THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD

JANUARY 2010 / NO. 1

Olympics – Switzerland primed for success in Vancouver

Spatial planning – urban sprawl continues unchecked

Federal Councillor Maurer: “I’ve got a dream job” All-round insurance cover for Swiss citizens living abroad.

The CSS Insurance International Health Plan covers medical expenses: on the job, off the job; sickness, accident and preg- nancy. For details and a quotation: www.css.ch/ihp

Phone: ++41 58 277 16 87/91 [email protected] E-Mail: SR 2010

Insurance EDITORIAL CONTENTS 3

“Swiss Review” has a contented readership 5 he readers of “swiss review” are happy with our efforts and read our news Mailbag / Sounds: The Young Gods from home eagerly and with great interest. That is the conclusion drawn by the 7 Tsurvey we conducted together with Switzerland Tourism on our homepage Images: Charting the development www.revue.ch of Switzerland 80% of the Swiss abroad who took part in the online survey said they read every issue 8 of “Swiss Review” from cover to cover. 70% felt the information contained in “Swiss Spatial planning – where is Switzerland Review” prepared them “well” to “very well” for elections and referenda. The same heading? number indicated that the image of Switzerland conveyed by “Swiss Review” was com- 12 pletely in line with their own perceptions, and they felt that reading our magazine ena- Politics: Three women at the top bled them to form their own opinions about Switzerland. The outcome was similar with 13 regard to the diversity of topics covered by “Swiss Review”. Over two thirds of those Politics: Referendum review surveyed said that no area was given too little attention. However, everyone said they 14 would like to see more of everything… more sport, more culture, more politics and more Notes from Parliament business news. “Swiss Review” is regarded as the most important service provided by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad and the most important source of information for Regional news Swiss people abroad. 70% of those surveyed said they were enrolled on an electoral reg- 17 ister and regularly took part in referenda and elections. History of Switzerland retold at The survey also provided information on the travel habits of the Swiss abroad, which the National Museum is of interest to our partner organisation, Switzerland Tourism. The vast majority of 18 Swiss abroad mainly visit their old homeland at warmer times of the year and combine Federal Councillor Maurer: their stay with a family visit. The main draws for tourists are the natural countryside “I’ve got the dream job in politics” and cultural events. Visitors seek peace, relaxation and reinvigoration. 20 Despite the positive feedback from our readers, only four issues Harmonisation of schools hits a brick wall of “Swiss Review” will be published again this year for cost rea- 22 sons. Jacques Chessex – Switzerland mourns * one of its greatest poets The main article in this issue of “Swiss Review” concerns spatial 23 planning. Editor Rolf Ribi discovered some astonishing fi gures Profile: The Stockmann family from during his research. Unrestrained development is continuing in Dübendorf Switzerland despite the economic downturn. Switzerland loses 1 24 square metre of countryside every second. That amounts to 7.4 OSA news Heinz Eckert hectares a day, which equates to an area the size of the Rütli 26 meadow. The projections are even higher in the Federal Council’s 2005 Spatial Plan- Olympics – Switzerland primed for success ning Report: 32,700 hectares of land in Switzerland will be lost to urban development in Vancouver over the next 12 years, which corresponds to an area larger than the Canton of Schaff- 28 hausen. A culinary tour of Switzerland The Federal Statistical Office estimates that the population of Switzerland will reach 30 8.4 million by 2030 if the level of immigration remains as high as it has been since the Interview with the parties: introduction of the free movement of persons. If we exclude the mountains, forests and Swiss People’s Party (SVP) International lakes, this leaves a settlement area of 280,000 hectares, or 7% of the country’s surface 31 area, in which to live. From Lake Geneva to Lake Constance, Switzerland is becoming Echo a densely populated metropolis. Switzerland’s Central Plateau is already one of the most 32 densely populated areas in Europe. Switzerland – a winter wonderland These figures make unpleasant reading and can hardly be seen as good news. This is a thought-provoking problem, and experts fear it may be almost impossible to resolve. Cover photo: Ski racer Carlo Janka is already being compared to Pirmin Zurbriggen and Jean- HEINZ ECKERT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Claude Killy, and is a big medal hope for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Photo: Keystone . 1 No /

10 IMPRINT: “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss abroad, is in its 37th year of publication and is published in German, French, Italian, English and Spanish in 14 regional editions. It has a total circulation of 416000. Regional news appears four times a year. ■ EDITORS: Heinz Eckert (EC), Editor-in-Chief; Rolf Ribi (RR); René Lenzin (RL); Alain Wey (AW); Jean-François Lichtenstern (JFL), responsible for “Notes from Parliament”, Service for the

January 20 Swiss Abroad, DFA, CH-3003 Berne Translation: CLS Communication AG ■ POSTAL ADDRESS: Publisher, editorial office, advertising: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH- 3006 Berne, Tel.: +4131356 61 10, Fax: +4131356 61 01, Postal account (Swiss National Giro): 30-6768-9. Internet: www.revue.ch ■ E-MAIL: [email protected] ■ PRINT: Zollikofer AG, CH-9001 St.Gallen. ■ CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please advise your local embassy or consulate. Do not write to Berne. ■ All Swiss abroad who are registered with a Swiss representation receive the magazine free of charge. Anyone else can subscribe to the magazine for an annual fee (Switzerland: CHF 25 / abroad: CHF 40). Subscribers are sent the magazine ISS REVIEW SW direct from Berne. Copy deadline for this edition: 23.11.09 Prague Parent-Infant Programme Interested in becoming a childhood development instructor? Anne Knecht, director of the PEKiP (Prague Parent-Infant Programme) from Asia, will be conducting a PEKiP-style child-development instruc- tor training programme in Hong Kong from June 22 to 25th 2010. For further details, please visit www.pekip.com.hk and/or email [email protected]. MAILBAG SOUNDS 5

Ashamed vent such an ignoble restric- With more than 20 years in the business and 15 albums Today, after yesterday’s tion on religious freedom under their belts, The Young Gods have become an inter- disastrous referendum on the from becoming embedded in national benchmark in electro-industrial rock and sound construction of minarets, the Swiss constitution. experimentation. The group, originally from Fribourg but there is one more reason to M. de Coulon, Schabsoien, Germany now based in Geneva, produces highly original work and be ashamed of being Swiss. never ceases to amaze the public and its wide fan base all But at least I had the consola- One-sided over the world. After revisiting the music of the fi lm docu- tion that the Bundestag Many thanks for the most mentary “Woodstock” (1970) in 2005 and 2009, the quar- member for my Bavarian recent edition of “Swiss tet laid itself bare by reinterpreting part of its repertoire in constituency, CSU Secretary Review”. Like many readers an acoustic version on the album “Knock on Wood”. It pro- General Alexander Dobrindt, I am delighted that this publi- duced a psychedelic brand of folk blues where two guitars spoke out strongly against cation exists and it is a plea- are used with a sitar over vibrant percussion. All of this is following the Swiss example. sure to receive it on a regular augmented by Franz Treichler’s captivating voice, the tim- He was even optimistic as to basis. bre and nuances of which seem haunted by Jim Morrison.

the negative outcome of such I was pleased to see that the Swiss Gods There is no hesitation in giving a “Young Gods” interpre- a referendum in Germany, if editorial took such a promi- tation of some anthology tracks, such as “Freedom” by Richie such an eventuality arose. nent stance on Swiss culture Havens, “If Six Was Nine” by Jimi Hendrix and “Everything In Its I wrote to him the follow- and would like to make a few Right Place” by Radiohead. ing: “This time I do not have comments on Heinz Eckert’s This highly successful Swiss band formed in 1985. The follow- any concern to voice but article. The significant invest- ing year, it was already performing in London and went on to would like instead to congrat- ment in culture is indeed turn out albums like clockwork. It even dedicated an album to ulate you on your position as something our country can be composer Kurt Weill in 1990. The appeal of The Young Gods lies in to whether we should follow proud of, something which their status as pioneers of industrial rock, where heavy guitar the Swiss example of oppos- helps us to maintain our iden- riffs are played over extraordinary sampling (repetitive sound ing the construction of mina- tity. But I was somewhat dis- loops). With its album “TV Sky” in 1992 and its cosmic blues rock, rets, and to thank you for appointed at the one-sided the band caused a frenzy on the electric scene. U2 and its pro- your clear and courageous description of Switzerland’s ducers acknowledged their admiration of the Swiss band. The words. As a world citizen who flourishing cultural scene. Gods took North America by storm and set off on a global tour, holds dual nationality, if I Apart from the mention of a the creativity of which is immortalised on the album “Live Sky could not get by without an few open-air festivals, the ex- Tour”, recorded in Australia in 1993. The new millennium saw the emotional identification with amples given were of high- band broaden its horizons to embark on adventures, such as the one particular nation state, brow culture accessible to “Amazonia Ambient Project” with the famous anthropologist Jer- then once again I would be only a relatively small section emy Narby (“the cosmic serpent”) and the purely electronic al- ashamed to be Swiss at this of the population. It is not bum “Music For Artificial Clouds”, inspired by the group’s per- moment. The result of Sun- surprising that Presence formance at Expo 02. The Young Gods sample everything from the day’s referendum represents a Switzerland should be more sound of an emptying sink to a drop of water falling into a pool. step backwards in civilisation, interested in these examples, What have Franz Treichler, Al Comet, Bernard Trontin and Vin- in the ‘One World’ which is as it is their job to promote cent Hänni got in store for us in 2010? We will find out in the slowly being achieved in spite Swiss culture (and its image) course of the year with an album described as rock, electro and of all the obstacles that still abroad rather than to stimu- acoustic. The group is in top form having finished the year 2009 exist, mostly in people’s late a cultural dialogue. But performing with Richie Haven, the legendary guitarist who minds. I do not entirely share Swiss culture is so much more opened the Woodstock Festival in 1969. To discover the world your confidence that a similar rich and diverse than was por- of The Young Gods, simply enter the group’s name into a video- vote in Germany would have trayed in this article. Pro sharing site, such as youtube or dailymotion, and let the a different outcome from that Helvetia, for example, pro- adventure begin. ALAIN WEY in Switzerland. And even the motes a wide range of differ- majority of Swiss politicians ent cultural activities. And were against such a change to these are by no means all the constitution. But it is at enormously expensive events least reassuring that a consti- (which are portrayed in the tutional change need not nec- article as a prerequisite for . 1 No

/ essarily be pushed through world-class culture). What is 10 simply because so many peo- important – particularly for ple have voted in favour of it. foreign cultural policy – is to January 20 Fortunately, there are still promote and share a diversity some hurdles that will hope- of culture that goes beyond ISS REVIEW

