Switzerland in crisis: New Federal Councilor Pfister calls for commitment to security!

Switzerland in crisis: New Federal Councilor Pfister calls for commitment to security!

Historian Martin Pfister is now Switzerland's new defense minister, a position that poses major challenges amid turbulent times. After a surprisingly successful election, Pfister, who comes from the low-tax canton of Zug, received 134 of 245 votes in the vote. This is a remarkable success, especially against the established favorite Markus Ritter from the Farmers' Association, who only received 110 votes. Pfister, who was previously head of the Health Directorate, took up his post with a ceremonial oath of office and emphasized: “I now feel comfortable in both worlds,” alluding to his new challenges in the Federal Council, according to the Small newspaper.

Pfister's assumption of office comes at a critical time, as the Swiss Defense Ministry is in a serious crisis. This crisis has been exacerbated by numerous resignations of high-ranking officers and the director of the intelligence service, while the state is also struggling with procurement problems and a corruption case at the defense company Ruag. The war in Ukraine highlighted the urgency of upgrading the Swiss army, although the financing of such an expansion remains controversial. Pfister warns of major geopolitical changes that could also affect Switzerland's security policy balance, as reported by Bluewin reported.

Emotional surrenders and challenges