Federal Councillor Martin Pfister presents his priorities in security policy
In view of the security policy challenges, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister presents his priorities after just 50 days in office at the Bure military base. He wants to strategically develop Switzerland's security policy, strengthen the army's defense capability and consolidate trust in the DDPS.
The new head of the DDPS, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, looks back positively on his first weeks in office at the media conference at the Bure military base. There has been constructive cooperation and collegiality in the Federal Council and he has found a motivated team in the department. At the same time, the current security policy situation leaves no time for long silences. "The geopolitical upheavals are an impressive illustration of how critical security issues are for Switzerland," said Federal Councillor Pfister. After an initial assessment of the situation, he is therefore already setting his security policy priorities after around 50 days - and defining three key areas of action.
1. strategically develop Switzerland's security policy
Switzerland's security is more at risk than it has been for decades, says the head of the DDPS. Russia's attack on Ukraine represents an epochal change. Hybrid attacks such as espionage, cyber attacks and influence operations could take on even greater proportions in the future. According to Federal Councillor Pfister, Switzerland must therefore take greater control of its own security. All available means must be used.
To this end, an initial Swiss security policy strategy is being developed under the leadership of the State Secretariat for Security Policy SEPOS. "Now is the time to strategically develop Switzerland's security further," says the head of the DDPS.
2. deploy the army in such a way that it can effectively counter threats
Federal Councillor Pfister emphasizes that the army must once again focus more on defence. "A defensible army is not a relic of times gone by, but a necessity for the protection of modern societies like ours," says the head of the DDPS. The army not only protects the territory, but also Switzerland's values.
With the planned increase in the army budget to 1% of GDP by 2032, the first step towards strengthening defense capabilities can be completed by the end of the 2030s. In particular, this involves new artillery systems, more ammunition, modern IT infrastructure and air defense.
Federal Councillor Pfister has also instructed the Defence Group to prioritize the work on the objectives and strategic orientation of a defensible army. This target image is based on the following guidelines: firstly, the army is primarily geared towards defence, and secondly, its structure should be such that no or only minor reorganization is necessary in the event of a transition to a state of defence. In the course of this work, the army's current command structure will also be reviewed.
In addition, international cooperation is to be expanded and funding stabilized - "always with the aim of rapidly strengthening the defence capabilities of our armed forces," says Federal Councillor Pfister.
3. strengthen political and public confidence in the DDPS
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister is also focusing on political and public trust in the department. "I want to consolidate what is well established - and make changes where necessary," he explains. In his first weeks in the DDPS, he has strengthened the supervision of projects and programs by bringing together project-related areas in the DDPS General Secretariat and bundling the work.
As a first concrete measure, the General Secretariat is now taking on a stronger role in the project committees. This will allow projects to be monitored more closely in future and managed more effectively if necessary.
All forces must join forces
Federal Councillor Martin Pfister is committed to a security policy that protects Switzerland's population, critical infrastructure and livelihoods - while at the same time safeguarding the country's sovereignty and self-determination. This task is demanding, but feasible: "If any country has the capabilities to meet this challenge, then it is Switzerland," says Pfister. In the numerous discussions over the first few weeks, he has sensed a broad willingness to take responsibility for the country's security. Now it is important to act quickly and decisively. This requires all forces to come together. Pfister wants to promote an open dialog - in the Federal Council, with parliament, the cantons and the population.
