The "Security 2023" study published today by the ETH once again shows that international cooperation is highly popular among the population: from left to right, a clear majority is of the opinion that so-called development aid should be increased. In contrast, support for an increase in defense spending has fallen again compared to June 2022.
"The Federal Council is politicizing with its planned Cuts in international cooperation past the people," comments Andreas Missbach, Executive Director of Alliance Sud, on the results of the representative survey. "The people have understood it for a long time: There is a need for significantly more development spending in the face of conflicts and crises around the world. Now Switzerland must finally implement the Federal President's renewed Promise and be present wherever it can make a contribution to peace," Missbach adds.
According to the ETH survey, around half (47%) of the Swiss believe that the level of defense spending is just right. A majority of 65%, on the other hand, share the view that Switzerland should provide more development aid. "The Federal Council and Parliament are therefore well advised by the people to primarily upgrade solidarity and not the army," says Missbach.
More information about global poverty
More effort is also needed in providing information about Switzerland's public spending on development cooperation. According to a survey by the Center for Development and Cooperation (NADEL) at ETH Zurich, which was published on Wednesday was publishedMost of the respondents estimate the expenditure to be twice as high as it really is.
Informed of actual (lower) spending, support for international cooperation increases even more. Concern about global poverty also increases when up-to-date information is made available. There is therefore also a need for action in the media, one of the population's preferred sources of information on global issues.
Further information:
Andreas Missbach, Managing Director Alliance Sud, Tel. 031 390 93 30, andreas.missbach@alliancesud.ch
Marco Fähndrich, Communications Manager Alliance Sud, Tel. 079 374 59 73, marco.faehndrich@alliancesud.ch
