Switzerland

E-ID marching through. Supposedly, it has nothing but advantages.

What risks need to be considered?

by Philipp Kruse, attorney-at-Law, LL.M., ABF Schweiz

(25 October 2024) “Switzerland wants and needs an E-ID card”. That was the general consensus in the Federal Palace. On 10 September 2024, the Council of States almost unanimously approved the E-ID law. “The E-ID enables people to prove their identity in the virtual world. It will be comparable to an ID card or passport in the physical world. However, the E-ID will not replace either of these two documents.” [...] It will “meet the highest data protection requirements.” This is what Federal Councillor Beat Jans said on 10 September 2024 in the Council of States. Critical dissenting voices are currently few and far between. Reason enough for “ABF Schweiz” to take a closer look.

Council of States rejects UN migration pact

by Ralph Studer*

(18 October 2024) (CH-S) Ralph Studer presents the decision of the Council of States from the end of September on migration for the organisation “Zukunft CH”. We would like to reproduce the summary of the council debate here because of its importance for the country.

Switzerland

Health policy must remain sovereign

Keeping a watchful eye on the WHO

(4 October 2024) (Edit./sv) The tireless work of parliamentarians and committed experts has led to a partial victory. It should no longer be possible to simply override the cantons and the electorate – Switzerland’s supreme sovereign – with a simple reference to international regulations.

Vote on WHO treaties in parliament thanks to a motion

Federal Council should use right of objection (“opting out”) to stop the automatic adoption of the International Health Regulations (IHR).

by Ralph Studer*

(20 September 2024) (CH-S/uc) On 26 September, the National Council and the Council of States will decide together whether WHO agreements can be approved or rejected by the Federal Council alone or whether the agreements must be submitted to parliament – the legislature – for a vote. So far, the Federal Council has not given any indication that it intends to avert the impending loss of sovereignty for Switzerland by accepting the amended “International Health Regulations” (IHR).

Neutrality or NATO?

Swiss neutrality or war alliance with NATO?

Fateful vote in Switzerland

by Jean-Paul Vuilleumier, chief-editor of “Swiss Standpoint”

(20 September 2024) On 29 August 2024, the “Report of the Security Policy Study Commission” was presented at the Bern Media Centre at the invitation of Federal President Viola Amherd. The “Study Commission”, set up in June 2023 by Viola Amherd, head of the “Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport” (DDPS), has written a 70-page report on how, in her view, a “future-oriented security policy” should be designed.

Neutrality or NATO?

After me the deluge …?

by Christian Campiche,*Lausanne

(20 September 2024) Viola Amherd is flirting with NATO. She is entitled to her passions. The problem is her status as President of the Swiss Confederation. Head of the army, yes, but above all a national symbol. A country that has made neutrality its raison d'être over the past two centuries.