22 June 2021 No 14 ISSN 1664-7963

Current Concerns PO Box CH-8044 Zurich Current Concerns Switzerland The international journal for independent thought, ethical standards, moral responsibility, Phone: +41 44 350 65 50 Fax: +41 44 350 65 51 and for the promotion and respect of public international law, human rights and humanitarian law

E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.currentconcerns.ch English Edition of Zeit-Fragen

The power is in the microcosm Why the micro-tax initiative very much deserves support by Martin Neff, Chief Economist Raiffeisen In 1990, the world was on the threshold of that are x-times the real economic output, so-called micro-tax initiative. It is un- globalisation. i.e. the wages and profits. doubtedly revolutionary, so revolutionary The value of all goods and services pro- With the exception of Corona, all re- that it will probably fail because it comes duced worldwide at that time was about cessions since the nineties have been trig- too early and mobilises the usual federal 22 trillion dollars (USD). Shares and gered by speculation-related financial mar- defensive reflexes, especially when it re- bonds were traded to the tune of USD 9 ket crashes and not by “classic” economic ally comes to going it alone. The busi- trillion annually, over-the-counter finan- overheating, as our parents may still have ness lobby, the Federal Council and some cial derivatives for about USD 2 trillion, known it. In the age of globalisation, the “renowned” professors more or less dis- and the volume of foreign exchange trans- financial markets degenerated into a hot- miss the undertaking as a “fart”. Person- actions amounted to USD 147 trillion. Al- bed of economic instability because quick ally, however, I have some sympathy for most 30 years later, in 2018, the value of profits were placed above the well-being the idea. In terms of tax theory, it is more all goods and services produced was USD of the community, money was no longer efficient to tap a large substrate such as fi- 75 trillion. In the same year, shares or invested but often only speculated with – nancial market transactions with a small bonds were traded for USD 162 trillion, with manifold multipliers. In view of the rate than a small substrate such as income foreign exchange for USD 602 trillion and figures presented here, I have been asking and profits with a large rate. This is actu- financial derivatives (over-the-counter) for myself for some time why global tax prac- ally scientifically beyond question. If this a staggering USD 1250 trillion. A nearly tice still “only” taps into the real economy huge substrate also grows exponentially, three-and-a-half-fold increase in real eco- instead of helping itself to where the real it could well form the new tax base of the nomic output in a good thirty years is thus money flows. And in view of the growing future. So why not think about it? offset by an almost twenty-fold increase in debt burden of the industrialised nations, If, for example, Switzerland was to tax stock and bond trading. Moreover, today, I ask myself why they have been discuss- the CHF 40 trillion in payment flows sub- 800 times more financial derivatives (in- ing a financial market transaction tax only ject to SIC (Swiss Interbanking Clearing) cluding foreign currency options) are trad- half-heartedly for years, if at all. at just 0.05%, this would generate almost ed than in 1990. What the financial mar- We Swiss are a bit further ahead, CHF 20 billion in tax revenue, almost as kets have achieved is called exponential thanks to direct democracy, and have the continued on page 2 growth. Compared to this, the real econ- omy has literally fallen by the wayside in terms of growth. A pleasingly good sign Of course, not everything that caused the exorbitant growth on the financial mar- gl. The fact that Martin Neff, Raiffeisen’s perhaps because the feeling of power- kets in the last three decades is of a pure- chief economist, supports the micro-tax lessness towards the financial sector and ly speculative nature. The advancing in- initiative* is remarkable and gratifying the timidity to discuss economic interre- ternational division of labour and the for several reasons. The Raiffeisenbank lationships are widespread. In the mean- resulting increase in cross-border flows has had difficult years. When its chief time, however, the time has come. The of goods and services also automatically economist criticises the development of excesses of the so-called financial casi- lead to more transactions on the foreign the financial markets so clearly today – no are now common knowledge. To in- exchange markets and an increased need “In the age of globalisation the financial volve the general public with a small tax for forward and hedging transactions with markets have degenerated into a strong- rate in the unbelievable sums of money, derivative financial instruments. But the hold of economic instability, because fast which are lost through speculation is by market for financial derivatives has taken profits are placed above the well-being no means an absurd idea. Thanks to di- off to such an extent that only one conclu- of the community” – this is a good sign rect democracy, Swiss citizens have the sion remains: The majority of what is trad- for the return of the Raiffeisenbank into rights of the people that many people ed today in derivative products has little or a true cooperative bank with traditional around the world would like to have, nothing to do with the real economy. Glo- cooperative values. and they may also take initiatives and balisation and the fact that capital is the For Neff, is out of question that a fi- vote on tax issues. For the good of all: “fastest and most mobile” factor of pro- nancial market transaction tax will come sooner rather than later. duction compared to immobile land and sooner or later. It may be revolutionary, the rather sluggish factor labour have also but Switzerland has always been inno- * The initiative was presented in detail in Current contributed to the world’s prosperity. But vative. The idea of such a tax is not new; Concerns No. 11 of 25 May 2021. It provides the mainly they have given rise to the biggest there have already been various consid- introduction of a marginal tax of 0.1 % to a max- imum of 0.5 % on cashless payment transactions. casino in the history of the world, where erations in this direction. So far, howev- This is to replace value added tax, direct federal the wildest bets are made and those who er, it has not been possible to convert a tax and stamp duty. The collection of signatures have or to whom it is given play for stakes larger part of the population to the idea, period expires on 5 November 2021. No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 2

”The power is in the microcosm” the debts of the states are exploding and speculation. Half a per cent of that alone continued from page 1 their tax sources are drying up. Joe Biden would be a good 500 million USD, every much as the entire value-added tax today. wants to make companies pay more, the day, and there are even more cryptocur- Private households would be noticeably EU wants to make internet companies pay rencies, not to mention billions of other relieved by the abolition of VAT, and the more, China wants to make its citizens pay financial market transactions. Krethi and micro-tax would not hurt them very much. more, everyone is desperately looking for Plethi could probably get over a small ob- Why then do so many nevertheless dismiss new potential sources of revenue, but al- ulus on it, financial hyenas anyway. There the undertaking as a crackpot idea? Quite ways on the same ground. Why not look would even be something left over to re- a number of innovations of the last centu- in the casino? Yesterday, Bitcoin was trad- lieve the tax burden on those who have ries were or are Swiss Made. While others ed for almost 48 billion USD, Tether for borne the brunt of it for generations. So, were waffling and debating, we were put- 113 billion USD – that is more than twice the idea of a micro-tax is not that stupid at ting it into practice. The financial market the market capitalisation of this cryptocur- all. s transaction tax will come sooner or later, rency – and Ethereum for 40 billion USD Source: Raiffeisen Economic Research of 26 May 2021 that’s out of the question for me, because – without any real economic motive, pure (Translation Current Concerns)

