Martin Pfister, a historian and colonel in the Swiss Army, is set to take over the Defense Department (VBS) on April 1, following the resignation of Viola Amherd after six years in the role. Pfister’s election to the Federal Council came two days prior, with no surprises in the distribution of departments, as all previous council members retained their portfolios.
As the new Defense Minister, Pfister will face numerous challenges, including modernizing the army, strengthening cyber defense and finding new leadership for the military and intelligence services. The resignation of Army Chief Thomas Süssli and Air Force Chief Peter Merz has created a need for significant personnel decisions.
One of the key issues on the agenda is the reform of the military service. With declining recruitment numbers, the VBS is exploring new models, including a “security service obligation” for men or a “needs-oriented military service” that would also include women. The future strategy must be presented to the Federal Council by 2027.
Pfister is not expected to introduce any major surprises, as he will likely follow the pro-European course of his predecessor, with a focus on closer ties with NATO. He will seek a new security policy orientation that prioritizes cooperation with Western partners, including the intensification of cooperation with NATO, which marks a step away from the country’s traditional neutrality. The debate on the future of neutrality continues, with an expert commission having presented over 100 recommendations for the future of Switzerland’s security policy, to be implemented gradually.
Defense Minister Pfister has emphasized the importance of efficiency and trust in his work, but it remains to be seen whether he will bring significant changes. The planned increase in the army budget to 1% of the country’s GDP by 2032 will be invested strategically.