Viola Amherd's Proposal for New National Service Model Fails Despite Support from Cantons

The recent discussions surrounding a new national service model in Switzerland have ended in disappointment for Federal Councillor Viola Amherd. Although she received backing from various cantons, her proposal did not gain traction within the Federal Council, leading to a compromise that many view as inadequate.

For over a decade, efforts to reform the service obligation system in Switzerland have been ongoing. The latest attempt coincided with Amherd's resignation on January 15, when the Federal Council opted for a minimal compromise. This compromise mandates that Swiss women also participate in an orientation day for the army and civil protection, while Amherd's envisioned service model was criticized for being overly expensive and ineffective.

The Federal Department of Defense (VBS) has been tasked with drafting a proposal by the end of 2027 regarding future steps to address the pressing needs of civil protection and civil service. Currently, the civil protection sector is facing a significant shortfall, with over 10,000 personnel needed.

Alexander Krethlow, the Secretary-General of the inter-cantonal conference for Military, Civil Protection, and Fire Services, expressed frustration at the Federal Council's decision not to endorse a new service model in January. In September, the conference had previously supported a proposal for a 'Safety Service Obligation' that aimed to integrate civil service and civil protection into a cohesive disaster response framework. This integration could potentially alleviate long-term staffing issues within civil protection.

Internal documents from the Federal Council reveal that while there is an acknowledgment of the need for reform, the momentum for change has been lacking. Reports from the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research explicitly advised against presenting the initial proposal, indicating it did not objectively assess the necessary reforms and was overly aligned with the VBS's political preferences.

One major concern among various departments is the financial implications of a new service system. The Federal Financial Administration has estimated that transitioning to a new model could require a one-time investment of 900 million Swiss francs for training infrastructure, with recurrent costs approaching one billion francs annually. There are doubts about whether the benefits of a reformed service obligation would justify these significant expenses.

Despite the financial challenges, Krethlow emphasized the importance of moving forward with a comprehensive reform, arguing that significant changes cannot be achieved without adequate investment in training and infrastructure. He insisted that the ultimate decision should lie with the electorate, advocating for a timely referendum on the matter to avoid further delays.

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs noted that the initial intent behind the reform was to enhance the support for the military. However, the focus has shifted primarily toward civil protection, which is currently under-resourced and in dire need of personnel expansion. Krethlow reaffirmed that the military and civil protection should be viewed as complementary entities, particularly given the increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape that necessitates robust preparedness for potential crises, including armed conflict.

Concerns regarding the capability of civil protection to respond effectively in times of crisis have been voiced by leaders within the sector. Recent warnings suggest that the current infrastructure may be insufficient to safeguard the Swiss population in the event of war, raising questions about the overall effectiveness of the existing multi-tiered emergency response system.

With the recent calls for reform still resonating, stakeholders continue to advocate for prompt action from the Federal Council to ensure that the necessary adjustments are made to protect the nation adequately.