Statement by KFPE members on the 2027 Swiss debt relief package

In a joint statement, the members of the Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries reject the planned 2027 debt relief package and the proposed freezing of international cooperation spending. Switzerland can afford to take on moderate increase in the debt rationing order to avoid drastic austerity measures. Freezing international cooperation spending at an already low level will seriously weaken Switzerland's international cooperation.

• By international standards, Switzerland's debt ratio is very low. At the same time, Switzerland's international cooperation is extremely effective and beneficial, as numerous evaluations have shown. Austerity measures in this area are therefore particularly damaging and make only a minor contribution to relieving the federal budget.

• Weakening international cooperation runs against the opinion of the majority of the Swiss population, which is in favour of increasing spending on international cooperation, as shown by the scientific survey Global Cooperation Switzerland 2023.

• Weakening Switzerland's international cooperation reduces its contribution to global stability and security, as well as its ability to play a role in shaping these and enhancing its international standing. As a small country with strong global ties, Switzerland is particularly dependent on stability, security and a good international reputation.

• Weakening of Switzerland's international cooperation particularly affects the world's poorest people and contradicts the constitutional goal of ‘contributing to alleviating distress and poverty in the world, to respecting human rights and promoting democracy, to peaceful coexistence among nations and to preserving the natural foundations of life.’

In light of these considerations, the members of the Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries believe that the impact of the planned austerity measures will be far more severe than the consequences of a moderate increase in the debt ratio.