Marc Chesney: A permanent crisis. The Financial Oligarchy’s Seizing of Power and the Failure of Democracy order to keep the too big to fail banks amounts always move more quick- afloat, or to every sort of advantage ly within the framework of a casino fi- from which they have benefited, most nance contrary to an entrepreneurial often at citizens’ expense. logic which this oligarchy claims, where For many economic commentators, dubious betting on the bankruptcy of enhanced labour statistics also appear companies, banks or countries takes to constitute one of these encourag- precedence over standard financial op- ing ‘fundamentals’. It seems anecdotal erations inherent to the economy. What therefore that numerous unemployed characterises these bets is that they are have disappeared from the statistics and most often made discarding the risks reappeared as working poor or impov- to the rest of society. For those institu- erished pensioners. Whereas the emer- tions known as “too big to fail”, having gence of new technologies and the ex- reached such a critical size and such den- pansion of digitalisation of the economy sity of connections within the econom- should result in more leisure time, the ic and financial network, it is in fact the main consequence until now has been state, and at the end of the day the tax- an increase in casual employment and payer, the pensioner, the customer and under-employment. the unemployed who assumes the risks Regarding the trickle-down theory, and, if need be, pays the bills. This finan- often put forward by the media, it does cialised economy at such a scale weak- not seem to obey the law of gravity, see- ens both the economic and social fab- ing that, in this case, it works from the ric.” (chapter 1) bottom up, and allows those who are al- ready the wealthiest in the world, to ac- “Finally, the implementation of all these ISBN 978-3-0300-0517-7 cumulate even more wealth. measures requires citizens and politi- The operation was a success, they cians to be able to analyse the situation “The title of this book may be surpris- lead us to believe, but the patient, in and to demonstrate the will to find real ing. It might even seem contradictory this case society, is still ill. It is precisely solutions as well as... a lot of courage. to evoke a ‘permanent crisis’ when, at on this skilful trickery presented as an ef- The author is aware that doing so will the same time as this book is going to fective economic remedy that these pos- not be an easy task, neither now nor in print, the media are talking about a re- itive ‘fundamentals’ lie. the future, and will require time. Par- surgence in economic growth and, ac- This book endeavours to provide an adoxically, it is more than a priority to cording to so-called experts, economic objective assessment of reality which get the economy and society out of the fundamentals are healthy, even strong. is quite different. It describes the cur- deadlock it is in. Finally, it is a choice of Proof of this would lie in the rise of stock rently operative financialisation of the society, a choice between the dictator- prices. economy and of society, and the role of ship of the financial sector and a de- Strangely enough, until today, none the big banks and hedge funds in this mocracy where active citizens take their of these commentators has mentioned process. It denounces financial croupi- future in their own hands. We have a re- the artificiality of this growth which is ers’ state of mind and the mercenaries sponsibility vis-à-vis present and future essentially based on the explosion in of the financial war, the consequenc- generations who have the inalienable global debt, or the increasing discon- es of which affect each of us every day right to live in a decent and dignified nection between bullish stock markets and in every corner of the world.” (back manner in an accountable and civilised and the performance of both companies cover) society.” (Conclusions) and the overall economy. Nor, for that A permanent crisis, Palgrave Macmillan, matter, have they alluded to the astro- “This financial caste absorbs astronom- London, 2018 nomical sums perpetually injected into ical amounts that it is incapable of ac- the financial sector by central banks in tually investing in the economy. These www.micro-tax.ch No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 3 “A new beginning, a new chapter in the history of relations between Switzerland and the EU” And what is simmering around it by Dr. iur. Marianne Wüthrich The Federal Council’s decision to break ly put itself on an equal footing with the grants to Switzerland. Today we see where off negotiations with Brussels has made EU: “From the Federal Council’s point of we actually stand.” [up to ten times more the Swiss EU turbos get going. Ever since view, it is in the common interest of Swit- per year]. – A journalist insisted that Seco it was foreseeable that the balloon of the zerland and the EU to continue the prov- (the Federal Office for Economic Affairs) Framework Treaty as a precursor to EU en bilateral cooperation despite the failure had once “calculated a range of around 400 accession would burst, they come forward of the InstA. This cooperation is based, to 600 billion francs by 2035” if the Bi- loudly with bizarre demands and actions. among other things, on over 100 bilater- lateral Agreements were to be abolished. Unimpressed by this, the Federal Coun- al treaties. With its 27 member states, the President Parmelin commented: “It is ex- cil convincingly justified its decision to European Union is Switzerland's most im- tremely difficult to estimate the costs to break off the negotiations in its media re- portant partner. Conversely, Switzerland is which Switzerland would be subjected. lease and at the media conference on 26 one of the most important trading partners One example: the non-recognition of stock May and faced upright and calmly the for the EU: number 4 in trade in goods, market equivalence, where we had to find provocative questions of the journalists. number 3 in services and number 2 in in- pragmatic solutions and found them. At the vestments. In addition, the EU has a trade time, the consequences were dramatised.” It is always the same few people and or- surplus in the double-digit billions. 1.4 And how! When the gloomy forecasts ganisations who would like to see Swit- million EU citizens live in Switzerland. In are in the newspapers every day, it brands zerland become an EU member state long addition, there are about 340,000 cross- itself in the brain cells – unless we don’t ago. These include some university lectur- border commuters from the EU […].”2 let it stop us from thinking. A phenome- ers such as Thomas Cottier, who obvious- After these and other generally under- nal experience that has stuck in the mem- ly does not like the Swiss understanding of standable explanations, also at the media ory of most Swiss people is the disastrous the state: “In Switzerland, from the left to conference on 26 May, President Guy prophecies made before the 1992 vote on the right, there is a very conservative, na- Parmelin, Federal Councillor Karin Kel- EEA membership in the event of a No tional understanding of sovereignty, which ler-Sutter and Federal Councillor Ignazio vote by the sovereign. None of this came is directed towards self-determination, au- Cassis faced the mostly provocative ques- true, and the Swiss economy continued to tonomy and partly even autarky. Any inter- tions of the journalists with composure.3 develop splendidly. national obligation is seen as a loss of sov- No, today was not a “mercredi noir”, The most important factors for the good ereignty […].”1 How else should one define President Parmelin replied to a journalist: state of our economy are in fact based on sovereignty? Only the last sentence must be “We are at a new beginning, a new chap- the strengths of the Swiss model, namely vehemently contradicted: we Swiss are not ter in the history of our relations between direct democracy, federalism and the prin- that selfish! Switzerland's commitment to Switzerland and the EU.” He said the Fed- ciple of subsidiarity, a small-scale econo- the ICRC and the Geneva Conventions, de- eral Council would work to update the ex- my (company locations also in the rural velopment cooperation and the provision of isting agreements in the interests of both and mountain cantons), dual vocational good offices – to name a few of the most sides. “To cushion negative consequenc- training, the militia principle and the com- important areas of Swiss foreign policy – es, the Federal Council has for some time mitment of citizens to the common good. are precisely part of Swiss sovereignty. begun to plan and partially implement re- If we citizens cultivate these strengths, our ception measures.” In the area of medical economy, together with the authorities in Federal Council: Continuation devices, for example, the Federal Council the communes, cantons and federal gov- of the proven bilateral cooperation “has already decided on unilateral measures ernment, can also find flexible solutions. is in the interest of both sides. to ensure security of supply and market sur- The prerequisite for this is that Switzer- Because most Swiss still know what sov- veillance in the event that the corresponding land remains as independent as possible. ereignty means, there is relief in broad chapter of the MRA [Agreement on Techni- circles of the population at the Federal cal Barriers to Trade] is not updated.” Bustling actions of some EU turbos Council's decision to end the Framework – EU accession with Swiss wage protec- Agreement experiment. Meanwhile, sup- Cost estimates are one thing – tion, public service and the Swiss franc? porters of closer integration into the EU the Swiss model can withstand A few SP parliamentarians apparently claim that the termination is a sign of even more severe storms want to be hell-bent on getting their own weakness, that the Federal Council has no More generally, Federal Councillor Cas- way. For example, Co-Party President plan on how to “save the bilateral agree- sis remarked on the enormous economic Cédric Wermuth proclaims: “The Frame- ments”, and the like. damage that the business association econ- work Agreement is actually the worst of Anyone who has read the Federal omiesuisse in particular has been operat- all variants for a secure relationship with Council’s media release of 26 May and ing with for years in case the framework the EU. The opening of accession negotia- listened to the one-and-a-half-hour media agreement fails: “The past has shown us tions would solve Switzerland's sovereign- conference on the same day will get a that cost estimates are often a mere token ty problem.”4 True, EU accession would very different impression: standing up as exercise, and the Federal Council has been indeed solve the question of Swiss sov- a national government and stating that the wrong very often.” Guy Parmelin pointed ereignty – if one considers its abolition years of negotiations have not succeeded to the forecasts on immigration before the as a “solution”. And the Swiss wage pro- in achieving a treaty that is not only bene- conclusion of the Agreement on the Free tection, which Wermuth rightly defends, ficial for Brussels but also for Switzerland Movement of Persons (Bilaterals I) as an would then be swallowed by the EU? is not without its difficulties. example: “According to the estimates of National Councillor Fabian Molina (SP, In its media release, the Federal Coun- various experts, there were a maximum ZH), for his part, has tabled a motion to in- cil states that Switzerland can certain- of eight to ten thousand net annual immi- continued on page 5 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 4

After the breakdown of negotiations with Brussels: What next? Panel discussion at the 51st conference of the "Progress Foundation" on 31 May 2021 at the Zunfthaus zur Meisen in Zurich (excerpts) mw. In the mainstream media, it is – not surprisingly – mainly the critics of the Federal Council’s decision who have their say. But this does not silence the mostly democratic and liberal sentiment among the people. Coincidentally, a few days after the decision of 26 May, the Progress Foundation held a conference in Zurich on “Sovereignty from below. Switzerland in the International Environment”, with presentations by Dr h.c. Beat Kappel- er and Professor Oliver Zimmer. It goes without saying that part of the subsequent panel discussion was devoted to the failed Framework Agreement and the question: “What next?” The panellists (the two speakers as well as Foundation President Dr Gerhard Schwarz and NZZ domestic editor Katharina Fontana) were all on firm footing.

Discussion leader Mark Dittli began Guildhall zur Meisen in Zurich (next to it the Fraumünster Church). The 51st Pro- the discussion on the conference topic gress Foundation conference was held here on 31 May 2021 on the topic (“Sovereignty from bottom up. Switzer- "Sovereignty from the bottom up. Switzerland in the International Environment". land in the international environment”) ( picture Wikimedia commons) with the Federal Council’s decision on 26 May to break off negotiations on the Don’t lose your nerve and sit out the Experiences with Brexit: Endure Framework Agreement, due to current situation – after all, nothing happened! Deviation from the European norm events. His question to the panellists: Beat Kappeler: “I think it is one of the Oliver Zimmer: “In politics, at some point “What next?” hardest things for politicians to sit out a you come to a decision where you say no hanging situation. The media and poli- or yes. Every scientist knows: saying no is Talk to each other again ticians are always asking for handles to something completely natural, it is not a and find out where there are be pulled and something to be instigat- negative force. Getting that across is im- possibilities for cooperation ed again. I think this is something that portant. The idea that Switzerland will Katharina Fontana was relieved about has to be sat out for once. I would go unite and suddenly have a consensus is, I the decision: “I don't share this lamenta- even further and say: Nothing has hap- think, an illusion. I think this division will tion in the media. [...] I cannot imagine pened. For the time being, the bilater- remain to some extent. What I think is im- the EU going against its own interests, so als are probably on track for the long portant is that we endure it, that we com- to speak, for a long time. [...] I am opti- term. The free trade agreement [of 1972] municate this deviation – it is a deviation mistic.” does not have to be renegotiated, as the in Europe, Switzerland and Great Britain, Gerhard Schwarz: “In a liberal state, framework agreement would have re- there are no other communities that have saying no is often more important than quired. [...] What will happen now if set themselves apart in this way – with- always saying what you should do. [...] the Swiss and economiesuisse don’t lose in the country and towards the outside: From my point of view, the mistake was their nerve and signal: We definitely, There is no negativity associated with it.” not to break off now, but the mistake was definitely want something, then the EU to have negotiated for seven years with- will probably come forward either with Becoming more robust out having thought about what exactly small pinpricks or with quite fundamen- against the media culture war one wanted. This brings me to our topic, tal concerns: Something should be regu- Oliver Zimmer: “I experienced the media namely what kind of understanding of lated here, something should be regulat- coverage during the Brexit years. From the state we have in Switzerland and to ed there. Then one can insist on it. [...] A to Z, for years, Great Britain was ridi- what extent this is compatible with the So: Don’t lose your nerve and insist culed, especially in the German-language understanding of the state of the neigh- on the promises we have made with the media, in a way I would never have ex- bouring states and with the understand- EU over 40 or 50 years and continue to pected from quality newspapers. I think ing of the state of the EU, which always build. And continue to strongly expand you have to be able to take that, as a cit- claims to be a sui generis entity, but is the share of our foreign relations outside izen or as a politician. It needs more ro- actually permanently on its way to be- Europe, be it with free trade agreements bustness. The media campaign alone that coming its own superstate. What now? or with actual export activities. We have I followed – if there had been any instabil- means: Calm down a bit, don't hyperven- doubled the share of exports to Ameri- ity on the part of the British government, tilate and, above all, talk to each other ca in the last twenty years, we have in- then the decision would have had to be again and find out where there are pos- credibly strengthened foreign trade with changed immediately. It was a media cul- sibilities for cooperation and agreements Asia [...]. We can still make further gains ture war. 80 per cent of the opinions were and where there just aren’t.” there.” continued on page 5 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 5