SW fully be high enough to pre- the expensive and elite cul- www.younggods.com / www.myspace.com/theyounggods 6 MAILBAG

tural consumption of Swiss more important to the coun- years, at the moment residing 16 year-old has CHF 50,000 people living in Switzerland. try than saving money by fob- in the USA, on a Green Card. in a bank account? I am really The choice of the term ‘cul- bing us off with an electronic We have 2 boys, aged 19 and frustrated and very mad at tural superpower’ in the arti- version of the magazine. 16 who go to school here. the way UBS has handled the cle’s conclusion is somewhat B. Hauser-Schäublin, Göttingen, They have had UBS bank whole situation. Germany unfortunate: culture is, after accounts since they were G. Blackburne, Savannah, USA all, also a means of overcom- born. Grandparents put ing hegemonial power struc- Help the environment money for birthdays, Christ- Loss of perspective tures and going beyond pure Many thanks for “Swiss Re- mases, etc. in those accounts. As members of the “Fifth representation. The aim of view”. The electronic version My husband and I had Switzerland”, we always read foreign cultural policy must saves paper and that can only 2 accounts, one a savings your magazine with interest. be nothing less. A problem be good for the environment. account and one a current Unfortunately two articles in arises when culture is instru- I have just downloaded a 276- account, which we had for no. 4 seemed to lose all sense mentalised and marketed like page document on the latest over 30 years. And we have of perspective, distorting the any other export. What we legislative changes of the also carried a mortgage with reality in our beloved coun- need is not only an audience Spanish Interior Ministry UBS for over 20 years be- try: a) there is no substance in that pays, but also one that onto my computer in a mat- cause we have a small apart- the “Swiss cultural wealth” participates – at home and ter of seconds. By contrast, ment in Switzerland which is article, for all its arrogant abroad. boasting with cold data, fi g- Y. Regenass, Hildesheim, Germany ures and expressions; the “SWISS REVIEW”: BY POST OR E-MAIL? world knows that these events A great pity All Swiss citizens living abroad whose e-mail address is known are to an extent fi nanced us- We are returning to Swit- to their Swiss representations will receive “Swiss Review” by ing money from the same zerland after spending 17 e-mail only from this year onwards. Anybody who would still banks that have impoverished years in Germany. During like to receive the printed version should let us know via many of the world’s citizens this time “Swiss Review” has www.swissabroad.ch. Please also notify us of any changes during this crisis; b) the always been a welcome and to your postal or e-mail address via this website. That way, you “Switzerland is aging” article stimulating companion. It will continue to receive “Swiss Review” as before. is overloaded with statistics would be a great pity if it and shows a photo of some of were only to be published those pretentious few Swiss electronically in the future. the Swiss Central Compensa- rented out. Now, all those grandmothers who like to Many of us sit at a computer tion Office has sent me a let- accounts are declared and show off their precious jewel- all day long and constantly ter and a form by post from have been declared for years. lery. This is an insult to Swiss have to read e-mail attach- Geneva which I must have But last October we were women, who are in general ments for professional pur- certified and stamped by the told we had to close those modest. poses. But if you want to or Spanish authorities before bank accounts because we M. Ledergerber, Quito, Ecuador need to study a text more posting back to Switzerland, had a U.S. address. Within closely, the only option is to simply to confirm that I am a week, I received 4 regis- As good as Appenzeller print it out. On the whole, still alive and still entitled to tered letters to close those cheese this does not save any money, my modest pension. I dread accounts. When we called, You may have heard this at least not for the ‘con- to think how much postage they told us we had one many times before, but all sumer’, only – as in so many and paper the whole process phone call. I felt like I was in of my family look forward cases – for the producer. will cost. prison. When I fi nally got to receiving each issue of I used to enjoy reading F. Leisinger, Marbella, Spain to talk to somebody compe- “Swiss Review”, even my “Swiss Review” on the sofa in tent, I asked what would hap- children, aged 11 and 12, the evenings, or over Sunday Frustrated pen to our mortgage. They who have already travelled breakfast. Somehow I cannot I get so frustrated when had no answer for that. And to Switzerland, where they picture myself propping up they always talk about the in fact, they could not care have had some wonderful my laptop on the sofa or rich Americans who hide less. We were treated like holidays. So please keep the breakfast table in order their money in Switzerland. the last dirt on earth. I asked sending it. There’s nothing to read “Swiss Review” in I can assure you, the rich will if we could transfer our we like more – apart an electronic format to save find a way to get out of this accounts into the structure from Appenzeller cheese. somebody money. mess. It’s the little people they had set up for U.S. Greetings from the vast Switzerland has an obliga- who pay for everything. clients. The answer was you expanses of the Argentinean tion to keep its citizens Our situation is that we are need a minimum of CHF Pampas. abroad informed. Meeting a Swiss family who have lived 50,000 for them to take you G. Vidallé Baumgartner, Rosario, this obligation ought to be all over the world the last few as a client. Now, what 19 or Argentina IMAGES 7

How the modern day came into being The photographs in the Herzog Collection, currently on display in the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, vividly document the emergence of modern- day Switzerland. The collection portrays the country’s development from an agricultural economy into an industrialised nation between 1840 and the present era. The images depict not only public life but also the private lives of individuals and span more than a century. www.landesmuseum.ch

Ploughing with horses and …and with a traction engine Pack horses on the Faulhorn, cattle… (top left) (left centre). Both pictures 1900 – 1910 (above) from circa 1915. tional Museum Na e Swiss th by . 1 No / 10 e Herzog Collection, copyright owned th January 20 The Sulzer foundry in Winterthur, The carpentry workshop of phs from ra 1919 the C. F. Bally shoe factory in Schönenwerd, circa 1900 ISS REVIEW SW All photog 8SPATIAL PLANNING

My beloved Switzerland, where have you gone? Conservation Foundation says: “When land- Spatial planning is becoming a political issue in Switzerland. The scapes are transformed like this, they lose their aesthetic quality, their familiarity and Swiss are getting increasingly concerned about overdevelopment their recreational value.” and urban sprawl in their homeland. New popular initiatives now aim to curb development. Little will change while responsibility Specific causes How could this be allowed to happen? What for spatial planning primarily lies with the cantons and com- are the reasons for the loss of countryside munes. A federalist approach to spatial planning comes at a high and the urban sprawl? There are specific cost. By Rolf Ribi causes, including the failure of spatial plan- ning policy. The almost 8 million people liv- ing in tiny Switzerland require more and The figures are irrefutable yet hard to believe pean Union means immigration will remain more settlement space. The figure today al- – the Swiss countryside is declining at a rate high for the time being. But the fact remains ready stands at an average of 400 square me- of almost 1 square metre every second. That that Switzerland’s total surface area is small tres of space per person. Developed areas equates to 7.4 hectares a day, which is more at 4.1 million hectares. If we exclude the na- have been growing at a significantly faster than the entire Rütli meadow, or 2,700 hec- tion’s lakes, mountains and glaciers, this rate than the population for years. Raimund tares a year, an area the size of Lake Brienz. leaves settlement space of 280,000 hectares Rodewald explains: “At some point you Over a 12-year period, the total reaches (just 7% of the country’s surface area) for 8 reach the limit of sustainability.” 32,700 hectares, larger than the Canton of million people. Switzerland’s Central Pla- It is not just the population that is on the Schaffhausen. This figure appears in the teau is today already one of the most densely increase, our expectations in terms of pros- Federal Council’s 2005 Spatial Development populated areas in Europe. perity are also Report and remains valid today. National Councillor Peter Spuhler of the growing. Today, Wherever you look in Switzerland tower- Swiss People’s Party (SVP) says: “The level one person de- Berne (Brünnen): ing cranes in urban areas and villages and ex- of immigration is clearly too high. Switzer- mands almost 50 What was once an area of grassland and farm- tensive works on the nation’s roads are tes- land is not currently able to sustain more square metres of land with a small wood, tament to ongoing hectic construction work than 8 million people. It is a question of the living space, between the motorway and the railway line, is in spite of the economic downturn. Cur- burden on the social state, our infrastructure, whereas 50 years now home to the West- rently the most impressive examples are our roads, public transport and house build- ago people man- side shopping centre, opened in 2008. In the Berne’s new ultramodern Westside district, ing. We have reached our limits.” aged with half that background are the created by well-known architect Daniel amount. A typically residential neighbour- hoods of Gäbelbach, Libeskind, and Zurich West, the recently Urban sprawl in rural areas Swiss aspiration, Holenacker and built, attractive neighbourhood with its The worst consequence of the decades of de- the dream of own- Tscharnergut. high-rise buildings of up to 126 metres in velopment and overexploitation of the coun- ing your own home height in the former industrial quarter. tryside is urban sprawl on a once much re- in the country, is There are also the state-of-the-art headquar- vered landscape. Of course, there are still also a factor. A third ters of dozens of global companies along the picturesque villages and towns in the coun- of settlement sweep of Lake Geneva between the cities of tryside with traditional houses, cultivated growth nationwide Geneva and Montreux with its high levels of fields, vineyards and church steeples. But such is accounted for by immigration from abroad. typically Swiss scenery is increasingly being single-family homes, Constant construction work over years, replaced by modern developments. Every vil- which total more and indeed decades, in urban and rural areas lage now has new housing estates and its own than 10,000 new comes at a cost – the loss of countryside and industrial park, every town has shopping malls, units a year. The progressive urban sprawl within Switzerland. car showrooms and leisure facilities, and no political communes The Neue Zürcher Zeitung reports of “an- tourist destination is complete without infra- make the land avail- ger at the large-scale Americanisation of lit- structure buildings and empty second homes. able because they tle Switzerland”. A headline in the critical New motorways, expressways and high-per- want to attract magazine “Beobachter” even reads “Farewell formance regional railway networks are in- good taxpayers and to our beloved homeland!” creasingly transforming the countryside into create new jobs. Ar- Could Switzerland soon become over- a giant agglomeration stretching from Lake chitecture critic crowded? The country’s population today Constance to Lake Geneva. Benedikt Loderer . 1 No

