The Council of the Swiss Cantons – upper house of parliament – at a meeting on June 3, he expectedly rejected the proposal, which provided for the allocation of 5 billion Swiss francs ($5.5 billion) in aid to Ukraine.
European Pravda reports this. with reference to SRF.
Aid to Ukraine was contained in a larger package of 15 billion francs, which legislators proposed to allocate to defense. But it was opposed by the majority of parties, especially the right, due to the violation of debt rules.
The package, approved by the security committee of the Cantonal Council, provided for covering the additional financial needs of the Swiss army during 2025-2030 in the amount 10.1 billion francs. Another 5 billion Swiss francs were proposed to be used to help rebuild Ukraine.
In the end, the Cantonal Council rejected the project by a majority of 28 votes to 15. Instead, legislators decided to consider the proposal to increase funding for the army separately.
Switzerland's allies have been urging it to provide Ukraine with assistance, including military assistance, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, although right-wing political forces demand strict neutrality.
Earlier, a group of activists, with the support of the far-right Swiss People's Party, collected signatures for holding a referendum on the country's neutral status, which could undermine its sanctions against Russia.
At the same time, Switzerland said in April that it plans to strengthen economic development and long-term reconstruction of Ukraine over the next twelve years and will allocate 5 billion euros for this.
Prepared by: Nina Petrovich