transparency of the Foundation was irrelevant, as the funds support the canton of Graubünden, not the WEF directly, as emphasized by Defence Minister Viola Amherd.
The Federal Council supports Graubünden by deploying up to 5,000 armed forces members to ensure security during the WEF, held annually in mid-January.
The next step is for the Council of States to decide on the bill.
© Keystone/SDA
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