The Swiss Defense Ministry is facing a leadership crisis as several high-ranking officials have announced their resignations in just a few days. These departures come at a critical time, raising concerns about stability within the country’s military structure.
Wave of Resignations Hits Swiss Military
The resignations started with Intelligence Chief Christian Dussey, followed by Army Chief Thomas Süssli and Air Force Chief Peter Merz. Their departures came shortly after Defense Minister Viola Amherd announced she was stepping down. News outlets such as the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) and SRF first reported these resignations, which were later confirmed by the National Council’s Security Commission.
Süssli, who previously worked in banking before joining the military, will remain in his role until the end of 2025. However, reports indicate he was already considering private sector opportunities. After Amherd announced her resignation, he was no longer seen as secure in his position. This likely influenced his decision to step down.
More Officials Leave Leadership Roles
Along with Dussey and Süssli, Air Force Chief Peter Merz has also resigned. Unlike his colleagues, Merz is leaving voluntarily to become the CEO of Skyguide, the Swiss air traffic control company.
Dussey led the Federal Intelligence Service (NDB) for three years. His resignation comes amid growing criticism, and it was uncertain whether he would retain his position under new leadership. Given the situation, his decision to step down was not unexpected.
Swiss Defense Faces Major Challenges
The Defense Ministry is already dealing with serious issues. Delays in modernization and digitalization projects have drawn heavy criticism. On March 12, Parliament is set to elect a new defense minister, making the transition period even more complicated.
Adding to these troubles, a fraud scandal at the state-owned arms manufacturer Ruag MRO has emerged. The Swiss Federal Audit Office estimates that the financial damage caused by the scandal could be in the tens of millions. The government now faces mounting pressure to address these leadership gaps and restore order in defense policy.
Political Reactions and Uncertainty
Swiss lawmakers and defense experts have expressed concern over these sudden departures. Political analysts note that the resignations could delay key military reforms. The new defense minister will need to act quickly to fill these positions and reassure both the military and the public.
Former military officials and defense analysts believe that this leadership vacuum could weaken Switzerland’s defense strategy. They emphasize that stability is crucial, especially given the country’s neutrality and security policies.
The Swiss government now has to fill several top positions in the military. Experts say the next appointments will be crucial for the country’s defense strategy. Finding experienced leaders who can handle the ongoing challenges will be a priority.
As Switzerland prepares for a new defense minister, all eyes will be on how the government handles this crisis. Addressing concerns about modernization delays, leadership gaps, and financial scandals will be key to ensuring stability in the military.
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