”‘A new beginning, a new chapter …’” blue murder because the Federal Council, land is a partial member of the EU.” Interview with continued from page 3 Thomas Cottier and André Holenstein. In: Neue by breaking off negotiations, is allegedly Zürcher Zeitung of 26 May 2021. struct the Federal Council to enter into ac- overriding the people’s right of co-determi- 2 “Das Institutionelle Abkommen Schweiz-EU wird cession negotiations with the EU. In addi- nation. The EU turbos Christa Markwalder nicht abgeschlossen.” (The Switzerland-EU Institu- tion to wage protection, his list of demands (FDP, BE), Tiana Moser (GLP, ZH) and tional Agreement will not be concluded.) Federal Council media release of 26 May 2021. to Brussels also includes maintaining the other members of the National Council’s 3 Federal Councillors Parmelin, Cassis and Keller- high quality of the Swiss public service and APK demanded in a letter of 18 May that Sutter on: Institutionelles Abkommen Schweiz-EU. the Swiss franc.5 After the failed negotiations the Federal Council submit the framework (Switzerland-EU Institutional Agreement.) Media conference on 26.5.2021. https://www.youtube. with Brussels, everyone should have under- agreement to parliament and then only sub- com/watch?v=OzL_cScGsOY 7 stood that the EU is not very fond of inde- ject it to an optional referendum. 4 Neuhaus, Christa. “Das Rahmenabkommen ist ja pendent positions from contractual partners. Meanwhile, the think tank “Operation eigentlich die schlechteste aller Varianten für ein Now Molina’s motion to leave the Libero” senses “great unease in civil so- gesichertes Verhältnis mit der EU.” (The Frame- work Agreement is actually the worst of all options EU has been thrown out by his own par- ciety” and is therefore planning a popular for a secure relationship with the EU.) Interview liamentary group. On 8 June, Swiss tel- initiative of still undetermined content to with Cédric Wermuth. In: Neue Zürcher Zeitung of evision reported: “It remains to be seen bring closer ties between Switzerland and 22 May 2021 5 Vögeli, Dorothee. “SP-Nationalrat Fabian Molina whether the SP as a party will ultimate- the EU into the Federal Constitution. In- findet den EU-Beitritt die beste Option – nun möchte ly follow the demand for accession. The cidentally, the “civil society” supporting er im Parlament Druck aufsetzen.” (SP National SP will clarify its European policy goals the project consists mainly of the New Eu- Councillor Fabian Molina thinks EU accession is the best option – now he wants to put pressure on Parlia- by next spring[!]. Critics of the frame- ropean Movement (of which Markwalder ment.) In: Neue Zürcher Zeitung of 6 June 2021 work agreement will also be involved in was formerly president; today’s president: 6 Washington, Oliver. “Neue Ideen zur Europapoli- this process.”6 Eric Nussbaumer, also an SP Nation- tik kursieren im Bundeshaus.” (New ideas on Eu- This does not sound like much enthusi- al Councillor and APK member) and the ropean policy are circulating in the Federal Parlia- ment.) In: SRF News of 8 June 2021 asm for accession on the part of the com- Foreign Policy Society (of which Mark- 7 Feusi, Dominik. “Die Rettungsversuche für das rades – who knows whether they want to walder is now president).8 Rahmenabkommen (2): Der Plan von Christa delete the EU accession goal from their Again, it’s always the same few peo- Markwalder und den EU-Diplomaten.” (The rescue attempts for the Framework Agreement (2): The party programme? ple who don’t like the Swiss model. Fortu- plan of Christa Markwalder and the EU diplomats.) – Markwalder, “Operation Libero” & Co nately, most voters refuse to let their com- In: Nebelspalter of 21 May 2021 indignantly call for a referendum mon sense be switched off. s 8 Washington, Oliver. “Rahmenabkommen: Volksin- Of all people, those who want to sink di- itiative soll Druck auf Bundesrat erhöhen.” (Frame- 1 Tribelhorn, Marc; Gafafer, Tobias. “Ich würde work Agreement: Popular initiative to increase rect-democratic Switzerland into the un- Ihnen widersprechen: Die Schweiz ist ein Teilmit- pressure on Federal Council.) In: SRF News of 18 democratic EU construct are now scream glied der EU” (I would disagree with you: Switzer- May 2021 Breaking off negotiations is a decision matured over years Interview with Dr Gerhard Schwarz* On the fringes of the 51st Economic Con- the EU allow the Bilateral Agreements to these payments. I consider these payments ference of the “Progress Foundation”, be adapted to developments in EU regula- to be a kind of compensation for the gener- which took place on 31 May in Zurich and tions to the extent that they are adequate al benefit we get from the EU, from its co- was dedicated to the topic of “Sovereign- for us? In return, we could contribute, operation, from its stabilisation function in ty from Below”, the opportunity arose to for example, CHF 500 million annually Europe, etc. ask Dr Gerhard Schwarz, President of the for selected projects under the Cohesion Foundation Board and head of the con- Fund. If the EU resorted to arbitrary pin- At the moment, many Swiss are not pri- ference, questions that had developed in pricks again, we would suspend payments marily concerned about the expected re- the course of the panel discussion. (as Parliament did some time ago). How action of the EU, but about the massive do you see that? counter-campaign against the termina- Current Concerns: Switzerland is a Gerhard Schwarz: The question fails to tion of negotiations at home. Do you have weighty economic partner for the EU, and recognise that the Single Market was never a perspective here? it is also highly attractive financially. So just an economic project, but always a po- Yes, the insulted and defiant reaction does why shouldn’t Switzerland propose that litical one as well. That is why the EU has not exactly correspond to Swiss customs trouble with such à-la-carte approaches, after decisions of this scope. The same peo- which it interprets as cherry-picking. The ple who are complaining – rightly, in my ”After the breakdown …” guillotine clause, which is supposed to pre- opinion – about the grotesquely long nego- continued from page 4 vent only individual treaties of the entire tiations are acting as if this decision was a that the British are impossible islanders. package from being terminated, is an out- hasty gut decision. On the contrary, it is a I think that’s where you have to be a bit growth of this mindset. I rather plead for decision that has matured over years. And more robust.” s a unilateral application of the so-called five federal councillors from three parties Panellists: “Cassis de Dijon” principle with regard to are said to have been in favour of the break- Prof. Oliver Zimmer, Oxford University; technical norms and standards: products off. In view of this breadth, I therefore hope Dr. h. c. Beat Kappeler, long-time General Secretary that are approved in the EU should also be for a certain sovereignty on the part of the of the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions SGB; approved in our country without further “losers” and for their constructive cooper- Dr. Katharina Fontana, domestic editor of the "Neue ado, since we can assume that the EU does ation in a broad-based fitness programme Zürcher Zeitung"; not protect its citizens less and worse than for Switzerland. s Dr. Gerhard Schwarz, President of the Board of Trus- we do. I would certainly not want to under- tees of the "Progress Foundation"; * Dr. Gerhard Schwarz was a member of the busi- Chair: Mark Dittli, Editor-in-Chief of The Market stand the cohesion payments as a price for ness editorial team of the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” Source: Video recording of the panel discussion at any specific counter-performance by the EU, otherwise this will arouse covetous- from 1981, and its head from 1994–2010. From https://www.progress-foundation.ch/de/economic_ 2010–2016 he was director of the think tank Avenir conference/61 ness. Every time we want something from Suisse, Zurich, and from 1989–2014 he was a lec- (Translation Current Concerns) the EU, it then demands an increase in turer at the University of Zurich. No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 6 Framework agreement did not fit Switzerland’s practice of neutrality Letter to a friend, a senior EU official by Ivo Rens, Honorary Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva Dear friend, the successive Federal Councillors in would disappear from Geneva overnight charge of foreign affairs in Bern. But there and perhaps some, such as the ICRC, I have received are also, it seems to me, mistakes made by are still there. But other cities around the your letter of 3 the EU negotiators who, through a legal world would soon assert their internation- June in which you trick, have obtained that the Court of Jus- al claims and even advantages, for exam- express your sur- tice of the European Union becomes the ple Singapore. prise at Switzer- ultimate arbiter of disputes that may arise Singapore has the advantage of being land’s abandon- between the parties. In doing so, the draft located in a region of the world that is ment of the draft Framework Agreement was a trap door for booming economically and politically, in Framework Agree- Swiss sovereignty. cultural osmosis with the Chinese giant to Ivo Rens ment that had The EU negotiators do not seem to have which it is not subservient. Even if it is (Picture ma) been negotiated measured all the consequences of this dis- in the cultural and geopolitical order, is for years between appearance. I am not only thinking of the it indifferent to the European Union that Switzerland and the European Union. As programmed marginalisation of the institu- Singapore, for example, replaces Inter- a faithful reader of the Swiss newspaper tions of semi-direct democracy practised in national Geneva? It seems to me that the “Le Temps”, you are inclined to think, Switzerland, but above all of the interna- question deserves at the very least to be with it, that the Federal Council has made tional consequences of the disappearance asked and debated by the European Un- a huge blunder by de facto disavowing its of a practice of neutrality, unique in inter- ion's governing bodies, which, as far as I negotiators since 2013 and by disavowing national law, which meant that Switzerland know, has not been the case. itself for the same period. was chosen by Joe Biden and Vladimir These, my dear friend, are some of No doubt there were mistakes made by Putin to meet on its soil on 16 June, as so my thoughts on Berne’s wise decision to the Swiss negotiators during these negoti- many other representatives of states in con- abandon the draft Framework Agreement ations and, one day, light will have to be flict or in delicacy have done since the Sec- with the European Union. Of course, it is shed on the real culprits, probably among ond World War. The international status of important for Switzerland and the Euro- this neutrality is linked to the sovereignty pean Union to safeguard their countless of the Swiss Confederation. economic and social relations by finding * Prof. Dr Ivo Rens, retired honorary professor of There is one consequence of this pro- a new, mutually acceptable modus viven- the University of Geneva, was a full professor at the University of Geneva until his retirement. He ject that has hardly ever been brought to di, and therefore free of any trickery (sans taught at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technol- public attention, namely the gradual dis- escobarderie)! ogy in Lausanne and at the Sorbonne in Paris, in memberment of international Geneva that addition to other international teaching assign- will eventually lead to the programmed Best wishes, ments. In the 1960s, he was advisor on constitu- disappearance of Swiss neutrality, which tional issues to the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Renz Paul-Henri Spaak, one of the fathers of a united is dependent on Swiss sovereignty. Of Europe. course, not all international institutions (Translation Current Concerns)

Will there be an EFTA renaissance? What happens now that negotiations on the Framework Agreement have been abandoned? by Dr rer. publ. Werner Wüthrich History does not repeat itself. But there EFTA (European Free Trade Associa- ment in London to change its politi- are parallels, the knowledge of which tion). These countries set themselves the cal course so fundamentally? There are is helpful and which today can provide goal of reducing customs duties in the in- documents that shed light on the back- suggestions and answers to the question dustrial sector and cooperating with each ground. For example: On 14 July 1961, “What next?”. other in a liberal way – in contrast to the the US Secretary of State George Ball EEC without a political superstructure. visited the Federal Council. Minister In the second half of the 1950s, two very Western Europe was divided. The chanc- Albert Weitnauer was present at the con- different economic organisations were es were good, however, that the two dif- versation and summarised it in a memo founded in Europe. In 1957, the Federal ferent organisations would dismantle that can be accessed today via dodis.ch Republic of Germany, France, Italy, the customs duties in step and form a large, (historical document collection). From Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg common free trade area. – Things turned it the following passage: “The Ameri- founded the European Economic Com- out differently. cans consider negotiations between the munity (EEC). The preamble to its stat- EEC and EFTA as a group with a view utes already contained the political goal The USA sets the tariff to a purely economic agreement to be of forming an “ever closer union” in the Soon after its foundation, Great Britain undesirable and, moreover, hopeless longer term. In 1960, Great Britain, Den- informed its contracting parties that it from the outset. For them, it is primar- mark, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Portugal wanted to leave EFTA in order to join ily a question of Great Britain and the and Switzerland joined together to form the EEC. What prompted the govern- continued on page 7 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 7

Federal Councillor Hans Schaffner (left) and Federal Councillor Willy Spühler at an EFTA meeting in Lon- don in December 1966. With good negotiating skills and a great sense of responsibility, the best was achieved for Switzerland. (Picture keystone)

