SWITZERLAND MUST BECOME MORE SELF-SUFFICIENT, SAYS MS SOMMARUGA

The pandemic has highlighted Switzerland’s dependence on other countries. Both President Simonetta Sommaruga and the National Security Network’s representative believe the country must increase its self-sufficiency in certain areas.

Of course, it is an ABSOLUTE PRIORITY to ensure that Switzerland is no longer TOTALLY DEPENDENT on third countries!!

We must prioritise and boost our domestic food production (as much as possible... let’s not get carried away, though...)

And we must absolutely carry out our ENERGY TRANSITION so that Switzerland is truly 100% SELF-SUFFICIENT in green electricity all year round!!

The means exist; they are there, and in less than 10 years this transition could be achieved!!!

Apparently, there is suddenly a political will... Wonderful.... A big WELL DONE!! Words are all well and good... Now actions are better!

Wait and see...

Alain Farrugia

"We must reduce our dependence on other countries for medical equipment as well as for energy," emphasises Simonetta Sommaruga in an interview published on Saturday in Le Temps. She adds that we must "more than ever" boost domestic renewable energy production.

Also interviewed by the Lake Geneva daily, André Duvillard, delegate of the National Security Network, agrees and believes that once the crisis is over, "we will have to ask ourselves about our self-sufficiency in essential goods". He also points out that, across all sectors – energy, food, medicines – federal spending on strategic reserves has fallen over the last twenty years. It has dropped from 307 million in 1995 to 105 million in 2018.

The fact that we have forgotten we need this sort of reserve is a typical effect of globalisation, he notes. The issue is not limited to Switzerland. “All European countries are in the same boat and are subject to the laws of a ruthless market where anything goes,” adds Mr Duvillard. He concludes that the question must also be addressed at the continental level.
No general mask mandate

Regarding the wearing of masks, the President of the Confederation reiterated that there were no plans to impose a general requirement to wear them. “Asking the public to wear a mask at all times outdoors? That doesn’t work here,” she said, without giving further details.

In the NZZ, she stated that, personally, she does not wear one because it is not necessary if social distancing and hygiene measures are observed. She will wear one if it becomes necessary in certain places as restrictions are gradually lifted, for example at the hairdresser’s, she explained. She added that it is up to the various sectors to draw up a protection plan.

By AWP/ATS

Source: Bilan