Swiss Federal Railways is under increasing political – and press - criticism after it awarded a massive contract for new rolling stock to a German company and not a Swiss one.
The SBB will spend CHF 2bn with Siemens and not Stadler Rail.
Parliamentarians are lining up to denounce the decision – calling it stupid.
The SBB says it chose the German firm Siemens as the contract was a bit less than the Swiss offer and it scored higher on sustainability factors.
The rail firm says it followed the law making the decision.
But politicians say the law does allow for some more leeway.
The Federal Transport Department says the law does not allow a preference for Swiss companies as Switzerland is under certain international commitments.
But today’s Blick headline underlines the anger – it asks simply: ‘How stupid can you be?’, quoting National Councillor Gerhard Pfister.
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