/ stands at an unprecedented 7.7 million, Lukas Bühlmann, Director of the Swiss says: “The single- 10 which is upwards of 100,000 more people Spatial Planning Association warns of a family home is the than a year ago. The Federal Statistical Of- “gradual disfigurement of the landscape”, a surest way of creat- January 20 fice estimates that the population will reach development like that found in the suburbs ing urban sprawl in 8.4 million by 2030. The agreement on the of large cities in the USA and France. Switzerland.” ISS REVIEW SW free movement of persons with the Euro- Raimund Rodewald of the Swiss Landscape Another factor 9

which has significantly influenced spatial de- city railway and tram networks. The Spatial particular in rural cantons. However, addi- velopment in recent decades is the increase Development Report states: “Spatial plan- tional building zones are also often approved in traffic on the roads and railways as a result ning has failed to coordinate settlement de- still, even near to urban areas, to ensure fur- of commuting between home and the work- velopment and transport planning.” ther growth. place and greater mobility during leisure A significant factor in the urban develop- time. Federal government’s Spatial Develop- ment of the countryside is the large reserves The constitution and the situation on the ment Report writes: “The rise in traffic has of building land in the communes. Almost ground gone hand in hand with increasing noise and three quarters of all building zones, amount- When 1 square metre of countryside is being air pollution and continued impairment of ing to 220,000 hectares, have already been lost every second, when urban sprawl is the countryside.” According to the Neue extensively built on, while the remaining clearly continuing and “when so much land Zürcher Zeitung, the numerous motorways quarter is generally developed but not exten- is being used it is as though there were a sec- built in Switzerland over the past fi ve de- sively. The unused building land represents ond Switzerland” (Tages-Anzeiger), the cades (three of which alone link Berne with a huge construction reserve and could meet question must be raised as to the position of French-speaking Switzerland) “have trans- the spatial requirements of a further 2.5 mil- spatial planning in the constitution and in law. formed the country to an extent that nobody lion people (if it were not located in periph- Following the rejection of the “socialist” land anticipated”. Rapid transport links made of eral areas). The Spatial Planning Act in fact initiative in 1967, the Swiss people and the asphalt and concrete stimulate the economies stipulates that the communes should keep cantons approved the new constitutional of adjacent communes and regions, trigger such reserves at low levels and should plan for article on spatial planning in 1969. Article 75, new planning proposals and create even more a maximum of 15 years. But many communes which continues to apply today, states: “The commuters. Public transport has also facili- continue to do the exact opposite. They Confederation shall lay down principles on tated urban sprawl through attractive inter- stockpile huge reserves of building land, in spatial planning. These principles shall be . 1 No / 10 January 20 ISS REVIEW SW Photos: [email protected] 10 SPATIAL PLANNING

binding on the Cantons and serve to ensure Rodewald of the Swiss Landscape Conserva- cility there on a 55-hectare site in the coun- the appropriate and economic use of the land tion Foundation commends the constitu- tryside area of “Grosses Moos”. The Canton and its properly ordered settlement. The tional objective of economical land manage- of Fribourg’s rapid decision to grant plan- Confederation shall encourage and coordi- ment. However, he is critical of the fact that ning permission for the area clearly contra- nate the efforts of the Cantons.” The 1979 federal government hands over responsibil- vened federal law and the cantonal structural Spatial Planning Act was only approved in a ity for implementation of the objective to the plan approved by the Federal Council. But referendum at the second attempt, as the fi rst cantons, which in turn pass it on to the 2,700 the Federal Office for Spatial Development draft was rejected as too “centralistic”. Fed- communes. He says: “The passive approach (as it is now known) did nothing to prevent eral government’s strategies and sectoral of the cantons and communes has caused an the planned rezoning. Galmitz has since sym- plans, cantonal structural plans and commu- obvious spatial planning disaster.” The widely bolised the latest failing in the history of spa- nal land use plans have since made up the fed- condemned malaise with regard to the imple- tial planning. eralist concept of spatial planning policy in mentation of spatial planning can be easily The Helvetia Nostra Foundation, led by Switzerland. explained: the communes insist on their com- environmentalist Franz Weber, now hopes What conclusions have been reached on munal autonomy and create new building to counter intensive development in Swit- Swiss spatial planning policy? “Spatial devel- zones to ensure their growth; the cantons zerland, having proposed two popular initia- opment in recent decades cannot be consid- point to their sovereignty and usually allow tives. Weber has withdrawn the “Against ex- ered sustainable as defined by the Federal the communes to grant consent; and federal cessive construction of developments which Constitution” is the basic verdict reached by government affords the cantons a lot of free- are detrimental to the environment and the the Federal Council in its Spatial Develop- dom in the approval of structural plans. countryside” initiative, signed by 106,000 ment Report. The constitutional objectives people, as it aims to achieve the same goals of spatial planning, namely economical use New popular initiatives as the environmental associations’ country- and ordered settlement of the land, “have still Growing discontent amongst the Swiss peo- side initiative. The second popular initiative not been achieved 30 years after the Spatial ple about urban sprawl in Switzerland is put forward by the highly-regarded environ- Planning Act entered into force”, says highlighted by three popular initiatives. Spa- mental campaigner, Franz Weber, concerns Stephan Scheidegger, chief legal officer at tial planning is set to become a political issue an old unresolved issue - that of infrequently the federal office concerned. in the near future. An event in the small used second homes in many tourist destina- Conservationist Hans Weiss does not be- farming village of Galmitz in Fribourg is par- tions. The “End to the unrestricted con- lieve that spatial planning has failed. He says: tially responsible for a shift in opinion. struction of second homes” initiative, which “Switzerland would look very different were Raimund Rodewald believes what happened has received 108,000 signatures, aims to re- it not for spatial planning. The landscape has there three years ago was a milestone in the strict the proportion of such properties to a not been ruined by urban sprawl where spa- history of conservationism in Switzerland. maximum of 20% of all housing. The Fed- tial planning has been taken seriously at com- Amgen, a Californian biotech company, eral Council fears an effective halt on con- munal, cantonal and federal levels.” Raimund wanted to construct a major production fa- struction in significant tourist regions, and

Pontresina (left): The top view, which is of the wooded area with footpath and signpost in Laret, in the eastern part of the village, was captured in 1999. The construction of the protection barrier has now destroyed the character of the land- scape (below).

Castasegna (right): The top pictures were taken in 1996 and show the village of Castasegna in Grisons, with the river Mera and the old stone bridge. The pictures below show the village three years later with the new bypass and . 1

No avalanche screen. / 10 January 20 ISS REVIEW SW Photos: [email protected] 11

says the initiative is unilaterally aimed at in- Office for Spatial Development does not sup- land in the new countryside zones. And the dividual communes, therefore preventing port a moratorium. She says: “We are focus- draft proposal, with its 87 articles, which do all-embracing regulation. Parliament has sing on clearer planning principles and min- not provide for a limitation on building zones backed the government despite the fact that imum content in cantonal structural plans, at national level, has been generally criticised second homes have long since blighted tra- more specific definition of building zones, as far too extensive. Lukas Bühlmann of the ditional local scenery. new planning permission guidelines and Spatial Planning Association said: “Politi- fi rmer sanctions.” cally, we must forget this complete revision Well-received popular initiative Spatial planners in Berne were alarmed at of the law”. A partial revision of the law is The “Space for people and nature” initiative, the environmentalists’ countryside initiative. now being drafted in the Federal Palace as a known as the countryside initiative, was The Federal Council put forward an indirect response to the countryside initiative. launched by 16 environmental associations, counterproposal to the well-received popu- “Federal government must be able to oblige led by Pro Natura and the Swiss Landscape lar initiative in the form of a new Spatial De- the cantons to bring their plans into line with Conservation Foundation, and submitted in velopment Act, the key elements of which are the objectives of national planning and it 2008 with 110,000 signatures. This initiative that the cantons must specifically set out in must be given the authority to coordinate the calls for an amendment to Article 75 of the their structural plans how they will manage plans of individual cantons with one another” Federal Constitution. It wants federal gov- inward settlement development and improve - this was part of the Federal Council’s dis- ernment and the cantons to implement spa- settlement quality. The excessively large patch to the Federal Assembly in August tial planning objectives together rather than building zones must be adjusted within fi ve 1967. More than 40 years later, federal gov- the cantons and communes unilaterally. It years. Owners of undeveloped building land ernment and the cantons are still at logger- plans to strengthen federal government, must allow development of their plots, oth- heads over control over spatial planning pol- enabling it to lay down principles and adopt erwise the communes will obtain a right of icy, while in the meantime overdevelopment resolutions to ensure high-quality inward purchase on them. Areas outside the build- and urban sprawl continue. A federalist ap- settlement development (high-density devel- ing zones (for agriculture, conservation and proach to spatial planning comes at a high opment) and to restrict development in non- recreation) will be redefined as countryside cost. settlement areas. And, most significantly, the zones (and no longer agricultural zones).

total area of the building zones should not be DOCUMENTATION increased for 20 years. The moratorium on The price of federalism 2005 Spatial Development Report, published by the Federal Office for Spatial Development, Berne 2005. building zones is the bone of contention. This proposal for a new Spatial Development www.bbl.admin.ch/bundespublikationen The Federal Council must take a position Act was given a rough ride in the consultation Martina Koll-Schretzenmayr: Gelungen – Misslungen? on the popular initiative by February 2010. It process. The cantonal heads of planning see Die Geschichte der Raumplanung Schweiz, Zurich 2008. The Neue Zürcher Zeitung publishing house. roundly rejects the countryside initiative and it as a threat to the “cantons’ fundamental re- www.nzz-libro.ch points to the ongoing revision of the Spatial sponsibility for spatial planning”. The farm- Documentation centre www.doku-zug.ch Planning Act. Maria Lezzi from the Federal ers fear for their farmland and fertile arable . 1 No / 10 January 20 ISS REVIEW SW Photos: [email protected] 12 POLITICS

Switzerland in female hands land threw boots at her last October. Leut- Economics Minister Doris Leuthard will be President of the hard is regarded as a competent but rather risk-averse politician. The qualified law- Confederation for 2010. As the National Council and Council yer is married with no children. of States are also presided over by women, Switzerland’s three The Federal Assembly elected Moritz most senior offices will be held by women this year. Leuenberger (63) as Vice President of the Federal Council for 2010. The Social By René Lenzin Democrat from Zurich, who was elected to national government in 1995, may be- Doris Leuthard has risen rapidly through of its two Federal Council seats to the come President of the Confederation for the ranks in her political career. She was Swiss People’s Party (SVP). As leader, the third time in 2011. elected as a Federal Councillor just 10 Leuthard hardly turned the CVP around, After Ruth Dreifuss (1999) and years after entering Aargau’s cantonal par- but she did manage to stem the loss of Micheline Calmy-Rey (2007), Doris Leut- liament. She was elected successor to votes. Leuthard was a fresh, media-savvy hard is only the third woman to be elected Joseph Deiss on 14 June 2006 by the Fed- politician looking to put the party back on as President of the Confederation. Women eral Assembly, and she took over the lead- the road to success with a social-liberal im- have presided over both chambers of Par- ership of the Federal Department of Eco- age. liament on a slightly more frequent basis. nomic Affairs on 1 August of the same year. Leuthard had an uneventful start as Eco- Women will be in charge of both the The 46-year-old Christian Democrat nomics Minister. But the fi nancial and National Council and the Council of (CVP) is the fifth woman in national gov- economic crises, the negative impact of States in 2010. As Switzerland’s most sen- ernment and the youngest President of the which on Switzerland she (too) long dis- ior-ranking lady, 32-year-old Pascale Confederation in the past 70 years. puted, spelt a more difficult period for her. Bruderer, a Social Democrat from Aargau, Voters in Aargau first elected Leuthard She had to get a revision of in-deficit un- will lead the National Council, and Erika to the National Council in 1999. Just two employment insurance through Parlia- Forster, a 65-year-old Free Democrat years later she became Vice President of ment at a time of rising unemployment. By from St. Gallen, will take charge of the the CVP Switzerland, and in 2004 she pressing for lower import prices and the Council of States. This means Switzer- took over the party leadership. The CVP free trade of agricultural goods, she also land’s three most senior offices will be held had previously lost votes constantly and, incurred the wrath of many farmers. En- by women for the first time in the Confed- in December 2003, had to surrender one raged farmers in French-speaking Switzer- eration’s history.