”Will there be an EFTA renaissance?” 1963 – Minister Paul Jolles, the head of continued from page 6 the Integration Office, reported to the Current Concerns other NATO allies in EFTA subscrib- Federal Council on his conversation with ing to its political objective by joining the head of the Policy Planning Board The international journal for independent thought, ethical standards, moral responsibility, the EEC” (dodis.ch/30116, p. 2) [Trans- in the American State Department: “My and for the promotion and respect lation of all dodis-documents: Current interlocutor unreservedly holds the well- of public international law, human rights Concerns]. The political union should known American view that nation-state- and humanitarian law largely coincide with Nato. The neutral hood in Europe is historically obsolete Publisher: Zeit-Fragen Cooperative countries in EFTA, Switzerland, Aus- and that political unification seems in- Editor: Erika Vögel, Eva-Maria Föllmer-Müller tria and Sweden, would conclude an as- evitable if Europe wants to continue to Address: Current Concerns, sociation treaty with the EEC. Prepara- play a role in world politics. The French P.O. Box, CH-8044 Zurich tions began in the Federal Parliament President de Gaulle is seen as an iso- Phone: +41 (0)44 350 65 50 with numerous working groups (dodis. lated phenomenon. [...] The conversa- Fax: +41 (0)44 350 65 51 ch/30134, 34186). That would probably tion left me with the impression that one E-Mail: [email protected] have been the end of EFTA. has lost one’s footing in the braintrust of Subscription details: the State Department with regard to Eu- published regularly electronically as PDF file Veto from Charles de Gaulle rope.” (dodis.ch/30356) Annual subscription rate of It did not come to pass. France’s Pres- Federal Councillor Schaffner later SFr. 40,-, € 30,-, £ 25,-, $ 40,- ident Charles de Gaulle vetoed the ac- commented: De Gaulle favoured an for the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, cession of Great Britain in January 1963, equal partnership between Europe and Cyprus, , Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, and the project initiated by the USA was the United States – and not “une Europe Greece, Hongkong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, put on hold. What prompted de Gaulle intégrée, donc diminué” [an integrated Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Nether- lands, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, to take this step? He sought a closer re- and therefore weakened Europe] (dodis. Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, lationship with Germany. On 22 January ch/30358). United Kingdom, USA 1963, France concluded the Elysée Treaty Annual subscription rate of (Agreement on Franco-German Cooper- EFTA continues to exist SFr. 20,-, € 15,-, £ 12,50, $ 20,- ation) with the Federal Republic of Ger- For EFTA, de Gaulle was a stroke of luck. for all other countries. many. This treaty was to determine the His veto gave it breathing space and the Account: Postscheck-Konto: PC 87-644472-4 policy of the two countries until today. necessary calm to build itself up – and al- The editors reserve the right to shorten letters to De Gaulle feared that with the accession ways with an eye on the EEC. The EEC the editor. Letters to the editor do not necessarily of Great Britain, Anglo-American influ- countries dismantled customs duties in reflect the views and opinions of Current Concerns. © 2021. All rights reserved. No reproduction, copy or ence in the EEC/NATO would become several steps – and the EFTA countries transmission of this publication may be made without written even more dominant and Europe even followed in step, so that after a few years permission. more dependent. A little later – in July continued on page 8 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 8

Tax justice for the small and medium-sized business sector by Professor Dr Eberhard Hamer, Mittelstandsinstitut Niedersachsen e. V. In Germany, the corporate income tax for tion in our history (more than 50 % GDP), purposes, do not have to transfer their corporate enterprises is 15 %, whereas a the lower class receives more social ben- profits abroad, but keep them at home and medium-sized entrepreneur has to pay efits than it pays itself. The middle class are thus at the mercy of the most meticu- income tax of 42 %. The difference was is the only loser and the dominant payer lous tax bureaucracy in the world. previously justified by the fact that capital (61 % of all that the recipients of social The Mittelstandsinstitut Niedersachsen shareholders (shareholders, GmbH share- benefits receive and the state incurs in is therefore calling on the federal govern- holders) had to pay additional taxes on costs2). ment not only to introduce loss carrybacks their profits, insofar as there was a com- For decades, SME research and SME for a few years, but to take the whole step, pensation. In reality, however, this corpo- associations have been demanding that namely to tax only distributions, as under rate argument is wrong: 70 % of our cor- the government return to the tax policy Ludwig Erhard. porations are owned by foreigners who of Ludwig Erhard, who managed to build No time is more favourable for this step do not pay taxes on their profits here, up the German economy through self-fi- than now, when profits are not being made but abroad. And the international corpo- nancing, namely through a different con- anyway, companies are fighting for their rations - especially Big data - have their cept of profit: in the 1950s, only distribu- existence and need more equity capital to tax domicile in tax havens, so they pay no tions were taxed as profit, the same for all survive at all. taxes at all. Example: Amazon, with 100 types of companies. In this way, compa- The Mittelstandsinstitut calls on the billion in profits in 2019, only had to pay nies were able to keep fictitious profits and SME associations and chambers to join 3 billion in local taxes. investment costs in the company, grow, this demand for a change in the concept of So, in practical terms, the middle class create jobs and achieve healthy finances. profit and thus to give the economic sec- is often taxed at 70 % with 42 % income This infuriated the international banks at tor that is most important for our prosper- tax plus business tax plus indirect tax the time, who also wanted to earn from the ity – the SME sector – a chance to survive. plus propaganda tax (GEZ) plus local real economic upswing and urged Adenauer to The basic law of the market economy is taxes, while corporations can escape most provide debt financing for companies as in equality of opportunities. Small and me- of these levies. An earlier study showed the Anglo-Saxon countries. Thus, the con- dium-sized enterprises are also entitled to that the middle class pays more than 80 cept of taxation was changed from distribu- equal treatment with corporations in tax % of our taxes and social security contri- tions to complicated theoretical internal sur- law. Changing the definition of profit to butions on net, while the corporations re- plus calculations in the company, fictitious distributions would finally create tax jus- ceive more subsidies than they pay in cor- profits and investments have to be taxed and tice. s porate income tax.1 the tax system has become so complicated So, there is a blatant injustice in our tax that no one can see through it any more. 1 cf. Hamer, Eberhard. Wer finanziert den Staat? system: corporations are coddled, spared, This has hit above all the medium-sized (Who finances the state?), Hannover 1982 subsidised. In the biggest state redistribu- companies, which cannot emigrate for tax 2 cf. Ibid.

”Will there be an EFTA renaissance?” The Swiss parliament submitted the Councillor Brugger, putting the country’s continued from page 7 free trade treaty to the sovereign on 3 De- characteristics at risk? it was relatively easy to conclude a joint cember 1972, and it was approved by a Much like in the 1960s, Swiss laws free trade agreement, initially in the in- majority of 72.5 percent and by all can- and trade regulations can be harmonised dustrial sector, between the countries of tons. Switzerland was united. In the years with today’s EU – to the extent that it is the EEC and EFTA – a project that the that followed, EFTA concluded over a necessary and makes sense – even auton- Americans had prevented ten years ear- hundred additional treaties with the EC omously without negotiations. This ap- lier. and later the EU. The exchange of goods proach also proved its worth in the years and later also the exchange of services following the popular “no” to the EEA in Free Trade Agreement of 1972 multiplied. In the meantime, EFTA has 1992. The cohesion billion as a contribu- The President of the Swiss Confederation concluded around 40 tailor-made free tion to the economic and social develop- Brugger gave an impressive speech at the trade agreements with many countries ment of poorer countries is part of this. signing of the Free Trade Agreement on around the world. These include countries Should the Free Trade Agreement ever be 22 July 1972, in which he set out Switzer- such as China, Japan and recently, follow- “modernized”, the conditions as formulat- land’s fundamental values and the guide- ing a referendum, Indonesia. In addition, ed by Federal Councillor Brugger in his lines for Switzerland’s future relationship there are numerous trade agreements. It is 1972 speech would have to be observed: with the Community: a success story. This would not have been Cooperation yes, “insofar as we are able to “The agreement between Switzerland possible with the association treaty with do so while preserving direct democracy, and the European Community, which on the EEC demanded by the USA, as it was parliamentary powers and neutral foreign behalf of the Federal Council I have the debated in the 1960s. policy.” It is possible that the UK, a found- honour to sign today, represents a decisive ing member of EFTA, which has since left step in our traditional endeavour to coop- What can we learn from this? the EU, will rejoin, and that there will be a erate in the integration of our continent, Cooperation and talks with the EU on an renaissance of the soon to be fifty-year-old insofar as we are able to do so while re- equal footing within the framework of the treaty. s specting direct democracy, parliamentary existing treaties are a matter of course. Detailed presentation of the events in: Wüthrich, Wer- powers and neutral foreign policy.” (dodis. Switzerland and the EU belong to Eu- ner. Wirtschaft und direkte Demokratie in der Sch- ch/36209) rope. Both are dependent on each other for weiz; Geschichte der freiheitlich-demokratischen Wirtschaftsverfassung der Schweiz (Economy and di- In 1974 – after the death of Charles de many reasons and can cooperate in a tried rect democracy in Switzerland; history of the liber- Gaulle – Great Britain joined the EC, and and tested way. What can Switzerland do al-democratic economic constitution of Switzerland), later other EFTA members followed. today without, as expressed by Federal Zürich 2020, cf. chapter 24, pp. 293–318 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 9 Enemy images outside … and also inside the country Germany before the federal elections by Karl-Jürgen Müller

The results of the state elections of 6 June in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt – the last state elections before the feder- al elections at the end of September 2021 – and the public debates before and after these elections once again shed light on the state of political culture in Germany: The issues really at stake are to be hidden behind questions of good or evil. A clarifi- cation of terms and political contexts can help not to fall for superficial phenomena.

