Civil service: a wary 'yes' to the army

Swiss voters have narrowly approved a revision to the civil service law, granting a reprieve to the army but revealing underlying public skepticism. The revision passed with only 53% of the vote, a slim margin that underscores potential future challenges for the military leadership. The law, supported by the federal council, parliament, and the bourgeois camp, shifts the emphasis of civil service. It moves from being a convenient alternative to the exception, reinforcing the obligation to serve in the army. This decision comes amid an uncertain geopolitical climate, highlighting a public desire to maintain army staffing levels. However, the narrow approval serves as a warning: the army cannot rely solely on personnel numbers. It must also pursue deep modernization to ensure its effectiveness and readiness. The vote suggests a public that is cautious, prioritizing immediate security needs while implicitly demanding future adaptation from the armed forces.