Federal government to regulate research on humans As the second pillar of Swiss old-age pen- Three proposals will be voted on in a referendum on 7 March: a sion provision, the pension funds operate constitutional article on research on humans, a popular initia- on the basis of the funding principle. The constituted capital is converted into the tive for cantonal animal protection lawyers and an amendment annual annuity using the so-called conver- to the calculation of pension fund annuities. By René Lenzin sion factor. This factor was already re- duced from 7.2% to 6.8% under the fi rst Research on humans is not currently reg- ard. The National Council approved the revision of the Pension Funds Act, making ulated at federal level. The introduction of constitutional article by 114 votes to the annual annuity CHF 6,800 instead of a new article in the Federal Constitution 61, and the Council of States by 40 votes CHF 7,200 for every CHF 100,000 in cap- and a Research on Humans Act would ex- to 0. ital. Now, before the transitional period plicitly give federal government responsi- Through a popular initiative, Swiss for this change has even ended, the Federal bility for the entire field of research on Animal Protection is calling for federal Council and a parliamentary majority are humans in the healthcare sector. The pro- government to regulate the legal protec- proposing a further reduction of the con- visions have two objectives: they aim, on tion of animals as sentient beings and for version factor to 6.4%. Their aim with the one hand, to protect the dignity and the cantons to employ animal protection this is to address the aging of society and privacy of people involved in research and, lawyers. These should aid mistreated ani- lower anticipated returns on savings capi- on the other, to take into account the free- mals ex officio in criminal proceedings. tal. The left and the trade unions called a dom of research and the importance of The Federal Council and a parliamentary referendum in opposition to the proposal. research to healthcare and society. The key majority rejected the initiative on the They are not against the reduction in prin- . 1 No

/ principles for research on humans are that grounds that current legislation is suffi- ciple, but consider it to be premature and 10 the persons concerned receive sufficient cient and the cantons are already able to are calling for higher contributions to pre- information on the research and give their appoint animal lawyers voluntarily. The vent pension cuts. The National Council January 20 consent, that the risk-benefit ratio for the National Council opposed the proposal by approved the proposal by 126 votes research is not disproportionate and that 130 votes to 50, and the Council of States to 62, and the Council of States by 35 votes ISS REVIEW SW the research is relevant and of a high stand- by 30 votes to 6. to 1. VOTING 13

No to minarets – Yes to arms exports Comment The Swiss people and cantons have voted in favour of a A storm to clear the air

ban on minarets by a surprisingly clear margin. However, At the end of November the Swiss people voted they have rejected the initiative opposing arms exports. on two popular initiatives for which the drafters And finally, they have decided that jet-fuel duty should were more interested in making a symbolic state- ment than any real political impact. The world in future be used for the benefit of air traffic. would not become a better place if Switzerland By René Lenzin were to decide to stop exporting weapons. And banning minarets is not going to resolve a single concrete issue relating to social co-existence There were long faces after the Swiss ban was particularly strong in the ru- with the Muslim minority. Why then were the bal- federal referendum on 29 November. ral areas of central and eastern Swit- lot results produced by Swiss voters so at odds? Despite opposition to the ban on min- zerland as well as in Ticino. It is evi- The decision to reject the ban on arms exports arets from the Federal Council, most dent that the minaret ban won a lot of is easily explained. As previous referenda have political parties and associations as support in areas where there are dis- shown, this proposal does not have majority sup- well as the national churches, 57.5% of proportionately low numbers of for- port, and even less so in a time of economic diffi- voters and 22 of the 26 cantons sup- eigners and Muslims. culty when many jobs are already in jeopardy. The ported the proposal. The clear winning approval of a ban on minarets by a surprisingly margin came as even more of a shock Ban on arms exports suffers clear margin is more difficult to account for. as surveys conducted before the ballot overwhelming defeat It should not be seen as an affront to Albanian indicated that the ban would be nar- 68.2% of voters rejected the Group for neighbours or Turkish work colleagues, with rowly defeated. Only the Swiss Peo- a Switzerland without an Army’s pop- whom Swiss people get on pretty well in everyday ple’s Party and the Federal Demo- ular initiative to ban arms exports. Not life and who are often not devout Muslims. It is cratic Union welcomed the verdict. a single canton voted in favour. The much more the expression of a combination of They were the only parties in the Fed- initiative won most of its support in specific and obscure fears. Fear of encroaching eral Assembly to have supported the Geneva (48.2% in favour), Basel-Stadt Islamisation, of a religion that is unfamiliar and ban. (46.9% in favour) and Vaud (40.5% in has negative connotations for many people, such The popular initiative for the ban- favour). It picked up its least votes in as the oppression of women, the burka, circumci- ning of minarets was an issue that mat- Nidwalden (88% against), Uri (84.4% sion, the preaching of religious hatred and terror- tered to many Swiss people. 53% of against) and Obwalden (80.9% against). ism. The support for the ban on minarets can be those entitled to vote went to the polls, Both supporters and opponents of the interpreted as the Swiss people making a state- which represents a strong turnout. proposal said the economic crisis and ment that they are not comfortable with develop- Generally, fewer than half the elector- fears over job losses had impacted on ments taking place. ate vote in referenda. Only the cantons the result. The Federal Council and The initiative poses problems for Switzerland. of Basel-Stadt, Geneva, Neuchâtel and the conservative parties had warned It violates the constitutional article concerning Vaud voted against the initiative. prior to the referendum that a yes vote freedom of worship and the European Convention There was no significant divide be- would put 5,000 to 10,000 jobs at risk. on Human Rights. It is damaging to Switzerland’s tween German-speaking and French- image as a tolerant constitutional state. It may speaking Switzerland as the three pre- Jet-fuel duty to be used also have negative repercussions for Swiss compa- dominantly Catholic French-speaking for aviation nies doing business in Muslim countries. Never- cantons of Fribourg, Jura and Valais Two thirds of revenues from jet-fuel theless, the government and Parliament must ac- backed the initiative. Support for the duty will in future be spent on air trans- cept this majority decision. The will of the people port and not on roads. 65% of voters must be taken into account, and not just through and all the cantons approved the con- a PR campaign aimed at damage limitation abroad. FURTHER INFORMATION stitutional amendment required. Fed- It would be a gross misjudgement to attribute ■ Official response from the govern- eral government collects over CHF 60 the problem to direct democracy, as some com- ment: million in jet-fuel duty each year. A mentators have done at home and abroad. Direct www.admin.ch (Aktuell/Volksabstim- third goes directly into the federal cof- democracy will, of course, result in uncomfort- mung vom 29.11.2009) in German fers. The remainder will now be used able or even contradictory decisions from time to www.ejpd.admin.ch (Documentation/ to improve the technical safety of air time. However, it generally produces well-judged, . 1 No

/ Votes) traffic, environmental conservation achievable policies that are in touch with the 10 ■ More information on the issue from and the protection of air passengers people. It also serves as an excellent early-warn- Swissinfo: against terrorist attacks. Precisely ing system. It is better to have a storm to clear January 20 www.swissinfo.ch/eng (Specials/ where the money will be spent must be the air in a peaceful referendum than a constant Minaret Debate) decided by the Federal Council and build-up of tension, which eventually erupts in ISS REVIEW

SW Parliament at the legislative level. blazing suburbs. rené lenzin 14 NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

Pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 tion. If these people do not have health insurance cover in Switzer- land, the doctor in question may charge them for the treatment. Influenza vaccination for Swiss nationals The people concerned will then have to discuss with their foreign abroad health insurer whether the costs of such treatment can be reim- bursed. Following the announcement by the Federal Office of Health on 18 September 2009 that the Swiss population would be vacci- nated against pandemic influenza H1N1/2009, that this would The Swiss passport of the future be organised by the cantons and that the costs would be jointly borne by the Confederation, the cantons and the health insurance Today, around 70 countries only issue passports containing companies, numerous enquiries were received from Swiss nation- electronically recorded data - the electronic passport. Switzerland als abroad asking their representations about the possibility of has been operating an electronic passport pilot project since receiving free vaccinations. 2006. This electronic passport will now be introduced definitively. The Federal Council and Parliament hope this will ensure the If Swiss nationals abroad can be vaccinated in their country of freedom of Swiss citizens to travel and improve the security of residence against pandemic influenza H1N1/2009, they should do identity documents. this there at their own expense (or according to the local provi- sions). Swiss nationals living abroad who cannot be vaccinated in Today, some 70 countries, including all of Switzerland’s neigh- their country of residence are entitled to travel to Switzerland at bours, are taking advantage of the benefits of electronically reada- their own expense and receive a free vaccination at one of the army ble data, and are now only issuing electronic passports. This fi gure vaccination centres listed below: is set to rise to more than 90 by the end of 2009. Switzerland has been issuing electronic passports, known as Passport 06, since Berne September 2006 as part of a fixed-term pilot project. The defini- Kaserne Bern, Krankenabteilung, 3000 Bern 22, tive introduction of the electronic passport (Passport 10) has re- Tel. +41 31 324 44 47 quired an amendment to the law on identity documents. In line Liestal with the international directives in force, this amendment enables Kaserne Liestal, Krankenabteilung, Kasernenstrasse 13, the photograph and, from the age of 12, the fingerprint of two fi n- 4410 Liestal, Tel. +41 61 926 75 55 gers to be recorded on a microchip in Swiss passports in addition Geneva to the holder’s usual personal data. The definitive introduction of Caserne des Vernets, Infirmerie, the electronic passport will ensure Quai des Vernets, 1211 Genève 26, Swiss citizens’ freedom to travel. It Tel. +41 79 781 55 25 will enable them to continue to Chur travel to the USA or pass through it Kaserne Chur, Krankenabteilung, in transit without having to purchase 7000 Chur, Tel. +41 81 258 22 82 a visa, which costs more than Pass- Zurich port 10. The USA only grants visa Kaserne Kloten, Krankenabteilung, exemptions for citizens of countries 8302 Kloten, Tel. +41 44 815 95 00 that issue electronic passports. Monte Ceneri Piazza d’armi, infermeria/CMR, Securing achievements 6802 Rivera/Monte Ceneri, Thanks to the definitive introduc- Tel. +41 91 935 80 50 tion of the electronic passport, Switzerland will be able to con- tinue its collaboration with its partner states in the Schengen The time and date of the vaccination should be agreed in area. Switzerland will therefore secure its recent achievements, in advance by telephone with the vaccination centre concerned. particular close cooperation between judicial and police authori- At the time of the vaccination in the army vaccination centres, ties with their dense network set up to combat criminality, the anyone wishing to be vaccinated must present their Swiss passport clarification of asylum regulations to counter multiple applica- and their vaccination certificate and must provide plausible rea- tions and, most significantly, easier movement of travellers across sons as to why they cannot be vaccinated against H1N1/2009 in borders. Electronic data also enables better protection of the their country of residence. Swiss passport against misuse. Obtaining a passport fraudulently People in risk groups will not have access to the army vaccina- and using a stolen or lost passport will indeed become much more . 1 No