Before and after the state elections, one topic was dominating the media com- mentaries and analyses: the AfD (Al- ternative for Germany). Before the state elections, the spectre of the AfD becom- ing the strongest faction in the new state parliament was invoked. After the elec- tions, nearly everyone agrees on one thing: the spectre has been banished for the time being. The CDU – which in this state is considered more “conservative” than the federal CDU – won almost 37% of the votes (it even managed to increase its share), which was significantly more than the AfD, which still won more than 20% of the voters and will be the second strongest parliamentary group in the new state parliament, but also suffered slight losses. Die Linke, SPD and Bündnis 90/ Die Grünen fell short of their expecta- tions, the latter two parties with less than 10%. The FDP achieved a little more than 5% and re-entered the parliament after 10 years. Clarifying the terms Experiences from The spectre of the threat Too rarely, there are factual reaction to the Weimar Republic from the extreme right-wing such statements in Germany. In other During the years of the Weimar Repub- The spectre of the threat from the extreme words, there is a lack of clarification of lic, Germany had made the painful ex- right-wing has a long history in Germa- what terms like “radical right-wing”, perience that since the summer of 1932 ny and, after 1990, has gradually replaced “non-democratic” etc. mean. Unfortunate- – i.e., still in the times of the Republic – the spectre of the threat from the extreme ly, even the Federal Office and the State the NSDAP (together with the commu- left-wing as the main threat from the offi- Offices for the Protection of the Constitu- nist KPD) had won a majority of depu- cial side. Particularly in Western Germa- tion, from which clear statements on these ties in the Reichstag, the parliament of ny, many believe they can recognise this questions should be expected, unfortu- the Republic, and that proper parliamen- spectre in the flesh. The most recent ex- nately do not always help today. The “def- tary work was no longer possible. The Na- ample of this are the statements made by initions” of these state offices have mean- tional Socialists had openly declared that Marco Wanderwitz, a CDU politician and while adapted quite well to the zeitgeist. they wanted to win seats in parliament the German government’s representative The author of these lines grew up in in order to destroy it. Finally, and under to the East, in the “FAZ Podcast for Ger- Germany at a time when the term “rad- pressure from influential forces at home many” on 28 May, according to which ical right-wing” was always associated and abroad, Hindenburg, the President of there was a stronger tendency to vote for with the ideology and rule of the NSDAP. the Reich – also no friend of democracy, right-wing extremist parties in East Ger- Characteristics of National Socialist ide- but not a National Socialist – appointed many than in the West: “We’re dealing ology and rule were a leader principle re- Adolf Hitler as Chancellor on 30 January with people who have partly been social- jecting democracy; an inhuman racial 1933 – in accordance with the rules of the ised by a dictatorship in such a way that doctrine with the delusion that there were constitution. they haven’t yet arrived in democracy inferior and superior “races” and that the even 30 years later.” inferior ones were to be destroyed; an ag- After 1945: defensive democracy Some people in Eastern Germany, he gressive foreign policy based on war and Such a turn was to be made impossible in said “just haven’t properly grasped de- conquest (in the East, especially in the So- Germany after the Second World War. The mocracy yet”. viet Union). continued on page 10 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 10 “Recourse to the traditional colonial strategy” With the manoeuvre “African Lion 21”, the USA is reaching out to Africa again by Manlio Dinucci, Italy The African Lion, the largest military ex- work of a new US Command structure. The exercise in Africa is directed from Vi- ercise on the African Continent planned Last November, the US Army Europe cenza by the US Army’s Southern Europe and led by the US Army, has begun. It in- and the US Army Africa were consolidat- Task Force and the participating forces are cludes land, air, and naval maneuvres in ed into a single command: the US Army supplied through the Port of Livorno with Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and adjacent Europe and Africa. General Chris Cavo- war materials coming from Camp Darby, seas – from North Africa to West Africa, li, who heads it, explained the reason for the neighbouring US Army logistics base. from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. this decision: “The regional security is- The participation in African Lion 21 is 8,000 soldiers are taking part in it, half of sues of Europe and Africa are inextrica- part of the growing Italian military com- them is American with about 200 tanks, bly linked and can quickly spread from mitment in Africa. self-propelled guns, planes, and warships. one area to another if left unchecked.” The mission in Niger is emblematic, African Lion 21 is expected to cost USD Hence the decision of the US Army to formally “as part of a joint European and 24 million and has implications that make consolidate the European Command and US effort to stabilise the area and to com- it particularly important. the African Command, so as to “dynam- bat illegal trafficking and threats to secu- This political move was fundamental- ically move forces from one theater to rity”, actually for the control of one of ly decided in Washington: the African ex- another, from one continent to another, the richest areas in strategic raw materi- ercise is taking place for the first time in improving our regional contingency re- als (oil, uranium, coltan, and others) ex- Western Sahara i.e., this year in the ter- sponse times”. ploited by US and European multination- ritory of the Sahrawi Republic, recog- In this context, African Lion 21 was als, whose oligopoly is endangered by the nised by over 80 UN States, whose exist- consolidated with Defender-Europe 21, Chinese economic presence and other fac- ence Morocco denied and fought against which employs 28,000 soldiers and over tors. by any means. Rabat declared that in this 2,000 heavy vehicles. It is basically a sin- Hence the recourse to the traditional way “Washington recognises Moroccan gle series of coordinated military manoeu- colonial strategy: guaranteeing one’s in- sovereignty over Western Sahara” and in- vres that are taking place from Northern terests by military means, including sup- vites Algeria and Spain to abandon “their Europe to West Africa, planned and com- port for local elites who base their power hostility towards the territorial integrity manded by the US Army Europe and Af- on their armed forces behind the smoke- of Morocco”. Spain, who was accused by rica. The official purpose is to counter an screen of opposing jihadist militias. In re- Morocco of supporting Polisario (Western unspecified “malign activity in North Af- ality, military interventions aggravate the Sahara Liberation Front), is not participat- rica and Southern Europe and to defend living conditions of populations, reinforc- ing in the African Lion this year. Washing- the theatre from adversary military ag- ing the mechanisms of exploitation and ton reaffirmed its full support to Morocco, gression”, with clear reference to Russia subjugation, with the result that forced mi- calling it “major non-NATO ally and part- and China. grations and consequent human tragedies ner of the United States”. Italy participates in African Lion 21, as increase. s The African exercise takes place this well as in Defender-Europe 21, not only Source: il manifesto of 8 June 2021 year for the first time within the frame- with its own forces but as a strategic base. (Translated by Jeannie Toschi Marazzani Visconti)

”Enemy images outside …” 1950s, namely towards the Socialist Reich primarily serves the financial industry; continued from page 9 Party (SRP), which was classified as ex- opposition to a “Westernisation” whose [East German] German Democratic Re- treme right-wing, and the Communist Party bitter fruit is arrogance and aggressive- public declared a communist-defined An- of Germany (KPD), which was classified as ness towards other cultures, peoples and ti-Fascism as a constitutional principle. The extreme left-wing, the latter also in connec- states. Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Ger- tion with the Cold War. many not only declared the liberal, consti- Why is the East annoying? tutional and democratic foundations of the AfD and other targets The fact that abuse of terms is main- state to be unchangeable, but also declared Whether the AfD in its current constel- ly used against people in the east of the the new state to be a “defensive democracy” lation is “extreme right-wing”, “radi- country is violating German unity, polar- where individuals can forfeit basic rights in cal right-wing”, “anti-constitutional” or ising, and ultimately harming the whole the most extreme case (if these are “abused “unconstitutional” is a matter of debate. country. Perhaps the East Germans are to combat the free democratic basic order”, But that is not really the point because, to be disciplined: because the zeitgeist is Article 18) and in which parties can, if nec- in present-day Germany, all these terms examined more critically there; because essary, be banned as unconstitutional if they are used primarily in political competi- the idea of direct democracy (“We are (“by reason of their aims or the behaviour of tion – and they are aimed not only to- the people”, but honestly meant) is more their adherents, seek to undermine or abol- wards a party, but also towards a cer- alive among them than in the West of the ish the free democratic basic order or to en- tain way of thinking and acting. Above country; because the critical distance to danger the existence of the Federal Repub- all, to discourage opposition. For exam- the authorities and to the top-down poli- lic of Germany”, Article 21). It was probably ple: Opposition to a family policy that is tics prevailing in Germany is greater than already known at that time that the term determined by gender ideology; opposi- in the West of the country; because polit- “enemy of the constitution” or “unconstitu- tion to a migration policy that pleads for ical paternalism is perceived less agreea- tional” could be abused in political competi- “open borders” and against “Deutsch- bly than in the West of the country. These tion. Hence, only the Federal Constitutional Land”; opposition to a supranationalism East German virtues have absolutely noth- Court has the power to determine the un- that wants to break with the principle of ing to do with “radical right-wing”; that is constitutionality of a party and thus to ban democratically legitimised state sover- what makes this political lie so particular- it. The court has only done this twice, in the eignty; opposition to a globalisation that ly inappropriate. s No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 11 After US withdrawal: Will Afghanistan become Vietnam 2.0? by Dr Matin Baraki*, Marburg

Prehistory of Qatar, and sign an agreement in Feb- and NATO to withdraw this year. This After the end of the ruary 2020. Therein, they committed to would be a de facto expulsion of the world real existing social- withdraw their soldiers from Afghani- power from the Hindu Kush, and an order- ism, the “end of stan by the end of April 2021. With this, ly withdrawal of US and NATO units from history”1 was pro- the Taliban literally diplomatically pulled Afghanistan would hardly be possible. It claimed by a writ- the USA over the table and their surren- threatens to “look more like an escape”, ing mercenary of der was contractually sealed. As a con- said FDP defence politician Marie-Agnes the capitalist sys- solation, the Taliban [promised] “in a se- Strack-Zimmermann.12 This is precisely Matin Baraki tem, which emerged cret annex to the US-Taliban agreement the scenario the US wants to avoid at all (Picture ma) victorious from of February 2020 to protect foreign mil- costs. There must not be a second Saigon. the Cold War, and the New World Order itary bases from attacks by other militant US President Biden had to realise, no- was announced by the highest represent- groups”3, which they are hardly in a posi- lens volens, that the USA no longer had ative of the USA, George Bush senior, at tion to do. Nevertheless, in January 2021, any prospects in Afghanistan and on 13 the end of the US-led war against Iraq in the Taliban negotiator Sher Mohammad April 2021 ordered the withdrawal of his early 1991. Within the framework of the Abbas Stanikzai wanted to give the im- soldiers for September 2021, as reported Greater Middle East Strategy (GME) of pression of “giving safe passage to a for- by the “Washington Post”. By 11 Septem- the neo-conservatives around George W. eign invasion force”4. ber, all US units must be unconditional- Bush, Dick Cheney, Paul Wolfowitz and ly withdrawn from the Hindu Kush with- Donald Rumsfeld, the entire region of the Joe Biden’s manoeuvre out any consideration from the Taliban.13 Middle East, from the Caucasus to North The new US President Joe Biden had ini- “It is time to end America’s longest war. Africa and from there to Bangladesh and tially questioned the withdrawal until the It’s time for American soldiers to come the Hindu Kush, was to be brought under end of April 2021 set by former US Presi- home,” President Biden emphasised.14 He the control of the United States. The at- dent Donald Trump and ordered a review pointed out that he was the fourth presi- tacks of 11 September 2001 in New York of the agreement shortly after taking of- dent to have US units at war in Afghani- thus provided just the right occasion to fice. The idea was to talk to the Taliban stan during their term in office. “I will not implement the GME strategy. about postponing the date in order to be hand over this responsibility to a fifth.”15 It With the Taliban regime isolated na- allowed to stay in the Hindu Kush “a little is hardly possible, Biden stressed, to drag tionally, regionally and internationally, longer”5. “You can’t somehow withdraw out the war effort “in the hope that at some US fighter jets began bombing Afghani- more than 10,000 soldiers in six weeks”,6 point the circumstances will be right for stan on 7 October 2001. After sweeping stated Adam Smith, chairman of the Se- an ideal withdrawal”.16 There will never away the Taliban regime in four weeks, curity Forces Committee of the US House be “ideal conditions”17 for this. US units moved on to Iraq as early as the of Representatives, on 24 March 2021. At This is how even a loser can articulate beginning of 2003. There, the war was still the end of a meeting of NATO foreign his defeat in a comforting way. “The de- in full swing when the Taliban, strength- ministers, NATO Secretary General Jens feat of the West is so comprehensive that ened again, returned. Stoltenberg announced: “No final decision the Taliban do not even have to partici- The USA and its NATO allies, howev- has been taken [...]. For the time being, all pate in peace talks for appearances’ sake. er, did not succeed in defeating the Tal- options remain open.”7 Moreover, a with- The foreign forces are now leaving almost iban, even with the deployment of up to drawal by the end of April, as the previ- head over heels.”18 There are no plans for 150,000 soldiers. At its peak, in the years ous US administration had agreed with a farewell ceremony for the 10,000 NATO between 2001 and 2014, the war cost the Taliban, could not be guaranteed even and 1,100 Bundeswehr soldiers (German USD 1.5 billion every week. Apart from for logistical reasons. We will “decide to- army).19 The withdrawal of NATO units 2500 fallen US soldiers, it was no long- gether”8 to leave Afghanistan “when the from Afghanistan officially began on er financially viable in the long run. Ac- time is right”,9 said a representative of the 1 May 2021. cording to a publication by Statista Re- US NATO ambassador in Brussels. On What happens to the foreign mercenar- search Department on 22 March 2021, a 29 March 2021, President Biden stressed ies operating in Afghanistan on behalf of total of 3,596 soldiers of the Western al- that he did not want to put himself under the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) liance lost their lives in Afghanistan be- pressure because of the agreed deadline. and other NATO intelligence services? As- tween the years 2001 and 2020.2 The USA Yet, he could not imagine having US sol- sadullah Walwalgi, an expert on military had to recognise the limits of its military diers stationed in the Hindu Kush next affairs in Kabul, estimates that there are capabilities and accept defeat. year either. “We will go. The question is about 40,000 mercenaries under contract This also shattered the GME strategy when we go,” Biden emphasised.10 to about 50 different, mostly US military on the mountains of the Hindu Kush. Only The Taliban, however, insist that the companies,20 who “do the dirty work”.21 then did they negotiate secretly for years USA must abide by the agreement of Feb- There is no mention of their departure or and officially for two years with the Tal- ruary 2020. The Islamists’ spokesperson withdrawal anywhere. iban in Doha, the capital of the Emirate reported via Twitter that if the Biden ad- ministration did not abide by the conclud- “Together in, together out”? * Dr. phil. Matin Baraki, born in Afghanistan in ed agreement, “the problems would cer- This slogan of the Federal Minister of De- 1947, worked there as a teacher before coming to tainly be intensified as a result, and those fence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer is Germany. Today he is an expert on Afghanistan who did not abide by the agreement will more than an untruth. “Truth is something and development policy and a member of the Cen- be held accountable for it”.11 As every so precious that politicians use it only very tre for Conflict Research as well as a lecturer in in- 22 ternational politics at the Philipps University of year, the Taliban have announced their sparingly.” For since the incorporation of Marburg. spring offensive in order to force the USA continued on page 12 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 12

