Intelligence Chief Cites Resource Deficiencies
Christian Dussey, the head of Switzerland's Federal Intelligence Service (SRC), has resigned from his position, citing a critical lack of resources and personnel cuts as primary reasons. The contents of his resignation letter, recently reviewed by Swiss public broadcaster RTS, reveal that Dussey had requested a significant increase in staff to address the current security landscape.
Dussey, who was appointed Director of the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) on April 1, 2022, reportedly requested an increase of 'at least 150 people in 2024' to manage a security situation he described as unprecedented since the Second World War. However, his letter highlighted that the SRC is slated to face budget cuts starting in 2025 and continuing for the next three years, a decision he noted 'runs counter to the trend observed in European countries.'
Context of Departures and Internal Challenges
Dussey's resignation, initially announced in February 2025, is part of a series of high-profile departures within Switzerland's defense sector. These include the resignation of army chief Thomas Süssli and former defense minister Viola Amherd. The simultaneous exits of these key figures have raised questions regarding the stability and future direction of Swiss security institutions.
Further insights into the challenges faced by the SRC under Dussey's leadership emerged from internal staff surveys. These surveys reportedly indicated deep mistrust and dissatisfaction among employees towards top management, with only 25 percent of staff expressing satisfaction with the leadership. The intelligence service also experienced a high fluctuation rate, with nearly a third of its staff departing in the last three years. Dussey's comprehensive restructuring efforts, implemented after he took office, were reportedly met with limited approval from employees.
Succession and Future Leadership
While Dussey had initially indicated he would remain in his post until the end of March 2026, he is now expected to step down at the end of 2025. His successor, diplomat Serge Bavaud, is slated to take over as head of the FIS on November 1, 2025. Bavaud, 52, from Fribourg, was appointed by the Swiss government in September 2025. The incoming director will face the task of addressing the resource constraints and internal issues that have been highlighted during this period of transition for the Swiss intelligence service.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
High turnover and unhappy staff point to management failure, not budget.
Fuerza
Dussey's resignation highlights a real tension between perceived security needs and fiscal constraints. Yet, the reported internal issues and lack of approval for his restructuring efforts suggest the problem wasn't solely external pressure.
Manolo Noriega
Unprecedented times demand unprecedented resources. He's right to stand firm!
Ongania
The claim of an unprecedented security situation certainly warrants attention and potentially more funding. But the fact that his own staff had such low trust in management means the problem wasn't just about budget, but also about execution and leadership.
Fuerza
Switzerland needs a strong intelligence service. Budget cuts are a dangerous mistake.