/ tion centres. These include pregnant women, women who have difficult because the photograph and fingerprints can be read 10 recently given birth, people with chronic illnesses and anyone electronically, enabling the identity of the person presenting the living in the same household as those with chronic illnesses, as well passport to be checked both at border controls and when apply- January 20 as children aged under 18. These people must be vaccinated against ing for a new passport. If Switzerland had failed to take advan- pandemic influenza H1N1/2009 by a doctor of their choice. In tage of this opportunity, the Swiss passport may have become a ISS REVIEW

SW such cases, the costs of the vaccine will be borne by the Confedera- more frequent target of misuse and forgery in the future. 15

Biometric data is nothing new applied for at the same time. The Federal Council has decided Switzerland is endeavouring to permanently bring its passport into on the following prices for electronic passports: CHF 140 for line with the latest innovations in order to combat forgery and to adult passports valid for 10 years (CHF 148 for the combined ensure its citizens’ freedom to travel. Since its introduction in 1915, offer, i.e. the electronic passport and identity card) and CHF 60 the Swiss passport has been regularly updated to keep up with the for 5-year passports for children and young people (CHF 68 for latest developments in technology. Biometric data, such as the the combined offer). facial image and hair and eye colour, have always been used. They enable an identity document to be unequivocally issued to its legiti- An information system to counter misuse mate holder. In order to issue and manage identity documents quickly and se- curely, it is vital to have access to certain information. It is neces- The identity card will remain without a microchip sary to be able to determine who has received what document The revision of the law on identity documents creates the legal and what data is contained in it. The information system for basis required to electronically record biometric data in Swiss iden- identity documents (ISA) has been used for this purpose since tity documents (Art. 2, Para. 2bis). In Art. 2, Para. 2ter, the Federal 2003. The personal data and photograph of identity document Council defines the types of identity documents that are to be holders are recorded in ISA, which will also contain two fi nger- equipped with microchips. However, this provision, which will be prints in the future. The EC regulation on identity documents implemented on 1 March 2010, only concerns the Swiss passport does not require data to be recorded centrally. The requirements and Swiss travel documents for foreigners. The identity card will set out by the federal decree go further than those of the EC reg- therefore continue to be issued in its current form, i.e. without a ulation in order to ensure greater security. While the recording microchip, until further notice. It is as yet unclear whether an iden- of data in the passport is primarily intended for foreign authori- tity card with a microchip will be issued at some point in time and, ties responsible for border control, the Swiss benefit from cen- should this be the case, whether an identity card without a micro- tralised recording in ISA as it protects their identity from misuse chip could be established in parallel to one with a chip. It will not and provides a reliable and efficient procedure for issuing iden- be possible to submit a proposal aimed at upgrading the identity tity documents. Indeed, the data contained in ISA can be reused card to the Federal Council until all the relevant conditions and when issuing new identity documents in order to quickly and reli- issues have been examined. ably verify that the person making the application is the legiti- mate holder of the identity document. This makes the issue of Swiss identity documents more secure. However, the use of ISA The electronic passport in the Schengen area for the purposes of police investigations is prohibited in Switzer- land and abroad. Foreign authorities have no access to ISA or the data recorded there. Maximum data protection The data contained in the new electronic passport is protected Further information is available online at www.passeportsuisse.ch through the application of international standards to ensure any and www.fedpol.admin.ch as well as on the websites of the represen- manipulation or copying (cloning) is identified at control points. tations. Provided all the standards are applied when the documents are produced and checked, there will be no security gaps. Switzerland is implementing all these standards correctly. In areas where it is FDFA: New Head of Consular Protection able to, it is adopting data protection standards which are even more rigorous than the international standards. Moreover, there is a new procedure ensuring extremely tight security for fi nger- The FDFA’s Political Affairs Division VI, part of the Director- prints, as other countries require authorisation from Switzerland ate of Political Affairs headed by State Secretary Michael before they are able to read the data. The Federal Council only Ambühl, looks after the interests of Swiss nationals resident grants authorisation to countries where the level of data protec- abroad. Headed by Ambassador Markus Börlin, the division tion is equivalent to that in Switzerland. It may also grant author- covers the following organisations: the Service for the Swiss isation to other organisations that check people’s identities in the Abroad, the Information for Travellers and Crisis Management public interest (e.g. airline companies). The Federal Council agency and the Consular Protection section. At the beginning withdraws data reading authorisation if Switzerland’s data protec- tion requirements are not met.

Advertisement A simple procedure at a reasonable cost . 1 No

/ The federal decree enables the introduction of an efficient new 10 procedure for issuing identity documents which is particularly beneficial to families. In contrast to Passport 06, only one visit January 20 to the representation is required. This procedure enables the continuation of the combined offer, where a preferential rate is ISS REVIEW SW granted when an electronic passport and an identity card are 16 NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

of September 2009, Andreas Maager Whom do I contact when I need a took over as head of this section, new Swiss passport? I am contem- replacing Ernst Steinmann who has plating studying in Switzerland but been posted to St. Petersburg as Swiss I would like to check out the availa- Consul General. ble options beforehand – where Andreas Maager was born in his should I go for help? Which media hometown of St. Gallen in 1959 and report comprehensively on Swiss spent his formative years there, gradu- affairs and can be accessed from ating with a commercial business abroad? diploma from St. Gallen Verkehrss- The answers to these and many chule. In 1977, he joined the Swiss civil other questions about living abroad service as a technical customs officer are contained in the new “Advice before moving to the FDFA at the be- for Swiss Abroad”. Not only will it ginning of 1984 to embark on a consular provide you with the information career. An initial internship in Dijon/ you are seeking, it also forms a France was followed by postings to The bridge to your original home coun- Hague/The Netherlands, Riad/Saudi try, Switzerland. Each chapter also Arabia, Annecy/France and Houston/ provides additional links for the rel- USA. In October 1997, he was posted Andreas Maager, new head of the Consular Protection evant topic. as Third Secretary to the embassy in section “Advice for Swiss Abroad” was Dakar/Senegal, where for the fi rst last printed in 2002. Due to the time he assumed the office of head of sustained high level of demand, the chancellery. He subsequently per- coupled with numerous changes formed the same function at the Swiss since 2002, we have decided to EU Mission in Brussels/Belgium from publish a new edition. the summer of 2000 to spring 2004. “Advice for Swiss Abroad” is From April 2004 to the summer of available in German, French and 2009, Andreas Maager was Counsellor Italian and can be ordered from at the embassy in Abu Dhabi/UAE be- the Federal Office for Buildings fore returning to Berne to head up the and Logistics (FBL), Sale of Consular Protection section. Andreas Publications, CH-3003 Berne, Maager is married with three grown-up www.bundespublikationen.ch children. The Consular Protection section looks after the interests of Swiss nation- NEW POPULAR INITIATIVES AND REFERENDA als who are resident abroad and have suffered an accident By the time of going to press, the following new popular initiatives or become the victim of theft or violent crime, for example. had been launched since the last edition: The section also extends consular protection to Swiss ■ “Pädophile sollen nicht mehr mit Kindern arbeiten dürfen” (Paedo- nationals incarcerated abroad and helps to settle the affairs philes should no longer be allowed to work with children), initiative of Swiss citizens who have died abroad. In certain cases, committee: Marche Blanche; deadline for collection of signatures: the Consular Protection section also deals with child kid- 20.04.2011 nappings (if this involves states that are not signatories to the ■ “1:12 – für gerechte Löhne” (1:12 – for fair pay), initiative commit- Hague Convention) and occasionally assists in residency in- tee: JUSO JungsozialistInnen Schweiz; deadline for collection of sig- quiries. Every year, the team of six deal with roughly 800 natures: 06.04.2011 cases, and the situations they handle are becoming increasingly ■ “Ja zur Hausarztmedizin” (Yes to family medicine), initiative com- complex. mittee: Eidgenössische Volksinitiative ‘Ja zur Hausarztmedizin’; dead- line for collection of signatures: 29.03.2011 At www.bk.admin.ch/aktuell/abstimmung you will find a list The new “Advice for Swiss Abroad” is out! of pending referenda and popular initiatives and the corresponding signature forms if available. Please complete, sign and send the forms directly to the relevant initiative committee. . 1 No

/ The number of Swiss who take the plunge and live abroad – 10 whether for a short time or with the firm intention of leaving Switzerland for good – is growing year by year. For those pre- January 20 RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICIAL FDFA INFORMATION PAGES: pared to take this step, there are a great many obstacles and JEAN-FRANÇOIS LICHTENSTERN, SERVICE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD/FDFA, questions to be resolved. How do I exercise my political rights BUNDESGASSE 32, CH-3003 BERNE TEL. +41 31 324 23 98, FAX +41 31 322 78 66 ISS REVIEW

SW from abroad, and can I continue to vote in Switzerland? WWW.EDA.ADMIN.CH/ASD, [email protected] SWISS NATIONAL MUSEUM 17

