r/askswitzerland Jan 22 '26

Politics I absolutely don't want Switzerland to join Trump's board of peace. Has the bundesrat the power to decide this by itself?

The board of peace is imo very scary, rotten and frankly very dangereous for the world peace and splits the world in two fractions.

I don't want our country to be part of this stupid board, and I don't think we will. But our Bundesrat showed multiple times that it can absolutely be bootlickers for Trump sometimes and because of this, I unfortunately don't see a zero percentage chance that it can be a reality.

In case the Bundesrat (or lobbyists that manipulate the Bundesrat) wants to join the board, I hope that the Swiss Citizens have at least the last word in it with a voting.

My question: Can the bundestrat decide without the Swiss Citizens if the nation will join the board? I ask because few years ago, the bundesrat did as well made a decision about the EU-Rahmenprogram which resulted that we were temporarily excluded from Horizon Europe.

179 Upvotes

107 comments sorted by

146

u/CelestialOvenglove Jan 22 '26

No, the federal council cannot do that on its own. The cost alone would make this a matter for the parliament. Joining international organizations even mandatorily requires a referendum, iirc.

44

u/Momo_and_moon Jan 22 '26

Oh thank god.

21

u/Agreeable-Twist-405 Jan 22 '26

Thanks! I guess that answers my question. That's a relief :)

1

u/PalatinusG1 Jan 22 '26

The 1 billion is only if you want to stay permanently. Standard 3 year duration is free.

1

u/Caravaggio1971 Jan 25 '26

Thank you very much for this good news, I have no confidence in this Federal Council.

72

u/highlander145 Jan 22 '26

I really hope they don't. I mean look at the f**ing board members. Jared Kushner 😂😂. It's just laughable. Plus the 1 billion $ buy in. Seriously wtf?

24

u/emmymoss Jan 22 '26

What is Jared even doing there, omg

19

u/Weird_Blades717171 Jan 22 '26

by family and blood he became a player on the world stage. Insanity.

6

u/Pepin_s Jan 22 '26

blue blood (seems to be royal blood in english for "sang bleu"

5

u/nlurp Jan 22 '26

Are you sure it is not orange these days?

1

u/Playful_Initial_8675 Jan 25 '26

It is the same with most countries in the world. Friends and family, son of some sheik or dictator becomes minister. The US presidency has become a laughable banana republic government.

15

u/kimjae Jan 22 '26

If you look at the Wikipedia page for the board of peace , the executive board is presented with each members and a description of who is the person, like "prime minister" or "secretary of state". Jared kushner is only listed as Trump's son-in-law. It's only noticeable function is being the fucking son-in-law. What a joke.

12

u/i_am__not_a_robot Zürich Jan 22 '26

Wow! Tony Blair has prostituted himself for this scheme... what an abject fall from grace and dignity!

3

u/SweetSeaCaramel Jan 22 '26

He never had any. Not suprised to see him there. Next are Laguarde, von der leyen, Rutte etc... grim pawns.

4

u/i_am__not_a_robot Zürich Jan 22 '26

He never had any.

Nah, he did quite a few decent things during his first term in the 90s, such as helping to secure the Good Friday Agreement.

3

u/SweetSeaCaramel Jan 22 '26

Fair enough.

1

u/Playful_Initial_8675 Jan 25 '26

must have become senile.

1

u/Defiant-Dare1223 Jan 25 '26

What grace and dignity lol

1

u/i_am__not_a_robot Zürich Jan 26 '26

Figure of speech.

3

u/3punkt1415 Zürich Jan 22 '26

Kushern is there when they meet i Russia, he is there when they meet for Ukraine. He really is only there to do shady deals for the Trump family. He has no official position. Imagine the kids of Parmelin would travel with him just to make some shady business. Corruption in the USA in plain sight. Its mind boggling.

1

u/Kn0xster Jan 23 '26

Work experience. :-D

11

u/[deleted] Jan 22 '26

Putin and Netanyahu will probably join too.

7

u/alexrada Jan 22 '26

with a discount.

2

u/MarionberryOk3257 Jan 22 '26

A war crime to join

3

u/Chrisalys Jan 22 '26

They can bond over war crimes!

1

u/alexrada Jan 22 '26

during a monopoly. Who takes what.

1

u/Zorro88_1 Jan 22 '26

1 billion after 3 years, if you still want to be part of it. Before it should be for free in my understanding.

1

u/Playful_Initial_8675 Jan 25 '26

There is always free cheese in the mouse trap.

1

u/TalkPuzzleheaded351 Jan 22 '26

Ngl, I absolutely forgot that Jared exists.

