Fighter jets: expert report pushes economy from the head

There was no General attack, Kurt Grüter, the former Director of the Federal Finance control is riding on the ruling practice, with counter-transactions for large arms purchases in Switzerland. Rather, the retired officers confirmed, in Essence, the current practice of countertrade in the defence area. But the same man also makes the recommendation that the giant volume of up to seven billion Swiss francs for offset transactions was to reduce in the framework of the procurement project, "Air 2030". To 60 instead of 100 percent. What SP and Green appeal, made yesterday, for harsh reactions and counter-claims on the part of the economy, including the Association of machinery, electrical and metal industry (Swissmem) and the Swiss-arms Association of the GRPM. But what Grüter suggests, exactly?

In a 25-page paper he refers to the counter transactions as "protectionism", even as "business Bazaar" contrary to the principle of free world trade. In addition, rule among experts about the costs and Benefits of a veritable "war of Figures". Sure is only, that the offset transactions rose to the defence procurement for the state, while their Use is often questionable, writes Grüter.

defense industry

Grüter has to Use, and cost, employed, no own investigations. In Essence, it summarizes existing reports. Based on this, Grüter, however, makes clear recommendations. Although he advises Federal councillor Eveline Amherd, to offset transactions, they reduce substantially to your core idea. And this core idea, Grüter, does not exist primarily to preserve jobs or to create. Rather, the purpose of the offsets is obtained, in the domestic arms industry.

This military industry, the benefits of direct offset transactions. As an example, a foreign provider of the Swiss army sold a new tank, buy the gun tube, but in the case of a Swiss company. Such a direct counter transactions would require the Federal government still recommends Grüter, because they would ensure the Survival of Swiss arms companies and new Know-how.

to be Dispensed with, however, the use of indirect offset transactions, where foreign arms companies provide any other Swiss companies orders. There are these deals, the more expensive in this case, the fighters , because the Jet provider must pay commissions, to be able to Switzerland, even such indirect compensation transactions. The bottom line is Grüter is recommended to require in the future from foreign suppliers, only a compensation of 60 percent of the purchase price, not 100 percent. This offset would be reduced in the ratio of 40 per cent, escaped the Swiss economy billions in orders. Grüter warns then: "The risk of corruption in the placement of Compensation increase is expected."

"Against good Faith"

While the Swiss officer's society on the proposal Grüters at a distance and writes, you will have to consider an offset compensation of 100 per cent as a sensible, future-oriented Option, Swissmem. The powerful organization has "certain insinuations and suggestions," Grüters. Swissmem spokesman Ivo Zimmermann says, it lacked any basis in Austria, corruption scandals in connection with the purchase of fighter jets was transferred to Switzerland, and to suggest the appropriate hazard.

A limitation of the counter-transactions to 60% of the effective eligible volume Swissmem rejects as well as the GRPM. The Federal Council had only decided at the end of 2018, that armor is a Standard of 100 percent procurement of Offset applies. "It is a violation of good Faith and, after a few weeks of this decision into question," says Zimmermann.

Left-hand support claims

in Contrast, the Green salute to "the drastic reduction" of the compensation transactions. The national Council Baltasar Glättli (ZH) hopes, Federal councillor Viola Amherd give in to the pressure of the industry. This reduction encourages transparency, prevent more costs and allow a critical analysis of the compensation transactions.

And SP-security politician Priska Seiler count (ZH) says, your party, and note with satisfaction that, in the coming against shops movement in the discussion. The SP have always demanded the complete waiver of offset transactions. These were "far too expensive and largely inefficient Form of industrial policy".

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 03.05.2019, 06:52 PM