History of Switzerland retold medieval artefacts including chalices, statues The Swiss National Museum has taken advantage of the reno- of saints and sacred objects from the convent of St.Katharinenthal. From the Reformation vation of its historic building in Zurich to give its permanent and Counter-Reformation there are sculp- exhibitions a facelift. The new-look museum presents the tures from the iconoclastic period and por- complete history of Switzerland in a modern and attractive traits of the reformers Zwingli and Calvin, while the numerous objects relating to the style without any sentimentality. By Heinz Eckert Catholic reaction include a 16th-century monstrance. The exhibition then moves on to the Enlightenment, with furnishings from a living room, and the educational reform of the 19th century. The third part, ‘Through conflict to con- cordance’, is housed in the Hall of Fame and portrays the political history of modern Switzerland. It explains the Swiss consocia- tional system of government, how it came into being, and the origins of today’s federal state. The main feature in the centre of the room is the 9-metre-high ‘Wheel of Myths’, which references a number of perennial na- tional myths including Heidi, the Federal Charter (the supposed founding document of the Swiss Confederation), an alphorn and a crossbow. The historical narrative also in- cludes the women’s and workers’ rights movements, Switzerland’s role in the two world wars, and the move away from the iso- lation in which the country found itself at the end of the Second World War. Finally, the fourth part of the exhibition, ‘Switzerland becomes rich abroad’, tells the story of the country’s economic develop- The ‘Wheel of Myths’ from the History of Switzerland ment. Luxury watches, quality textiles, the impressive range of products manufactured The Swiss National Museum, which is ded- The permanent exhibition ‘History of by the chemical industry and masterpieces icated to the history of Switzerland, has be- Switzerland’ focuses on settlement and mi- of mechanical engineering all bear witness to come a piece of history in its own right. The gration, religious and intellectual history, po- Switzerland’s tremendous and successful large building behind Zurich’s main station, litical history, and economic development economic growth. The exhibition also takes reminiscent of a fairytale castle, was built in from the Stone Age to the present day. The a look at Switzerland as a fi nancial centre and 1898 by architect Gustav Gull in a historicis- first part of the exhibition, entitled ‘No one the tourist attraction of the Alps, which have ing late medieval style. Once slated for de- has been here all the time’, lays the histori- always ranked highly on the list of key Swiss molition, it now ranks as a national historic cal foundations. By examining migration and ‘exports’. monument and has been extensively reno- settlement patterns it explains how Switzer- The journey through Swiss history ends vated. land’s topography has influenced its demo- with a ‘Salon de réflexion’ where news items In a sense, the renovation of the historic graphic development, showing how much from all over the world and an object of the building has also restored the museum’s orig- the country has been influenced – and con- month remind visitors that, far from being inal function. Director Andreas Spillmann tinues to be influenced – by migrants, often an abstract subject considered in isolation, wanted the new concept for the permanent fleeing political or religious persecution. history is a living thing that is still being writ- exhibitions to revive the institution’s origi- The second part of the exhibition, ‘Faith, ten – all over the world, including Switzer- nal role as a museum of history as well as arts diligence and order’, looks at the religious land. . 1 No

/ and crafts. Consequently, the refurbished and intellectual history of the country, and The museum in Zurich houses the largest 10 ‘station wing’ – housing the ‘Hall of Pillars’ examines the change in attitudes towards re- collection of cultural artefacts in Switzer- on the ground floor and the ‘Hall of Fame’ ligion: from the omnipresence of God and land. The permanent exhibition includes January 20 tional Museum

Na on the upper floor – is now home to two new- the unity of faith through the Reformation around one million exhibits of national sig- look permanent exhibitions on the main to the relativisation of religion during the nificance from all eras of history. ISS REVIEW SW themes of history as well as arts and crafts. Enlightenment. Visitors can see precious www.landesmuseum.ch Photo: Swiss 18 FEDERAL COUNCILLOR UELI MAURER

Maurer: “Now I have the dream job in politics” budgets have been slashed. We now face As head of the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and major problems in logistics and IT, and we are only in a position to fully equip one en- Sport, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer is in charge of not just the tire brigade. We are currently undergoing largest but probably also the most difficult department in the a process of consolidation and correction. Federal Palace. At the top of his list of problems is a shortage In some areas it will take several years to get the army into shape. But I am confident we of money to equip the army so it can do its job properly. But will succeed. what is that job anyway, critics of the military want to know. Ueli Maurer talks to “Swiss Review” about his first year in Does that include the oft-heard demand for greater attention to discipline again in office. Interview by Heinz Eckert the army? Discipline is absolutely essential to any army. Unfortunately, we can’t take it for granted the way we once could, because it’s less apparent in civilian life too. Changes in society have a very rapid effect on a militia army. Running a disciplined force is one of the topmost priorities of the Chief of the Armed Forces.

The armed forces cost a lot of money, and the federal government wants to cut costs. How can these two aims be reconciled? “A lot of money” is relative. Today the army costs Switzerland less than 1% of GNP. Other comparable countries spend more. Politicians and people in general need to have a clear idea of how much security is worth to us. To achieve the improvements I mentioned before we need an extra CHF 500 million per year.

Speaking at the Foire du Valais in Martigny: Federal Councillor Maurer enjoys public appearances and likes What will the future Swiss army be like? meeting members of the public. Different according to circumstances. By that I mean that it must constantly adapt “swiss review”: Has your life changed a lot before. As a member of the national govern- to the changing challenges. Nobody knows since being elected to the Federal Council? ment I am also involved in the affairs of the today what the security situation will be federal councillor ueli maurer: other six departments. like 15 or 30 years from now. But what we When I was President of the SVP (Swiss do know is that it is essential to have good People’s Party), I was already involved in a Is the job different from how you imagined it? training, modern equipment and the abil- whole range of issues and I was constantly As a Member of Parliament and Party ity to use it, and above all a positive and mo- exposed to public scrutiny. As a member of President I was in close contact with the tivated attitude among citizens in uni- the national government I have to deal with various heads of the DDPS for years. So I form. matters in more depth. Now, of course, I had a fairly good idea of what awaited me. spend a great deal of time in my office in the What new tasks will fall to the army? Federal Palace and live near Berne during As head of the Department of Defence, Civil The question we have to ask is: What the week. Politics has always fascinated me, Protection and Sport, you are in charge of a problems might affect our country? Water and now I have a dream job in politics. large and complex department. What are the issues, migration patterns, energy short- most urgent problems facing you at the mo- ages? We expect to get answers to this ques- What was the biggest change? ment? tion in the new Security Policy Report to . 1 No

/ I have my own staff and a large secretar- There are no major problems with the be published next autumn. 10 iat, who all assist me. I head a department Civil Protection and Sport sectors of the of around 12,000 people and I hold politi- department. But the Defence sector is cer- Will Switzerland always have a militia January 20

one cal responsibility for an army of 120,000 ac- tainly a challenge. In recent years, our mili- army? Why not a professional army? yst tive personnel. The scope of the job is en- tia army has had to cope with too many re- I can’t predict what the situation will be ISS REVIEW SW tirely different from anything I have done forms in too short a time and military like in 20 years. But at the present time and Photo: Ke 19

in the foreseeable future, the benefits of a controversy and therefore have a negative would have my doubts as to the possible role militia army are obvious. It is ingrained in impact on the army debate. Personally, I am of the media. our population, because people from all not against foreign deployments. But I parts of the country and all social back- would like to see our forces offer abroad You often hear that Federal Councillors grounds come together for a few weeks something typically Swiss: a ‘niche’ service work 14 hours a day or more. Is this true? every year, wear the uniform and serve their that is identified with our country, such as If so, is it healthy? Is it even possible to country. When army personnel aren’t water specialists. A working group is draw- focus and work efficiently for this amount needed, then they are at home or doing a ing up a set of proposals for me that will also of time? civilian job. And when they are needed, we form part of the Security Policy Report. I very often work those kinds of hours. can mobilise tens of thousands in a very But I don’t see it as a chore. I love the work short time. A professional army is not only What is the atmosphere like in the Federal and I love coming into contact with lots of much more expensive, its personnel would Council? Is it how you imagined it? You often different people, which is why I often at- also be recruited from just a few walks of life. And how could we keep a professional army occupied all year round?

How much support is there for the army among the Swiss population? Does Switzer- land still want its armed forces? Without a shadow of a doubt. The annual security surveys carried out by ETH Zurich show that around 75% of Swiss people be- lieve our army to be necessary. Whenever the army presents itself to the public, for ex- ample at trade fairs or Army Days, thou- sands of people turn up to find out more about it.

How serious are the cadre recruitment problems? No more serious than before. On the con- trary, the take-up of cadre training is very good. Many employers in trade, commerce and business are willing to send their people The head of the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport meeting troops with Brigadier Daniel to military training because they know it will Berger. Federal Councillor Maurer is in charge of the largest department in the Federal Palace. make them more valuable employees. read that the Federal Council is no longer tend smaller meetings too. I’m lucky enough What can be done about the growing number a group of colleagues, but of individuals fi ght- to be healthy and require little sleep. And I of young Swiss who are unfit for military ing for themselves. Would you agree? get plenty of exercise, mostly cycling, and service? Is this a major problem? Parliament elects seven ‘alpha animals’ cross-country skiing in winter. Once again, it’s a reflection of society as to government and these individuals have a whole. If people don’t get into the exer- to work together to get the best outcome Do we need a state reform or just more cise habit when they’re young, if they’re for our country. These seven individuals Federal Councillors? overweight or addicted to smoking, then don’t have to be friends. But they do No, I would say fewer. I think we could that’s how they’ll be when they show up for have to be colleagues. In my experience the manage with just five Federal Councillors. recruitment. And they’ll have problems Federal Council functions more smoothly The workload would have to be distributed keeping up during their basic training. I and harmoniously than is often portrayed differently. want to see a fitter population in general, in the media. We debate and sometimes and then we would have a fi tter army. we argue about the best solution. After a When will your family be moving nearer meeting we traditionally have a meal to- to the Federal Palace? There is often debate about the Swiss army gether. My wife and younger children still live in . 1 No

/ being sent on missions abroad. What are your the Zurich Oberland. They have strong per- 10 views? What do you think of the idea of direct sonal ties there. Our oldest children have Foreign peacekeeping and disaster relief election of the Federal Council by the people? left home and one of our sons lives in Nor- January 20

one missions are among the tasks assigned to the In many ways the idea is an attractive one, way. I have a nice apartment near Berne and yst army by politicians and the people. But but politically it is probably unrealistic. We I spend the weekends at home with my fam- ISS REVIEW SW peacekeeping missions in particular cause would risk permanent electioneering and I ily. Photo: Ke 20 POLITICS