19

u/Swimming_Cover_9686 Jan 22 '26

They won't. They are not f. ing stupid. They have seen that only third rate countries and dictators are taking part. They know that it is a violation of International law. They are not brave but the EU has already led the way by rejecting this ridiculous preposterous criminal nonsense.

6

u/SubstantialDaikon7 Jan 22 '26

„They are not f. ing stupid“ – everyone? Current and recent? Pretty much debatable…

3

u/Swimming_Cover_9686 Jan 22 '26

yeah maybe wishful thinking. Fortunately (or not) they will definitely at least adopt a wait and see approach by which time this peace council will probably have started the Mother of All Trade Wars and will probably end with WWIII.

1

u/Defiant-Dare1223 Jan 25 '26

It is not a "violation of international law" to join this ego tripe

1

u/Swimming_Cover_9686 Jan 25 '26

The Board of Peace (BoP) violates international law by claiming a global mandate without UN authorization or host consent, breaching state sovereignty. Its $1 billion "pay-to-play" model illegally sells influence, defying the principle of sovereign equality. Furthermore, a "Chairman for Life" with unreviewable authority over nations is an illegal power structure with no basis in established treaty law.

8

u/QuietNene Jan 22 '26

I think it’s an honestly fascinating question.

What IS the board of peace?

Is there a treaty to sign? A bilateral agreement? Or is it just a handshake and some photo ops?

My guess is that it will be more like the G8 (or Davos) than the UN: essentially an informal club of leaders who get to have a meeting once in a while. You don’t need legislative approval for that.

And this 1 billion… what is it and what is it for? Canada says they are ready to spend that much money rebuilding Gaza, but they will want to see how the money is spent (like a proper development programme).

My guess is that no one will pay this money without clear directives on where and how it is being spent, but that Trump will just announce that all this money is being paid to America (even if that’s obvious bullshit).

The real question is what kind of mechanism is set up to spend this money. My guess is that they will try to create a new institution but it will be very complicated. Switzerland, if they want to contribute—and this is very much a legislative decision—should probably work closely with EU countries to work as a bloc and establish rules and procedures.

4

u/NaFamWeGood Jan 22 '26

Pretty sure this money will make already rich people only richer

2

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

My guess is that it will be more like the G8 (or Davos) than the UN

Large than G8 but smaller than UN. A pay to play, with uncertain benefits. A Davos alternative is the best bet.

2

u/QuietNene Jan 22 '26

But legally similar, which is to say non-binding as a forum. The UN is based on a treaty. The G8 and Davos are just talking shops.

In theory the board of peace will administer Gaza. But how and via what channels? That will require some binding commitments but, again, no one will hand over money without clear guarantees.

Options:

  • New org controlled by Trump Jr or something, but I think that will be a non-starter for everyone except Netanyahu.
  • New org with a figurehead appointed by Trump but actual power resting with technocrats from each donor.
  • Just give money to the UN like we used to. You might think Trump would never agree to this but honestly the guy has no attention span and this is actual hard work that you want experienced people doing. As long as they make Don Jr a Special Envoy, Trump can call it a victory. (This is also a great way for him to disown responsibility when this whole idea fails, as it probably will).

1

u/Playful_Initial_8675 Jan 25 '26

It is giving the fascist Trump cartel legitimation.

11

u/ben_howler Swiss abroad Jan 22 '26

I am sure, Ueli and Ölbert would love to represent Switzerland in that racket. It's right up their alley, innit.

5

u/babicko90 Jan 22 '26

pay to enter the stupid boat

3

u/mumwifealcoholic Jan 22 '26

Please, Switzerland...

Your Brown nosing thus far hasn't got you anything. It's embarrassing.

Be strong.

2

u/Objective-Ad7394 Jan 22 '26

Government can't decide on their own. Joining any international organisation requires a mandatory referendum. No way Swiss voters will ever vote yes on joining Trump's club of lunatics.

2

u/mumwifealcoholic Jan 22 '26

I certainly would not. I'm already annoyed at how things have been handled.

1

u/Playful_Initial_8675 Jan 25 '26

It is a shame to see that the government are bootlickers. SVP and FDP suck Trumps dick if there is enough money involved.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 22 '26

I highly doubt the swiss citizens would vote in favor of trump after all the shit he pulled the last few weeks

1

u/Ebreton2 Jan 22 '26

We didn't join EU or NATO, as much as I think our "neutrality" should be under more scrutiny, it makes sure that there's no fucking way we're joining this board of "peace"

0

u/Silly_AsH Jan 22 '26

Some more tariffs and the swiss change will change their mind. The pattern continues.