”After US withdrawal …” future worldwide operations of the Bun- The USA will now also try to militarily continued from page 11 deswehr. surround the People’s Republic of China the former German Democratic Repub- In its 20-year military “engagement” under President Biden and to, if not pre- lic (GDR), Germany’s political and mili- in the Hindu Kush, the Federal Repub- vent, at least delay the country’s rise to tary class has once again harboured great lic of Germany has had a total of 160,000 a future world power. Former US Presi- power ambitions. This is clearly evident soldiers in combat, most recently 1,100. dent Barack Obama and his Vice President from the Defence Policy Guidelines for 59 soldiers have paid for this with their Joe Biden had already called for a US-led the Portfolio of the Federal Minister of lives.29 This Bundeswehr mission has cost Pacific Century in November 2011. This Defence of 26 November 1992, 21 March more than 12 billion euros since 2001. strategy is clearly directed against the Peo- 2003 and 18 May 2011, as well as from the This was reported by the Federal Foreign ple’s Republic of China. To realise this op- 2004 and 2006 White Papers on Germa- Office in response to a question from the tion, the USA has already forged region- ny’s Security Policy and on the Situation Die Linke parliamentary group in the Bun- al military alliances with Japan, South and Future of the Bundeswehr. The border destag.30 Even if one were to assume that Korea, Australia, the Philippines, Thai- of Germany’s defence is no longer the one this sum has doubled, one would not be land, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indo- prescribed by the Constitution (Art. 87a) wrong. This is because the German gov- nesia and the nuclear power India. The re- – the operational area is the whole world. ernment does not specify all expenditures. gional conflict over the South China Sea, Remarkable is the Berlin speech of Despite the financial and human loss- of which the People’s Republic of China the then Federal President Roman Her- es, the current German Foreign Minister claims 80 % for itself and has even occu- zog at the Hotel Adlon on 26 April 1997, Heiko Maas (SPD) believes that “it has pied individual islands, citing “historical in which he emphatically referred to Ger- not been in vain”31 and announced further arguments going back as far as two thou- many’s great power ambitions: “A great German political and financial involve- sand years”, could be instrumentalised by global race has begun: World markets are ment in the Hindu Kush. “The peace pro- the USA as leverage for a larger conflict being redistributed, as are the chances for cess needs a new diplomatic push,” Maas against China. prosperity in the 21st century. We must said.32 For the current year, the FRG has Afghanistan has been written off for the now start a race to catch up.”23 promised 430 million euros “and the same time being. The USA wants to concentrate Afghanistan was also once again, now amount for the years until 2024”.33 But the its forces on what will be an important ge- for the third time, included as a chess- disbursement is made dependent on how ostrategic region. An Asian century is be- board for Germany’s global ambitions. the “peace process” between representa- ginning. The place where supremacy is However, a suitable occasion was await- tives of the Kabul administration and the being fought for is the Pacific Ocean re- ed. 11September 2001 was an excellent Taliban will develop. Whether the feder- gion. The forces in and around Afghan- opportunity for this. If it had not existed, al government would also cooperate with istan are being withdrawn precisely to it would have had to be invented. Chancel- a Taliban government is not clearly stat- build a bulwark against China on the Pa- lor Gerhard Schröder (SPD) announced ed. This is because “as early as January cific. Germany’s unrestricted solidarity with [2021], American considerations had be- the United States of America. Against this come public about forming a transitional Balance Sheet of a Disaster background, the “case of alliance” was government for Afghanistan that included Twenty years of US and NATO war have declared for the first time, in accordance the Taliban.”34 caused “devastation”36 in Afghanistan. with Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. “We Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah “The noble claims of the past, the stabi- must also not forget: It was not least Ger- Mahmood Qureshi was also cautiously lisation and democratisation of the coun- many that pushed the NATO to make Af- optimistic about the Taliban’s future strat- try, have been forgotten. And the balance ghanistan a NATO operation in 2002. That egy. He said that they “have understood sheet is a disgrace for the superpower was the Schröder/Fischer government,” that Afghanistan has changed. And that that will certainly reverberate: More than explained the former Inspector General of they have to accept this change.”35 Since 2,000 Americans have lost their lives in the Bundeswehr, Klaus Naumann.24 This the Taliban leadership always coordinates the Hindu Kush. In addition, there are at opened up the possibility for Germany’s its strategy with the Pakistani government, least 100,000 dead Afghan civilians.”37 political and military class to participate it may be that it would consider this reality According to a report by the news chan- in the war against Afghanistan.25 in addition to its military strength. nel TOLO-TV on 18 April 2021, 160,000 The militarisation of German foreign people are believed to have died since policy created the preconditions for the Women’s rights as an alibi 2001, according to counts by the Afghan pithy formulation of the Social Demo- In Afghanistan, the US imperial power and US governments and the UN.38 In cratic Federal Minister of Defense, Peter has from the beginning been concerned addition, “66,000 Afghan security forc- Struck, after the adoption of the Defense neither with women’s rights nor with es, four thousand international soldiers Policy Guidelines in the spring of 2003: human rights, let alone with Afghanistan and 80,000 Islamists” have been killed.39 “German security is being defended in itself, but only for their strategic interests In addition to this, corruption, nepotism, the Hindu Kush”,26 a sentence that has in the region, for the encirclement of the ethnic fragmentation, drug cultivation been quoted again and again. “The sen- Russian Federation and regime change in and trafficking, demonstration of power tence is one of the most foolish sentenc- Iran. The country in the Hindu Kush was and even kidnappings (there was talk of a es in German postwar history,”27 remarked turned into an unsinkable aircraft carri- kidnapping industry by 1st Vice President Heribert Prantl, then head of the domes- er by the USA. Now, however, the frame- Marshal Mohammed Qasim Fahim under tic policy department of the “Süddeutsche work conditions have changed and with it the US-imposed President Hamid Karzai) Zeitung”. Struck’s statement is also wrong the priorities of US strategy. In the fore- were the order of the day due to the co- because the Taliban have only a regional seeable future, the People’s Republic of operation and direct support of the war- agenda. They are not international terror- China will be able to catch up with the lords by the NATO countries. The entire ists and “do not want to attack Hamburg USA, if not overtake it economically, but state apparatus, both the judiciary and the and New York”.28 Germany’s military” also militarily. executive and the legislature, as well as engagement” in the Hindu Kush, on the At the end of 2017, the US “National the security agencies, are completely con- one hand, militarised German foreign pol- Security Strategy” classified the People’s taminated with the virus of corruption. icy and, on the other, opened the door for Republic of China as a “strategic rival”. continued on page 13 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 13