Harmonisation of the school system hits a brick wall The most controversial point in the refer- A school starting age of 4, two years of kindergarten and enda was the two-year compulsory kinder- garten and the resulting younger school harmonised educational standards – those are the aims of an starting age. 86% of Swiss children already agreement made by the cantonal directors of education. But attend kindergarten for two years, but in the now that a third of the cantons have rejected this concordat it cantons that rejected harmonisation the fi rst year is either voluntary or non-existent. Lu- cannot come into force throughout Switzerland. By René Lenzin cerne became the first canton to reject Har- moS in September 2008. A good two years On 21 May 2006, things were looking rosy All children will receive basic education in previously, 85% of voters in Lucerne had for most Swiss politicians in education. On three languages, mathematics, science, hu- said ‘yes’ to the education article in the Fed- this date, almost 86% of voters and all the manities, social sciences, music/art and de- eral Constitution, but at that time there was cantons backed the new education article in sign, physical education and health. no real fight for votes and little debate on the Federal Constitution. The aim was to in- All children will start a first foreign lan- concrete issues – in Lucerne or anywhere troduce a degree of standardisation into guage no later than the third year of primary else. Switzerland’s different school systems, which school and a second foreign language no vary from canton to canton. The constitu- later than the fifth year of primary school. Next contentious issue: the curriculum tional text seeks to harmonise the school Each language region will decide whether to The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has spoken starting age, the length of compulsory school- give priority to English or another Swiss lan- out especially strongly against HarmoS. The ing, the duration and targets of the various guage. By the end of their compulsory party wants to uphold cantonal autonomy educational stages, the transitions between schooling children should have an equal level and warns that an early school starting age stages and the recognition given to the of competence in both foreign languages. could result in excessive state control over schooling a child has completed. education and upbringing. These arguments But now it seems that these provisions will Kindergarten: a bone of contention hit home in central and eastern Switzerland be much harder to implement than the re- So far, 11 cantons have signed up to the in particular, not least because the propo- sounding ‘yes’ vote might have suggested. Be- concordat (see map). This at least satisfies nents of HarmoS did not get quite so in- cause the cantons still have authority over the minimum number required for Har- volved in the debate. school education, the federal government moS to come into force at all. But in seven Buoyed by its success over HarmoS, the cannot enforce harmonisation. For such a cantons, either voters or the parliament SVP has already announced its next target move to go through, the cantons would have have rejected the agreement. In Aargau, in the field of education: the standard cur- to reach an agreement, known as a ‘concor- the population rejected an education re- riculum for all German-speaking cantons dat’, between themselves. Only if 18 out of the form in a decision that will defer HarmoS and the concordat for special needs educa- 26 cantons sign up to the concordat can the for the foreseeable future, while in Obwal- tion. These projects are not directly associ- federal government declare it binding upon den and Appenzell Innerrhoden local gov- ated with HarmoS, but there is some over- all of them. The cantonal directors of educa- ernments have shelved the matter for the lap. For example, the curriculum specifies tion have reached just such an agreement un- time being. So 16 cantons at most will be how the educational standards defined in der the name HarmoS, but it would seem that joining the harmonised system over the HarmoS are to be achieved. This is another there are not enough cantons prepared to ac- next few years – too few to push through area where the SVP wants to preserve can- cept it for a standard school system to be in- the key pillars of HarmoS throughout tonal autonomy. troduced throughout Switzerland. Switzerland. In the long term, however, the party will be powerless to avert a cer- 11 years of compulsory tain amount of harmonisa- schooling for all Yes to HarmoS tion because of the constitu- No to HarmoS The key elements of Har- Entry deferred tional article mentioned moS are: Not yet decided earlier. The article pre- All children must attend scribes that if the cantons school for 11 years: 2 years of cannot reach agreement, kindergarten, 6 years of pri- the federal government mary school and 3 years of must intervene: “If the co- secondary school. Pupils ordination process does not will complete each stage at a result in a harmonisation of . 1 No

/ pace appropriate to their the school system (...), the 10 personal abilities and level federal government shall of maturity. Children will enact the necessary provi- January 20 start school after their 4th sions.” birthday (with a cut-off date ISS REVIEW SW of 31 July). SWISS REVIEW January 2010 / No. 1 Cartoon: “24 heures” uk on Burki th minar e et refere dmi 2 ers UC= (UDC heures» «24 in ndum SV P) 22 JACQUES CHESSEX

Switzerland’s Prix Goncourt winner passes away The writer who recited matins Throughout his lifetime, Jacques Chessex, the writer from the Jacques Chessex had a sacerdotal view of writing. He would write early in the morn- Canton of Vaud, produced work which simply could not be ing, getting up between 4.30 a.m. and 5.00 ignored. Just as popular in Paris as in Switzerland, the hermit a.m. Jean-Dominique Humbert says: “He from Ropraz in Vaud passed away at the age of 75 while giv- would start with a poem to awaken him- self from his sleep, like a monk reciting ing a presentation at the public library in Yverdon. A tribute matins, before going on to write prose or by Alain Wey essays. His daily routine was precisely structured.” As a poet, novelist, portrait- “Jacques Chessex possessed incredible vig- in Payerne (Vaud) in 1942. You either ist, essayist and writer of short stories, our and focussed his energies on his need, liked or loathed Chessex, but nobody was Jacques Chessex’s work was extremely di- desire and obsession for writing and pro- indifferent to him. As he himself said, he verse. His last book “Le dernier crâne de ducing literature”, says his friend, the poet must have possessed “some kind of mysti- Monsieur de Sade” will be published in and journalist Jean-Dominique Humbert. cal power” which drew attention to him. January. So what were Chessex’s other An emblematic figure, Jacques Chessex de- Bernard Pivot, the French literary critic, passions? His friend explains: “Painting, fined the writer as “someone who elevates had this to say about him: “Most of his which he practised himself, and music and literature by giving power or an essentially work possesses an uncompromising real- the blues, as he also played the piano. Nat- sacred virtue to language, style and words”.* ism, a dark sensuality and an often rather urally, he had a passion for reading. He The only Swiss winner of the Prix Gon- ferocious lucidity. Jacques Chessex always loved taking walks, strolls and getting away court** (in 1973 with “L’Ogre”) died at the loved reopening old wounds: he knew ex- from it all. He enjoyed looking around age of 75 in the pleasant surroundings of a actly what troubled him and exactly what churches and cemeteries. People would presentation he was giving at the public li- would trouble his readers.”*** Summing up sometimes stop to question him. He jok- brary in Yverdon. A look back at his life in the writer translated into over 20 different ingly once told me that lots of people had the company of his poet friend. languages in just a few words, his friend asked him what he was doing. He could be Jean-Dominique Humbert said: “He was a quite quick-witted and would say: “I’m God, sex and death man with the noble ambition of facing up looking for God.” The person who had Literature spanning half a century, a hun- to himself, to literature and to the chapter stopped him was more likely to want to dred books and highly prestigious literary to be written. A writer who lasted the dis- call the police than believe there was a prizes (Schiller, Grand Prix de la langue tance, he possessed the intuition about metaphysician roaming around church- française, Grand Prix Jean Giono): Jacques what he wanted to write at a very young yards and cemeteries.” Chessex provoked strong feeling. In Feb- age and retained his desire and passion for ruary 2009, he once again created a scan- writing throughout his life. This was a man dal by publishing “Un Juif pour l’exemple”, obsessed by God, sex and death. This trin- which tells of the murder of a Jewish trader ity always featured in his work.”

KEY DATES IN HIS LIFE “Les Aveugles du seul regard” much concern about those who never stopped writing. Bizarrely, 1934: Born in Payerne (Vaud) 1999: Grand Prix de la langue stand out.” Littératour de Suisse, I have great confidence in myself 1951-1952: Studied at Collège française a documentary broadcast on TSR, today. I believe you improve with St-Michel in Fribourg 2005: Goncourt poetry award for 1998 age, not go downhill.” Le Matin, 1952-1960: Degree in literature at “Allegria” 2000 the University of Lausanne 2007: Grand Prix Jean Giono ALWAYS A WRITER 1956: His father commits suicide, “I happily got through thirty-five * Voix au chapitre, broadcast on TSR on 11 August 1975. a tragedy which never ceased to SWISS NEUTRALITY years in teaching and I have pro- ** The Prix Goncourt is the most presti- haunt him “What has always irritated me is vided myself with the resources gious prize in French literature and the 1963: Schiller Prize for “La Tête that the concept of Swiss neutral- needed to produce my work with- winning book sells between 300,000 and 900,000 copies. ouverte” ity has tempered hearts and souls out having to ask anyone for any- *** Téléjournal, TSR, 10 October 2009. 1953 and 1964: Co-founder of the and tarnished courage and moral- thing, which is something that literary reviews “Pays du lac” ity. In this country, any sugges- should make my critics think. I (Pully) and “Écriture” tion of being too strong, any have overcome difficulties and . 1 No

/ (Lausanne) in 1964 emergence of a figure of stature is crossed many rivers, sometimes 10 1969-1996: French teacher at the intolerable to people today. It is through fords, sometimes by wad- Gymnase de la Cité grammar remarkable that in a country ing through the mud. I have expe- January 20 school in Lausanne where mountaineering, the Alps, rienced much heartbreak, such as 1973: Prix Goncourt for “L’Ogre” the peaks and magnificent gla- my father’s suicide and the break- ISS REVIEW

SW 1992: Mallarmé poetry prize for ciers are so celebrated, there is so up of relationships, but I have PROFILE OF A HOST FAMILY 23

“Letting in the unknown” “The guests experience life as we know it”, The door to the Stockmann family home in Dübendorf is open adds Mirjam. They also have the freedom to discover Switzerland for themselves. Marcio to guests from all over the world. Dozens of young Swiss abroad once had to go into the city centre at night to have been introduced here to everyday life in Switzerland. collect a teenager who could not find his way A visit to an OSA host family. By Claudio Zemp home. These days she no longer worries about guests being shocked by the young couple’s often haphazard everyday routine.

Personal contact with people from all over the world The Stockmanns are happy to share their pri- vate lives with complete strangers. “You let the unknown into your home, but that is the appeal”, says Mirjam with conviction. The guests also play a part in this cultural experi- ment. Shared Swiss nationality makes contact easier. This at least provides a connection, as Francesca explains: “Having a Swiss back- ground creates a bond, even if it is just through a name that originates from Central Switzer- land.” The jovial host has never doubted her Young people are regular guests in this room. Francesca Stockmann, Mirjam Stockmann, Marcio Aggeler and decision to receive guests who come from Curdin Spirig in the “Casa Vivaio di Gaia” in Dübendorf. such diverse backgrounds. She says: “An open The Stockmann family has a long tradition of The couple hosted “Junior” from France house provides lots of stories.” One such tale hosting an open house. When Francesca last summer. “I have never seen anyone eat so concerns two ladies from New York whom Stockmann (61) moved back into her parents’ much”, laughs Marcio. The bank employee, she took in years ago. The big-city ladies home in Dübendorf in 1999, her then 90-year- who grew up in French-speaking Switzerland, turned out to be faith healers who wanted to old father grumbled when they had no visi- was able to brush up his French with “Junior”. convert Francesca. The pastor’s widow dealt tors for a fortnight. The teacher has hosted But far from all young Swiss visitors from with their missionary zeal by putting them at least one Swiss guest from abroad every abroad speak a Swiss national language. “As a straight around the kitchen table. year for the last almost 20 years. People from host, you need a flair for languages”, confirms The Stockmanns have no end of stories to all over the world have stayed with her in Mirjam. Her mother too loves foreign lan- tell. Francesca collects the addresses, photos Dübendorf, including youngsters from Para- guages. “I find it fascinating speaking differ- and thank-you letters from her guests. As she guay, Japan, Holland and Guadeloupe. And ent languages”, says Francesca. Her house is enjoys travelling herself, she has taken advan- it is not just Swiss expatriates who enjoy stay- a miniature cultural centre. Francesca redec- tage of contacts made on her own trips abroad. ing in the two guestrooms in Francesca’s orates her living room several times a year, Whether in Australia or Spain, she has been “Villa Kunterbunt”. 20-year-old Curdin Spirig, and organises readings and musical evenings. welcomed by Swiss people abroad everywhere. from Engadine, is currently staying with the When she retires, Francesca would like to visit family. This student at the Federal Institute An immediate insight into a country and Shanghai. She already knows whose door she of Technology in Zurich confirms the impres- its people will be knocking on. sion created: “People are always coming and Mirjam knows just how valuable staying with going here!” a host family can be. After meeting Marcio six years ago, the couple travelled to Brazil where The appeal of broadening horizons they stayed with a family. Mirjam believes this EVERYDAY SWISS LIFE FRESH FROM Two of them are Francesca’s daughter, Mir- was the perfect introduction. She says: “You THE SOURCE jam Stockmann (30), and her husband Mar- get to know the country and its people so The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) cio Aggeler (27). The recently married cou- much more quickly than tourists who go arranges host families for young Swiss peo- ple are a host family themselves. “Our fi rst sightseeing from their hotels.” Marcio and ple abroad who wish to take advantage of an guest from Australia slept on the sofa in our Mirjam make their guests part of their own OSA offer in Switzerland. This is the best way shared apartment”, recalls Mirjam. Before his lives. They show them the places to go and for young people aged between 15 and 25 . 1 No

