Sondaggio in Svizzera: nessun amore popolare per il jet F-35 high-tech-ma per la NATO

Summary of the most important survey results (35000 participants):

– **30%** of Swiss respondents support the purchase of the F-35 fighter jet.
– **25%** of women support the F-35 purchase.
– **44%** of SVP (right-wing, nationalist, conservative) voters support the F-35.
– **12%** of SP (center-left, progressive) voters support the F-35.
– **9%** of Green Party (left-wing, environmentalist) voters support the F-35.
– **71%** of respondents support **closer cooperation with NATO**.
– **49%** of SVP voters support closer cooperation with NATO.
– **77%** support **closer security cooperation with the EU**.
– **A majority** of SVP voters now support EU defense cooperation (exact percentage not given).
– **Only 37%** support **joining NATO**, which would require abandoning neutrality.

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Translation of the article:

> **Trump Poll: No Love for the F-35 Jet – But Widespread Support for Closer NATO Ties**

> By Stefan Lanz

>The American F-35 fighter jet isn’t winning hearts in Switzerland. Just 30% of the population supports its purchase, according to a new survey. In contrast, 71% of respondents back closer cooperation with NATO- even within the traditionally skeptical SVP (Swiss People’s Party) [right-wing, nationalist, conservative], 49% are in favor.

>**The F-35 Lacks Popular Support**
A recent survey by 20 Minuten and Tamedia, conducted from March 31 to April 1 with over 35,000 participants, reveals a clear sentiment: the F-35 is unpopular. Only 30% of those surveyed fully or somewhat support buying the American jet. Among women, that number drops to just 25%.

>What’s even more striking: not even SVP (Swiss People’s Party) [right-wing, nationalist, conservative] voters, known for favoring strong defense policies, offer majority support—only 44% would definitely or probably back the purchase. Support is weakest among Green Party [left-wing, environmentalist, progressive] voters (9%) and the SP (Social Democratic Party) [center-left, social democratic, progressive] at 12%.

>**Background: Why the F-35 Is Controversial**
Switzerland plans to use the high-tech F-35 to protect its airspace starting in 2030. However, when Swiss citizens voted in 2020, it was only for the 6 billion franc budget for new jets—not for the specific model. The Federal Council selected the F-35 afterward.

>Since Donald Trump’s presidency, criticism of the choice has intensified. SP (Social Democratic Party) [center-left, social democratic, progressive] National Councilor Sarah Wyss was among the first to call for withdrawing from the deal, even if it means losing around a billion francs.

>**Political Divide Over the Jet**
Despite the survey results, SVP (Swiss People’s Party) [right-wing, nationalist, conservative] National Councilor and former fighter pilot Thomas Hurter still backs the F-35: “There’s no indication it won’t be delivered on time or perform as expected,” he said. He attributes public skepticism to fears stoked during Trump’s term.

>SP (Social Democratic Party) [center-left, social democratic, progressive]’s Sarah Wyss maintains her opposition: “The results don’t surprise me. People are wary of the Trump regime,” she argues.

>Center Party (Die Mitte) [center to center-right, Christian democratic] Senator Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger defends the choice, calling the F-35 “the best aircraft,” already adopted by many other European countries. She points out that it outperforms its competitors in all areas and is also more cost-effective.

>**Strong Support for Closer NATO Cooperation**
While a NATO membership is still off the table for most Swiss, a large majority (71%) supports closer collaboration with the alliance. Even in the SVP (Swiss People’s Party) [right-wing, nationalist, conservative], nearly half (49%) agree. Cooperation with the EU on defense garners even more support—77%, including a slim majority among SVP voters.

>However, only 37% would support full NATO membership, which would mean abandoning Swiss neutrality.

>**Center-Left Sees Momentum for Cooperation**
Center Party (Die Mitte) [center to center-right, Christian democratic] Senator Gmür-Schönenberger sees the results as confirmation of the federal government’s path: “Switzerland still needs international military cooperation—both with the EU and NATO.”

>SP (Social Democratic Party) [center-left, social democratic, progressive]’s Sarah Wyss agrees: “Working with democratic countries based on the rule of law is more important than ever. We must align with Europe for our defense.”

>**Concerns Over Defense Spending**
Thomas Hurter warns that greater NATO integration could lead Switzerland to commit 2% of its GDP to defense, in line with NATO guidelines. The SVP (Swiss People’s Party) [right-wing, nationalist, conservative] remains largely opposed to international military cooperation, emphasizing Switzerland’s policy of “armed, perpetual neutrality.”

>The Swiss Department of Defense (VBS) declined to comment on the poll but reiterated its existing stance: it supports the F-35 and international partnerships, within the bounds of neutrality.

Yes, the Swiss are very good at one thing, when they see that things could get tough they simply fall into the other EXTREME thing they didn’t want, NATO!

….aber broad support for closer NATO relations…

The Swiss are and remain the worst parasites!

It’s almost as if you alienate your allies they will stop buying things from you.