”After US withdrawal …” furter Allgemeine Zeitung of 24 April 2021, p. 8; “Re- continued from page 12 and developmental offers, a relative- turn in July instead of September” In: Süddeutsche Zeitung of 22 April 2021, p. 5. Forced prostitution to get posts is com- ly smooth transformation by Afghan 20 cf. Gerner, Martin. “Das Geschäft mit der Sicherheit” monplace at the highest levels. Posts are standards could take place. (The business with security) In: Der Tagesspiegel of traded like at a bazaar. The posts with the 3. If this does not succeed, it is very like- 28 October 2010; Michelis, Helmut. “Afghanistan – Krieg der Söldner” (Afghanistan – War of the Mer- highest corruption potential pay the most. ly that there will be a civil war like the cenaries). In: Rheinische Post of 18 November 2010.: Ambassadorial posts are offered for up to one in 1992, when Kabul was largely https://rp-online.de/politik/afghanistan-krieg-der- 40,000 US dollars. destroyed and more than 50,000 peo- soeldner_aid-12561151 21 Heilig, René. “Von Lügen getragen” (Carried by Of course, girls can attend school, but ple lost their lives. Lies). In: Neues Deutschland of 17/18 April 2021, the graduates hardly find jobs. The elite 4. After us, the deluge. The USA does not p. 4. have long since transferred their dollars seem to have a plan B for Afghanistan. 22 This was once aptly said by the US writer Mark to banks in Dubai and are now sitting on At least they have not revealed one so Twain. 23 Bissinger, Manfred (ed.). Stimmen gegen den Still- packed suitcases. Those who can, are leav- far. In my opinion, it would be absolute- stand – Roman Herzogs “Berliner Rede” und 33 Ant- ing the country. Already in 2020, “more ly necessary to deploy a UN blue-hel- worten (Voices against standstill – Roman Herzog’s than three hundred women journalists met force, consisting of the non-aligned “Berlin speech” and 33 responses) 2nd ed. Hamburg 1997, p. 28; www.bundespraesident.de. (as typescript have given up their jobs or left the coun- states and the Organisation of Islamic in the author’s archive). try altogether”.40 These women have the States, which should replace the NATO 24 Naumann, Klaus. In: Deutschlandfunk interview of most enemies: the government, the war- units and, for once, be equipped with a 2 July 2009 (typescript). 25 Cf. Struck, Peter. “Mögliches Einsatzgebiet ist die lords, the Taliban and also NATO. “There robust mandate, in order to ensure peace ganze Welt” (Possible area of operation is the whole is a great risk that the Taliban will want to for a transitional phase until the inner- world). In: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung of seize power in Afghanistan again after the Afghan conditions have stabilised. s 14 January 2004, p. 1. withdrawal of the USA. This is also in- 26 O-Ton Peter Struck, Federal Minister of Defence: Topics of the Day, HR 1, 18 December 2003, 22:07; dicated by the increase in violence. The 1 The term End of History was put into the world by the O-Ton Peter Struck: Midday Echo, WDR 5 of population will suffer the most, not least political scientist Francis Fukuyama in an article pub- 13 January 2004, 13:35 women and girls. The USA bears a great lished in The National Interest in the summer of 1989 27 Prantl, Heribert. “Krieg und Wahlkampf” (War and responsibility for this development. The and in a book entitled The End of History and the election campaign) In: Süddeutsche Zeitung of Last Man in 1992. 8 September 2009, p. 4. invasion 20 years ago was based on false 2 As of March 2021, cf. https://de.statista.com/statis- 28 Schwennicke, Christoph. “Die Qual der alten Krieg- expectations. Moreover, in all these years, tik/daten/studie/2006/umfrage/gefallene-oder- er” (The agony of the old warriors) In: Der Spiegel, it has not succeeded in providing stabili- verunglueckte-soldaten-der-westlichen-koalition-in- No. 24/2010 of 14 June 2010, p. 91 afghanistan/ 29 Cf. Brössler, Daniel. “Es ist nicht umsonst gewesen” ty and rebuilding the country. A stable and 3 “Die Nato zieht ab, die Taliban greifen an” (Nato (It has not been in vain), In: Süddeutsche Zeitung of democratic Afghanistan will probably re- withdraws, the Taliban attack), In: Frankfurter Allge- 30 April–2 May 2021, p. 10. main a utopia”, stated the Swedish news- meine Zeitung of 3 May 2021, p. 5 30 Cf. Afghanistan-Einsatz kostete 12 Milliarden Euro 4 41 Meier, Christian. “Was wollen die Taliban?” (What (Afghanistan mission cost 12 billion euros), dpa of paper “Skånska Dagbladet”. do the Taliban want?), In: Frankfurter Allgemeine 18 April 2021. Zeitung of 30 April 2021, p. 3 31 Brössler, Daniel. “Es ist nicht umsonst gewesen” (It What will become of Afghanistan? 5 USA bitten um Aufschub (USA asks for postpone- has not been in vain) In: Süddeutsche Zeitung of ment). Reuters, 25 March 2021 30 April–2 May 2021, p. 10. At the beginning of 2021, experts from the 32 6 “USA bitten um Aufschub” (USA asks for postpone- “Maas sichert Afghanistan weitere Hilfe zu” (Maas Afghanistan Study Group, appointed by ment). Reuters of 25 March 2021 assures Afghanistan of further aid) In: Frankfurter the US Congress, warned that “an ill-con- 7 “Nato: Alle Optionen offen in Afghanistan” (All op- Allgemeine Zeitung of 30 April 2021, p. 1. sidered withdrawal could lead to a ‘col- tions open in Afghanistan). In: Frankfurter Allge- 33 Brössler, Daniel. “Es ist nicht umsonst gewesen” (It has not been in vain) In: Süddeutsche Zeitung of 42 meine Zeitung of 23 March 2021, p. 5 lapse’ in Afghanistan.” Such a “perspec- 8 “Nato: Alle Optionen offen in Afghanistan” (All op- 30 April–2 May 2021, p. 10. tive is a disaster for the USA and its allies tions open in Afghanistan). In: Frankfurter Allge- 34 Gutschker, Thomas. et al. “Augen zu und raus” (Eyes in Berlin, London and Paris”.43 The with- meine Zeitung of 23 March 2021, p. 5 closed and out) In: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung of 9 “Nato: Alle Optionen offen in Afghanistan” (All op- 15 April 2021, p. 3 drawal date of the US and NATO units is tions open in Afghanistan). In: Frankfurter Allge- 35 Meier, Christian. “Was wollen die Taliban?” (What now fixed. Why should the Taliban ne- meine Zeitung of 23 March 2021, p. 5. do the Taliban want?) In: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zei- gotiate with the Kabul side at all? They 10 Matern, Tobias. “In der Defensive” (On the defen- tung of 30 April 2021, p. 3 sive). In: Süddeutsche Zeitung of 30 March 2021, p. 7 36 Wetzel, Hubert. “Verwundete Seele” (Wounded soul) “only have to wait a few months before 11 In: Süddeutsche Zeitung of 19 April 2021, p. 4 44 “Nato beginnt mit Abzug aus Afghanistan” (Nato be- they blow the whistle on Kabul”. This is gins withdrawal from Afghanistan) In: Frankfurter 37 Gutschker, Thomas. et al. “Augen zu und raus” (Eyes factual proof of “the failure of the West in Allgemeine Zeitung of 15 April 2021, p. 1 closed and out) In: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung of this war” in the Hindu Kush.45 12 “Früherer Afghanistan-Abzug?” (Earlier withdrawal 15 April 2021, p. 3 from Afghanistan?) In: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zei- 38 Cf. Matern, Tobias. “Die Truppen gehen, die Angst “Only when one knows all the factors tung of 22 April 2021, p. 5 bleibt” (The troops leave, the fear remains) In: Süd- is a scientific prediction in the true sense 13 Cf. Gutschker, Thomas. “Bedingungsloser Abzug” deutsche Zeitung of 19 April 2021, p. 7. possible.”46 We know much, but not every- (Unconditional withdrawal) In: Frankfurter Allge- 39 Wiele, Jan. “Ein Trauerfall” (A case of mourning) In: meine Zeitung of 16 April 2021, p. 1. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung of 17 April 2021, thing, about US strategy in and around Af- 14 “Nato beginnt mit Abzug aus Afghanistan” (Nato be- p. 11 ghanistan. Nevertheless, one could assume gins withdrawal from Afghanistan) In: Frankfurter 40 Wiele, Jan. Ein Trauerfall. (A case of mourning). In: the following options: Allgemeine Zeitung of 15 April 2021, p. 1. "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" of 17 April 2021, 1. immediately after the withdrawal of 15 Brössler, Daniel/Kolb, Matthias: “Wenn einer geht, p. 11 gehen alle” (If one goes, they all go) In: Süddeutsche 41 Skånska Dagbladet, Malmö, Sweden of 10 May 2021. NATO units, the Afghan political and Zeitung of 15 April 2021, p. 7 42 Brössler, Daniel. “Wenn einer geht, gehen alle” military elite could take flight, pre- 16 Brössler, Daniel/Kolb, Matthias: “Wenn einer geht, (When one goes, they all go). In: Süddeutsche Zei- ferring a quiet and nice life in exile gehen alle” (If one goes, they all go) In: Süddeutsche tung of 15 April 2021, p. 7. Zeitung of 15 April 2021, p. 7 43 Matern, Tobias. “Der Krieg bleibt” (The war remains) rather than getting involved in anoth- 17 Gutschker, Thomas: “Bedingungsloser Abzug” (Un- In: Süddeutsche Zeitung of 15 April 2021, p. 4. er war with the Taliban; then the Tal- conditional withdrawal) In: Frankfurter Allgemeine 44 Frankenberger, Klaus-Dieter: “Nach zwanzig Jahren” iban would be the sole rulers of the Zeitung of 16 April 2021, p. 1. (After twenty years) In: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zei- 18 Carstens, Peter. “Eine Abschiedsfeier ist nicht ge- tung of 15 April 2021, p. 1 country, as they were from 1996 on- 45 plant” (A farewell party is not planned) In: Frankfurt- Matern, Tobias. “Schadensbegrenzung” (Damage limi- wards. er Allgemeine Zeitung of 24 April 2021, p. 8 The USA tation) In: Süddeutsche Zeitung of 30 March 2021, p. 4 2. If the US administration succeeded in had invited the Taliban to a peace conference in Istan- 46 Bernal, John Desmond. Die soziale Funktion der Wis- winning the Taliban over to a coalition bul on 24 April 2021. The Islamists had no interest in senschaft (The Social Function of Science). Cologne this and refused to participate. 1986, p. 408 government with the Kabul administra- 19 cf. Carstens, Peter. “Eine Abschiedsfeier ist nicht ge- tion by making a variety of financial plant” (A farewell party is not planned) In: Frank- (Translation Current Concerns) No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 14 Geneva call to free Assange ef. On 4 June 2021, numerous well-known personalities, includ- secution of Alexei Navalny and of Roman Protasevich, those ing the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Nils Melzer and the other governments only laugh and ask, ‘Well, what about Ed- Mayor of Geneva, Frédérique Perler launched the “Geneva Call ward Snowden who is being protected in Russia? What about to Free Assange”. They did so “in the name of the humanitarian Julian Assange, who is in solitary confinement without having values rooted in Geneva, the City of Peace and Human Rights”. committed a crime except telling the truth? What about Chel- The day after, the “AnythingToSay” statue from the Italian sea Manning, who has been persecuted to the point of almost artist Davide Dormino was inaugurated on Pâquis-Pier in front dying in an attempted suicide? […] It is now in the hands of of Geneva’s Jet d’eau. It is dedicated to the whistle-blowers Ed- the public to react.” ward Snowden, Chelsea Manning and Julian Assange. To date, the Geneva appeal has 4,515 supporters (17 June At the inauguration, Nils Melzer said: “I am standing here, 2021). Another aim is to draw US President Joe Biden’s attention next to Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning. to the demands made so far, when he will arrive in Geneva on 16 The truth is: all of them are being persecuted, mistreated and June for his meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. demonised for one thing and one thing only; for having told the So many citizens and organisations around the world have been truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about the miscon- campaigning for the release of Julian Assange for so many years duct of Western democracies. – when will their voices finally be heard? Last not least: On 9 They are the skeletons in the closet of the West. Their perse- June 2021, Julian Assange was awarded the Sacco and Vanzetti cution and mistreatment is what destroys the credibility of the Prize in Boston (USA) in absentia. He was represented by his fa- West. When Western governments today protest against the per- ther John Shipton and his brother Gabriel Shipton. * * * We, the citizens of Geneva and beyond, Julian Assange has been arbitrarily de- Julian Assange must be released im- launch the “Geneva Call” to request the tained for more than ten years in condi- mediately because his revelations serve immediate release of Julian Assange. In tions that, according to the UN Special a basic and essential public interest. severe isolation at the Belmarsh high se- Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer, fall Citizens not only have a right to know, curity prison in London, the founder of under “psychological torture or cruel, in- they must know. The very notion of es- WikiLeaks is threatened with extradition human and degrading treatment”. pionage induced by the reference to the to the United States where he faces a pris- Julian Assange is being prosecuted Espionage Act is absurd. By making pub- on sentence of 175 years. His only crime in the United States on 17 charges (+ 1 lic proven information of obvious public is to have told the truth! other) under the Espionage Act, a law dat- interest, the founder of WikiLeaks is per- In the name of respect for inalienable ing back more than 100 years, which can forming a salutary act of transparency in human rights and the values promoted by earn him 175 years in prison. His fault? the exact opposite of an act of espionage. Geneva-based human rights organizations, To have published some 700,000 classified Julian Assange exercised his freedom of we request: documents, in particular on the war in Iraq speech, which is guaranteed by the First – the British authorities to refuse the ex- and Afghanistan, often in collaboration Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as tradition of Julian Assange and to give with major media such as the New York well as in every democracy. The editor of him his freedom Times, The Guardian, Le Monde or the WikiLeaks revealed information of fun- – the U.S. government to drop the charg- ABC channel. In particular, he revealed a damental public interest that the state it- es against Julian Assange without any video of the American army showing the self should have made public because of further delay massacre of a dozen civilians including its obligation to inform the citizenry. Ju- – all democratic states, including Swit- two journalists from a helicopter. The doc- lian Assange has made a unique and re- zerland, to provide Julian Assange with uments published by WikiLeaks revealed markable contribution to public interest a safe haven from further prosecution acts and methods of operation in violation journalism, transparency and government for the WikiLeaks publications of the Geneva Conventions and human accountability. His courageous and tena- – International organizations and non- rights. None of these violations and war cious contribution has been widely recog- governmental organizations in Gene- crimes have been prosecuted, while the nized by the media and freedom of expres- va to use their skills and authorities to person who revealed them has been sub- sion community, which has honored Julian help free Julian Assange. jected to persecution for more than ten Assange with some of the most prestig- – the media to continue to report coura- years. This is the ultimate paradox, a fla- ious journalism awards. geously, independently and impartial- grant denial of justice, an insult to human Julian Assange must be released im- ly on the Assange case and its impli- dignity and a culpable disregard for the mediately because the case against him cations for freedom of expression and rule of law. constitutes an intolerable threat and freedom to investigate and publish. Julian Assange must be released im- pressure on investigative journalists. The – the people of Geneva, Switzerland and mediately as there is no justification for smear campaign against the Wikileaks the world to support the Geneva Call holding him in near total isolation for founder and the heavy charges against for the immediate release of Julian As- so long. The United Nations Working him are a warning to any whistleblower sange. Group on Arbitrary Detention has been or journalist about to publish classified On January 4, the British judiciary re- denouncing the illegal imprisonment of material. It seriously hinders the search fused to extradite Julian Assange on the Julian Assange for more than five years. for the facts and the truth. A conviction grounds that his life would be at risk in Today, his physical and mental health is of Julian Assange would be the ultimate the U.S. prison system. Arguments about seriously deteriorating according to wit- validation of a long line of absolutely un- transparency and Julian Assange’s right nesses who have been able to visit him. precedented abuses of power with devas- to publish, however, were dismissed. An In the name of respect for human rights tating consequences for free speech and appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice and the traditions, norms and values pro- journalism. Any dissemination of secret is pending and the risk of extradition re- moted by Geneva-based humanitarian or- documents by any journalist or whistle- mains, as does the threat of unprecedent- ganizations, Julian Assange must be re- blower, in any country, would then be ed restrictions on press freedom. leased without delay. continued on page 15 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 15

