Two high-ranking Swiss government officials have announced their resignations, signaling major shifts within the Department of Defense. Thomas Süssli, the head of the Swiss Army, confirmed his departure at the end of January 2025, with the intention to remain until the end of 2025. Christian Dussey, director of the Federal Intelligence Service (SIC), had submitted his resignation just days earlier, planning to stay until the end of March 2026.
The resignations, first reported by the online edition of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), come at a tumultuous time for the Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports (DDPS). The Swiss Federal Council will address these significant departures during their meeting on Wednesday, with ramifications expected to extend beyond just personnel changes.
After Süssli's announcement, political discussions intensified, particularly around the need for a new appointee to lead the DDPS. "Whoever is elected must make revolutionary decisions within the DDPS from day one, especially concerning personnel,” remarked Süssli, underscoring the magnitude of the upcoming leadership change. The consequences of these resignations will likely ripple through the Swiss military and intelligence communities.
Since taking office as head of the Army in 2020, Süssli has been pivotal to Swiss military operations and strategies. His tenure has not been without controversy. Recently, the Federal Financial Control announced audits related to Ruag, the Swiss defense contractor, which have contributed to heightened scrutiny of leadership decisions within the DDPS.
Interestingly, the discussions surrounding Süssli’s future also included mentions of the Swiss Army's capacity for international peacekeeping missions. “The Swiss army, in the event of the end of hostilities, could provide 200 soldiers for a peace mission along the border between Ukraine and Russia,” Süssli stated during a Sunday interview with SonntagsBlick. This declaration sparked significant debate, highlighting the current state of global affairs and Switzerland's potential role on the international stage.
The resignations also set the stage for the eventual appointment of Süssli’s successor. The political maneuvering for the role has already begun, with potential candidates like Markus Ritter and Martin Pfister nominated by the Centre Party. The election of the new leader will take place on 12 March, and whoever takes up the mantle will face immediate challenges, especially related to existing military commitments and management of personnel.
This unexpected wave of resignations could mark the beginning of vast changes within Switzerland's defense structure. With the political climate emphasizing accountability and efficient governance, the incoming leaders must navigate these turbulent waters. The fallout from the recent audits, combined with the newly highlighted need for proactive military stances, means the decisions made by the next head of the DDPS will be closely monitored.
With the specter of international conflicts looming large, how Switzerland positions its military within the broader geopolitical sphere will be of considerable interest. The ramifications of Süssli’s and Dussey's resignations extend beyond simple personnel changes; they symbolize a potential shift toward more decisive and action-oriented defense policies.