⏱ 1 min 30 read
Background
On 29 November 2026, Swiss voters will decide on a relaxation of the conditions for exporting war materiel. The arms industry and its subcontractors are following the vote closely. In the canton of Vaud, more than 40 companies are reportedly affected, according to 24 heures. The debate focuses in particular on the number of jobs actually at stake.
The key points
Supporters of a “yes” vote presented their economic arguments for the relaxation in Lausanne on Wednesday 11 November 2026. Those present included the Vaud Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CVCI), the GRPM, represented by its president Christophe Gerber, and the umbrella association Swissmem.
According to PLR Council of States member Pascal Broulis, several thousand jobs in Vaud would be affected directly or indirectly. The two camps differ sharply on the figures at Swiss level.
Key figures
- 40 : Vaud companies affected, at least, according to 24 heures
- 160 000 : jobs affected in Switzerland according to the “yes” camp, 15,000 of them directly
- 4972 : jobs affected in Switzerland according to the “no” camp
Who says what
- Pascal Broulis (member of the Council of States, PLR): several thousand jobs in Vaud are at stake.
- “Yes” camp (CVCI, GRPM, Swissmem, PLR, Centre and UDC politicians): the relaxation is needed to save the sector.
- “No” camp : puts the relevant jobs at 4,972 positions nationwide.
What's next
- Federal vote on 29 November 2026.
Further reading
Sources
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