Democratic Republic of Congo On the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano on 22 May 2021 The population of Goma flees a volcano’s menace as a major humanitarian crisis looms by Alain Wandimoyi / ICRC zf. On 22 May 2021, the Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, erupted again in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is locat- ed in the middle of the famous Virunga Na- tional Park, the oldest nature reserve (con- servation area) in Africa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and at its centre is the larg- est lava lake in the world (250 x 270m). About 1.5 million people live in its vicin- ity. 20 kilometres south of Nyiragongo is Goma, the capital of North Kivu prov- ince. The last eruption of the Nyiragongo in 2002 killed 250 people and left 120 000 homeless. Even though people are now slowly returning and several aid organisa- tions are working there, the humanitarian crisis remains: 30 dead, 232 000 people displaced, sexual abuse and exploitation “Oh my child!” A mother finds her son at the DRC Red Cross headquarters rampant, cholera broke out. 3000 homes in Goma three days after losing him at the May 22 eruption. were destroyed, 1000 houses damaged. (Picture © Trésor Boyongo Kaya/IKRK) According to the UN Relief and Works Agency, 15.6 million US dollars are need- Fearing another eruption of the Nyiragon- surroundings. The International Commit- ed, of which 5.2 million have been pledged go volcano in the eastern Democratic Re- tee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has temporar- so far (as of 4 June 2021). The ICRC media public of the Congo (DRC), thousands of ily relocated part of its teams to Bukavu release is printed below. people are fleeing the city of Goma and its and Minova, and with its partners in the Red Cross Movement, remains mobilised to meet the most urgent needs in Goma The population could have been warned in time and the surrounding area. ef. As early as March 2021, researchers at In April 2020, the World Bank’s four- the Goma Volcano Observatory (OVG) had year USD 2 million funding programme People flee danger once again warned that there could be another erup- had not been renewed, on the grounds Even though the eruption of 22 May is tion, Reuters reported. that the OVG “lacked experience and over, the gasses released by the volca- “If we don't take regular measurements there were weaknesses in the implemen- and announce the eruption a few days in tation of such a grant”. They added that it no are still a threat to Goma’s residents. advance, the population will not have could not verify the allegations of bribery. Earthquakes continue to rattle the region, time to evacuate and people will die”, Since then, the volcanologists have exposing the population to further risk, Honore Ciraba, one of the volcanologists, had difficulty carrying out basic checks and it is difficult to specify the extent of had told Reuters. on a regular basis. Without support, they the humanitarian needs. “The threat of an- Background say, they are unable to pay for an inter- other eruption is still real and the fear pal- Until 2014, Switzerland and the EU had net connection to run remote sensors and supported the observatory for many years for petrol to transport researchers to the pable. Earthquakes are still felt every five with a total of 3.5 million euros. volcano. continued on page 16

”Geneva call to free Assange” tions that work for the respect of our fun- mentarian, Jean Rossiaud, Former continued from page 14 damental freedoms. s Parliamentarian and Initiator of Hu- manitarian Visa for Assange, Blaise criminalised. The U.S. Espionage Act is With the participation and support Lempen, président Press Emblem so broad that, for example, it could be a of: Campaign (PEC), Pierre Ruetschi, violation of the law to even read a news Nils Melzer, UN special rapporteur Executive Director of the Geneva article that the U.S. believes is harmful to on torture, Stella Morris, fiancée Press Club/Club suisse de la presse, the country’s interests. of Julian Assange, Frédérique Per- Antoine Vey, Julian Assange’s Attor- We, the citizens of Geneva and else- ler, Mayor of Geneva, Yves Dac- ney, Davide Dormino, sculptor (an- where, launch this Appeal to free Julian cord, former General Director of ythingtosay), Joseph Farrell, Ama- Assange on this day, June 4, 2021, in Ge- ICRC, Christophe Deloire, Gen- bassador for WikiLeaks UK, Sarah neva, a city of peace and negotiations, the eral Secretary of Reporters With- Ducret, Association des Usagers des cradle of humanitarian law and human out Borders (RSF) secrétaire géné- Bains des Pâquis rights, and the seat of countless interna- ral de Reporters Sans Frontières, More information on www.pressclub.ch tional and non-governmental organiza- Carlo Sommaruga, Swiss Parlia- Source: www.pressclub.ch of 4 June 2021 No 14 22 June 2021 Current Concerns Page 16

”On the eruption of the Nyiragongo …” hygiene items and food. With the main coverage there is. The lava has serious- continued from page 15 road running north from Goma now cut ly damaged the main reservoir in Goma minutes in the city,” said Raphaël Tenaud, off and all the very fertile cultivated land city. It is estimated that nearly half a ICRC operations manager in Goma. in that part of the city destroyed, it is like- million inhabitants are without drinking On the night of Wednesday to Thurs- ly that the city's residents will suffer food water, and there is a high risk of water- day (26/27 May), the exodus of thousands shortages in the days to come. borne diseases such as cholera. This pre- of people began towards the town of Sake cariousness is also to be taken into ac- in the west following the announcement Prevent family separation count for the thousands of people who of the evacuation of part of the city by the In just 48 hours, nearly 550 children were had to leave Goma. authorities due to the risks associated with separated from their families as people “We are doing everything we can to seismic and volcanic movements. fled following the eruption of 22 May. It meet the many challenges associated with Around 2 a.m., the families started head- is essential to prevent thousands of dis- this constantly evolving situation, while re- ing for the port. The streets are full of peo- placed people from losing contact with specting security measures. Some of our ple and there is a wave of panic, some with their loved ones. teams are moving with the population, oth- vivid memories of the eruptions and de- “We advise families to memorize the ers repair the reservoir or facilitate the sup- struction of 2002. People are seeking safe- phone numbers of their loved ones as ply of water by tanker truck to hospitals ty, but some are also afraid to abandon their much as possible. If a person is traveling and Goma prison,” says Rachel Bernhard. homes. Fearing another eruption, thousands with a sufficiently grown child, they need In addition, medical structures require of people are fleeing the disaster of Goma. to teach them their full name, their region support to ensure continuity of care, par- “The people of North Kivu have al- of origin and the phone numbers of close ticularly in primary health centers. At ready struggled with socio-economic chal- people, in case they are separated from Ndosho hospital, the ICRC medical team lenges and the consequences of armed them,” said Rachel Bernhard, head of the is continuing to take care of gunshot vic- conflict for decades. The region is one of ICRC delegation in the DRC. tims from all over North Kivu province. the most food insecure places in Africa. Secondary health facilities received assis- This catastrophe is a double penalty. With Homes destroyed and tance to maintain the supply of electricity, each crisis, the capacity for resilience di- essential services disrupted water and medicines. s minishes,” says Raphaël Tenaud, ICRC More than 900 houses have already been Source: Media release of 28 May 2021; https://www. operations manager in Goma. destroyed. The water and electricity sup- icrc.org/en/document/dr-congo-population-goma- Thousands of displaced people are ply are still in operation in some parts flees-volcanos-menace-major-humanitarian-crisis- seeking water, shelter, basic necessities, of the city, but it's not clear exactly what looms The ICRC and RCDRC activities The Red Cross Society of the Democrat- to collect family reunification requests and – The RCDRC continues its health activi- ic Republic of the Congo (RCDRC) and guide families. ties, in particular in three additional tents ICRC teams are adapting their response in – The ICRC is supporting the Don Bosco provided by the ICRC. order to continue restoring family links, to center and the Margherite center, which support health centers in the most remote since May 22 have accommodated hun- Access to water and shelter areas and to distribute food and hygiene dreds of unaccompanied children. – The ICRC is strengthening the opera- kits to the most vulnerable. tion of pumping and water catchment sta- Sixty-four Red Cross volunteers from Health tions in Goma with a fuel donation of near- the Provincial Committee of North Kivu – The ICRC is maintaining surgical activ- ly 12,000 liters over two weeks in support were mobilized on Saturday evening to ities at Ndosho hospital. It provides sup- of the water company Regideso carry out victim assistance activities (distri- port there to ensure access to electrici- – RCDRC and ICRC tankers supply water to bution of water, first aid) and to restore ty and water, and supplies war surgery the affected areas. family links. equipment and drugs, including a war sur- – The ICRC is boosting water and fuel sup- gery kit for 50 patients. The ICRC also do- plies at Ndosho hospital for two weeks. Protection nated two tents to secure the placement – It is also strengthening the water supply – With technical and logistical support of patients out of buildings that are in system at Goma central prison. from the ICRC, the RCDRC sends unaccom- danger of collapsing at any time. Source: Media release of 28 May 2021; https:// panied children to various reception cent- – The ICRC helped transfer the pharmacy www.icrc.org/en/document/dr-congo-popula- ers and has set up three additional kiosks from Virunga Hospital. tion-goma-flees-volcanos-menace-major-hu- manitarian-crisis-looms Current Concerns The international journal for independent thought, ethical standards, moral responsibility, and for the promotion and respect of public international law, human rights and humanitarian law

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