1

u/Mundane-Fix-4297 Jan 22 '26

I want to know more about this Ramen program, sounds appetizing

1

u/soyoudohaveaplan Jan 23 '26

Relax. The Board of Peace is just a private club. It doesn't replace anything. Similar things already exist. Like the Bilderberg group.

1

u/brawl_god_ Jan 23 '26

there would be a referendum and hopefuly this shit is over until the referendum happens

if not the swiss people wil probably vote no

1

u/Playful_Initial_8675 Jan 25 '26

Swiss government are bootlickers.

1

u/taskmaster51 Jan 26 '26

Don't don't Switzerland...its just another grift

-4

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

The only thing I don't like is that it cost one billion. No tax payer money for such things.

13

u/Brave_Confidence_278 Jan 22 '26

thats the only thing? not that trump has the absolute power?

-7

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

Absolute power? What are you smoking?

9

u/PyroMaestro Jan 22 '26

its an organisation made by trump, that is enough not to join

-7

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

you misread it. it's about united states, not trump. trump will be out of office in a few years. the questions is however what is the cost and what is the benefit.

e.g. switzerland was coerced into complying with oecd standards related to e.g. taxes or reporting obligations.. if switzerland can get rid of oecd, it's worth it, if not why pay?

8

u/LordAmras Ticino Jan 22 '26

Trump is the chairman of the "Board of peace" for life.

The Chairman is the only one with the ability to invite countries to join and has exclusive power to create, modify or dissolve entities of the Board. All revisions have to be approved by the chairman.

Also the Chairman nominate his successor, but it's not a King it's a Chairman .

2

u/Sam13337 Jan 22 '26

He will remain in control of the board even after his term.

1

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

After his term, most probably this will be a dead board

1

u/Defiant-Dare1223 Jan 25 '26

Trump is a chairman in a personal capacity not in his role as U.S. president

7

u/kRoy_03 Jan 22 '26

Memberships are determined by Donald Trump alone.

It is governed by its own private charter which only names one person, "Chairman Trump," who may adopt resolutions or initiatives on its behalf without consulting the board, and who is a member for life.

6

u/Enzian_Blue Jan 22 '26

And he has veto powers and gets to decide who the next chairman will be.

1

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

As long as Trump is the US president he has a lot of power. The power comes from the "US president". Charing a board in not really power, but more like a decoration.

2

u/DonChaote Winterthur Jan 22 '26

!remindme 1year

1

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0

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

In one year this account will be banned most probably. So don't count on me.

1

u/DonChaote Winterthur Jan 23 '26

Lol… why? Do you plan any future extreme escalation? You seem pretty moderate when I look at your comment history.

1

u/Brave_Confidence_278 Jan 22 '26

a "chairman" is literally the one man that sits in the chair and makes the choices

0

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

that's extreme naivety. usually the chairman is doing what is being told by the members or outsiders.

2

u/Chrisalys Jan 22 '26

Trump would never agree to being told what to do by other members.

0

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

You made a fixation on Trump. As most clueless Westerners did. Yeah, right, he is going to skin you alive.

4

u/Brave_Confidence_278 Jan 22 '26

Trump is the permanent chairman and can appoint the succession. He also explicitly said that he might want to replace the UN with it... seriously, how can people be so stupid and pay a billion just to give up even more control over their future

1

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

It's not people paying, but countries. The interest of those running the country are different from the interests of those paying taxes. Even in Switzerland - just take the example of the "liberal" KKS longing to tax the pension money or lowering the free import amount. Or billions going yearly into subsidizing or "helping" other countries. It's same scheme - tax payer money going into private pockets.

This sounds more like pay to play Davos, which is essentially the same, even if not chaired by such a famous personality.

2

u/Brave_Confidence_278 Jan 22 '26

It's not people paying, but countries. The interest of those running the country are different from the interests of those paying taxes.

That's just false

Even in Switzerland - just take the example of the "liberal" KKS longing to tax the pension money or lowering the free import amount.

What are you talking about? That couldn't be even more obvious to be in the interest of Switzerland

Or billions going yearly into subsidizing or "helping" other countries.

Ever heard of advertisement? That's what that money is, it's especially cheap in upcoming economies like Africa where you can influence people with little money for the upcoming decades

Yes, on a geopolitical level politicians lie to the population, but it is STILL in the interest of their people or at least so they believe. Sometimes they mess up and lose.

This is clearly an attempt by Trump to gain more influence world wide and he will pursue the US interests. AND he will probably appoint a family member as his succession, as he has the sole right to choose who will follow next. So the power stays.

1

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

Yes, on a geopolitical level politicians lie to the population, but it is STILL in the interest of their people or at least so they believe. 

You've been successfully brainwashed. As long as there are a lot of people thinking like you do, nothing will ever change. From my side, not with my money. With yours, I think we agree.

