Largest Swiss party opposes new multibillion dollar aid to Kiev
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In April, the Swiss government offered $5.65 billion to Ukraine until 2026 to help the country's economy recover.
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Illustrative: Patriot missile launchers from the US are seen in Warsaw, Poland on February 6, 2023. (AP)
The Swiss People's Party (UDC), which now has the majority in parliament, condemned any fresh multibillion-dollar aid package to Ukraine on Saturday and demanded stronger requirements for awarding Ukrainians refugee status.
In April, the Swiss government offered $5.65 billion to Ukraine until 2026 to help the country's economy recover. Up to 66,946 Ukrainians presently enjoy S protection status in Switzerland, which allows them to work, obtain insurance, educate their children, and travel freely inside and outside of the country.
According to the statement, "The Confederation is spending billions of francs of public money…Granting S status should be limited to Ukrainians who really need protection. In addition, the UDC opposes any new multibillion aid to Ukraine."
The party thinks that the S protection status should only be awarded to those whose last place of abode was in Ukrainian territories totally or partially controlled by Russia, or in areas undergoing intense battles.
The party notes that since Ukraine is "15 times larger than Switzerland," and vast areas are under Ukrainian authority and undisturbed by the conflict, the entry of Ukrainians from those areas is "unjustified."
"As evidenced by the fact that people with S protection regularly visit these regions from Switzerland! The S status should also no longer apply to foreigners residing in Ukraine, as they can return to their country of origin," the statement added.
Switzerland is already investing heavily in Ukraine, with plans to offer more than 11 billion francs ($12.3 billion) in development aid over the next four years, according to the party.
Back in June, Switzerland's upper house of parliament declined a proposal for a 5 billion Swiss franc ($5.58 billion) aid allocation for Ukraine, which was part of a larger financial package. The rejection reportedly stemmed from concerns that the plan violated borrowing constraints in the neutral country.