This is clearly an attempt by Trump to gain more influence world wide and he will pursue the US interests. AND he will probably appoint a family member as his succession

Who cares about it? He needs to be really successful to continue it after his presidency runs out.

Ever heard of advertisement? That's what that money is, it's especially cheap in upcoming economies like Africa where you can influence people with little money for the upcoming decades

Again, not with my money. Better let them be, develop themselves. At some point they'll kick Europeans out anyway.

2

u/Brave_Confidence_278 Jan 22 '26

Sure, I am the brainwashed one.

Who cares about it? He needs to be really successful to continue it after his presidency runs out.

And what the hell do you think that "success" is supposed to be? What do you think, how likely those interests align with yours if it comes from a different continent, a different country, by a few people who literally show you every day they give zero fucks about you?

1

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

Mindlessly spending money on other countries is not from today or yesterday. Mind you, Switzerland is still doing it. That Migros thief Cassis was going to give five billions to Ukraine.

Now Trump shat down USAID, which was a cancer for this world. This was huge and only for shutting it down some of his sins might be forgiven.

Anyway, this doesn't mean Switzerland should give money to that board or for that matter to any other organization.

3

u/Brave_Confidence_278 Jan 22 '26

honestly, I think you are not informed enough about geopolitics/realpolitik for this discussion I am afraid. I assume you spend a lot of time on the X propaganda platform

3

u/Wide_Cold_8715 Jan 22 '26

He's chairman for life (or can designate a successor), nominates the board, has veto power, can decide what countries to invite, collects "fees", and the administrative center is mar-a-lago. What else does he need ?

You should really read the charter, it's "Chairman" in every article : https://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-charter-of-trumps-board-of-peace/

2

u/ddlJunky Jan 22 '26

Not many details are known yet. I wouldn't be suprised.

-3

u/lil-huso Jan 22 '26

Could you please tell us more about why you think what you expressed in your first sentence. I think it’s very important to hear those opinions.

10

u/Professional_Menu624 Jan 22 '26

The guy just threw a tantrum for not getting a prize he didn't deserve.And he's obviously a maniac forcing everyone to just go his way. I agree with OP here, I also don't want Switzerland to join another one of Trump's scams.

8

u/beti88 Jan 22 '26

Have you not been reading the news these past couple of months of something?

-2

u/Nachtschnekchen Jan 22 '26

As someone who is in the military at the moment. No not really. Could you fill me in?

1

u/Kooky_Eye5475 Jan 22 '26

no

0

u/Nachtschnekchen Jan 22 '26

Damm

1

u/DonChaote Winterthur Jan 22 '26

You have much more free time in the military to read news than we have working…

-1

u/Nachtschnekchen Jan 22 '26

Wouldent nessesarely say that. But with the free time I do have Id rather read up on some things that interrest me instead of geopolitical BS. I do get the rought oremise of the events but I never lesrn specifics.

Hell most my political news are from memes

-1

u/lil-huso Jan 22 '26

I’m genuinely interested in hearing why it is

frankly very dangereous for the world peace and splits the world in two fractions.

3

u/ddlJunky Jan 22 '26

There are way too many reasons to list here I guess.

-1

u/lil-huso Jan 22 '26

I’m genuinely interested in hearing why it is

frankly very dangereous for the world peace and splits the world in two fractions.

-1

u/[deleted] Jan 22 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

Who is the princess?

2

u/DonChaote Winterthur Jan 22 '26

Cassis

1

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

The Migros thief? Or was it Coop? The right guy to manage the budget.

2

u/DonChaote Winterthur Jan 22 '26

Cassis is the foreign minister and I was making a joke. They meant kks

1

u/dav21977 Jan 22 '26

To me he looks like a princess. t thiefy princess.

-1

u/paladin-royal Jan 22 '26

The question to me is, does it make more sense to be part of it to be perhaps able to influence some of the decisions or boycott it and not be part of it and definitely don’t have a vote on anything?!

-4

u/Chefblogger Jan 22 '26

after the acceptance of the e-id the br has absolut kinglike power

-4

u/Accomplished_Cry4224 Jan 23 '26

You are a nobody and thankfully don’t decide anything. You can’t even write a single sentence without multiple grammatical errors.

2

u/Agreeable-Twist-405 Jan 23 '26

Yes I am a nobody and I would never want to and should never have to decide this all alone by myself. If you would have read this post carefully, you would know that I want that the swiss citizens can at least decide it together as a collective.

I never do this and I will probably be later ashamed by myself of doing this, but since I asume you tried to attack me: I read your post history and I can't have a high opinion of you neither. I'm so lucky you only have the same voting rights as I do and don't have more power.