/ arrival, she was worried that the city apart- take them along when friends invite them to experience everyday life in a Swiss family. 10 ment would not be comfortable enough for over. “You have to spend time with guests as Around 70 young people are welcomed by their visitor. However, he liked it so much well as providing them with a room”, empha- host families each year. January 20 that he continued to call round to see them sises Mirjam. The hosts have also enjoyed ac- Information: OSA Youth Service, long after his language course had fi nished. companying Swiss guests from abroad on vis- Prisca Blindenbacher, +41 31 356 61 00 ISS REVIEW SW “He wanted to stay with us”, laughs Marcio. its to the Rhine Falls or to Lucerne. [email protected], www.aso.ch Photo: Claudio Zemp 24 ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD

OSA ADVICE you are not properly enrolled, you must It does not provide information on foreign re-enrol with your polling commune law and does not intervene in disputes question: for the purpose of exercising political between private parties. I am a Swiss citizen living abroad and rights. If you are properly enrolled, this I did not receive the voting documents means the blame for the fact that you Offers for young people for the last ballot. What can I do to make have not received your voting docu- sure this does not happen again? ments lies with the postal service, a aged 15 and above problem which is unfortunately still all OSA offers attractive opportunities answer: too common, but which should be im- for young Swiss people abroad to In order to exercise their political proved by the introduction of elec- discover Switzerland. The new sum- rights, Swiss citizens abroad must tronic voting. mer brochure featuring various holi- be registered with the Swiss represen- On a general note, please ensure that day and educational programmes for tation responsible for their place you inform your Swiss representation of young people will be out in the com- of residence. They also have to com- your change of address if you move ing days. There are also still places plete a form to register to exercise house. available for the winter sports camp political rights. This registration has The form for registering for political for young adults and the Easter camp to be renewed every four years using rights is available at: in Valais. Contact us for details. a form that the polling commune sends In French: www.aso.ch/fr/conseils/ out directly to Swiss citizens at least vivre-a-letranger/droits-politiques/ The Swiss Alps are covered with once a year. If the registration is not formulaire-dinscription snow, the slopes of the ski resorts are renewed, the polling commune will In German: www.aso.ch/de/ in excellent condition, and OSA’s ski remove the voter from the electoral beratung/leben-im-ausland/ and snowboard instructors cannot register. However, voters can re-enrol politische-rechte/anmeldeformular wait to teach you the latest winter at any time by completing the form If you encounter problems in exer- sports techniques. for exercising political rights and cising your political rights, standard There are still some places available returning it to the Swiss representation letters relating to various scenarios are for the winter sports camp from 27 concerned. available on OSA’s website at: February to 6 March 2010. If you have not received your voting In French: www.aso.ch/fr/conseils/ The Easter camp for young people documents, please first check that you vivre-a-letranger/droits-politiques/ aged 14 and above will be held in the are still registered with your Swiss rep- difficultes-lors-de-votations sports and holiday centre in Fiesch. resentation for the purpose of exercis- In German: www.aso.ch/de/ Young Swiss from all over the world ing political rights. If you are not, you beratung/leben-im-ausland/ will meet up in the hometown of star must complete the registration form for politische-rechte/schwierigkeiten- skier Daniel Albrecht, from 3 to 11 exercising political rights and return it bei-abstimmungen April 2010. The famous alpine pano- to the Swiss representation. If you are rama of the Aletsch region, with views still registered, check with your polling OSA’s legal service provides general of Switzerland’s largest glacier and the commune to ensure you are properly information on Swiss law in areas which Matterhorn, is the ideal location for enrolled on the electoral register. If specifically concern the Swiss abroad. spending sunny days on snow-covered mountains. The accommodation cen- tre in Fiesch offers lots of alternatives to winter sports. You can enjoy use of 88TH CONGRESS OF THE SWISS ABROAD: 20 TO 22 AUGUST 2010, OLMA MESSE ST.GALLEN an indoor swimming pool, climbing I am interested in the next Congress of the Swiss Abroad. In spring 2010, please send me the walls, indoor sports halls and outdoor registration documents for the 88th Congress of the Swiss Abroad (20 to 22 August 2010 in facilities. St.Gallen) to the following address:

Surname/first name: OFFERS FOR YOUNG PEO- Address: PLE AGED 15 AND ABOVE

City/postcode/country: The holiday and educational offers of the Organisa- E-mail: tion of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) are aimed at young Swiss people abroad aged 15 and over. Information . 1

No on OSA’s offers for young people can be obtained / Please write clearly in block capitals and return the completed form to: 10 Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), Communications Department, Congress Organisation, Alpenstrasse 26, from the OSA Youth Service: CH-3006 Berne. To save on postage and time, you can also contact us directly by e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: +41 31 356 61 00

January 20 The latest information on the forthcoming congress will also appear regularly at www.aso.ch/de/angebote/ auslandschweizer-kongress. It is worth visiting our website from time to time. [email protected], www.aso.ch You can also register for offers for young people

ISS REVIEW on the website. SW 25

Take advantage of OSA’s educa- perhaps enjoy city visits. Some of the would also be pleased to send you tional programmes to find out lots of days are also spent at the camp, where our information brochure by post on important information about Switzer- you can enjoy games, sport and a vari- request. The registration deadline is land. ety of workshops. 15 March 2010. OSA will explain how the Swiss You will also be given the chance to education system works, and give you learn lots of interesting things about Summer camps 2010 the opportunity to visit Switzerland’s Switzerland. We look at the Swiss lan- Sat. 3.7. – Fri. 16.7.10: Les Mosses top schools and universities and to guages, Swiss songs, Swiss recipes and (VD) for 36 children aged 8 to 11, make useful contacts. typically Swiss games and sports. price: CHF 900 There are many more offers The interaction between participants, Sat. 3.7. – Fri. 16.7.10: Scuol (GR) to choose from besides those men- which rises above all barriers of language, for 36 children aged 11 to 14, price: tioned here. Visit our website now culture and nationality, is an opportunity CHF 900 at www.aso.ch to find the right option to enjoy unforgettable experiences and to Sat. 17.7. – Fri. 30.7.10: Les Mosses for you. We look forward to your forge lots of new friendships. (VD) for 36 children aged 8 to 11, visit. price: CHF 900 As usual, information on the offers Prices Mon. 19.7. – Fri. 30.7.10: Tent camp mentioned is available from The prices of the offers are quoted in in Château-d’Oex (VD) for 30 chil- the list below. The Foundation for dren aged 11 to 14, price: CHF 600 Organisation of the Swiss Abroad Young Swiss Abroad would like all Wed. 21.7. – Fri. 30.7.10: Swisstrip Youth Service Swiss children abroad to have at least for 20 young people aged 12 to 16, Tel: +41 (0)31 356 61 00 one opportunity to enjoy a holiday in price: CHF 950 Fax: +41 (0)31 356 61 01 Switzerland. This is why a fund for re- Sat. 31.7. – Fri. 13.8.10: Rueun (GR) [email protected] duced contributions has been set up. for 36 children aged 8 to 11, price: www.aso.ch An application form can be requested CHF 900 with your registration. Sat. 31.7. – Fri. 13.8.10: Sports camp in Obersaxen (GR) for 48 children Camps for children aged Travel/meeting point aged 12 to 16, price: CHF 950 8 to 14 The meeting point is arranged for Sat. 7.8. – Fri. 20.8.10: Engelberg around midday at Zurich airport. (OW) for 40 children aged 8 to 14, Are you aged between 8 and 14? Would Travel to and from Zurich airport is price: CHF 900 you like to spend 14 days in Switzer- organised and paid for by parents. Sat. 7.8. – Fri. 20.8.10: Flumserberg land to get to know your homeland (SG) for 36 children aged 11 to 14, better? Then sign up for one of the Leaders price: CHF 900 holiday camps run by the Foundation Experienced, multilingual teams of Please contact the office in Berne for Young Swiss Abroad. We organise leaders ensure the two-week holiday for further information: summer holiday camps in the most camps are well-organised and offer a beautiful regions of Switzerland wide variety of activities. Foundation for Young during July and August. Swiss Abroad Registration Alpenstrasse 26 Programme Exact details of the individual holiday CH-3006 Berne At our camps you will have the oppor- camps and the registration form will Tel: +41 (0)31 356 61 16 tunity to see the sights, to discover be available from Monday, 15 February Fax: +41 (0)31 356 61 01 lakes, mountains, rivers and magnifi- 2010 at www.aso.ch (Offers/Offers for E-mail: [email protected] cent scenery, to go on short hikes and Children and Young People). We www.aso.ch (Offers)

CAMPS FOR CHILDREN ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD AGED 8 TO 14 Our services: The camps for young Swiss people abroad aged 8 to Legal Department 14 are organised by the Foundation for Young Swiss ■ Abroad (FYSA). Information on these camps can be ■ Youth Service obtained from FYSA: ■ Association for the Promotion of Education for Young Swiss Abroad (AJAS) Telephone: +41 31 356 61 16 ■ Committee for Swiss Schools Abroad (CSSA) [email protected], www.aso.ch ■ Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad (FYSA) You can also register for offers for young people on the website. Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH–3006 Berne, Phone +41 31 356 6100, Fax +41 31 356 6101, [email protected], www.aso.ch 26 WINTER OLYMPICS IN VANCOUVER

Switzerland has its sights set on 13 medals and his sister, Ursina Haller, are also in with The 21st Winter Olympics will take place in Vancouver from 12 to a chance. However, it is in women’s snow- board cross that the Swiss team has the best 28 February 2010. How well is Switzerland expected to perform chance of winning medals with Tanja in Canada? Will we achieve the same medal haul as in Turin in Frieden (Olympic champion in 2006), San- 2006? Alain Wey takes a look at Switzerland’s prospects dra Frei (2nd at the 2007 World Champi- onships), Mellie Francon (3rd at the 2009 World Championships) and Olivia Nobs (2nd at the 2009 World Championships). uation, but we have the potential to repeat In PGS, competition within the men’s team our exploits of 2006. The athletes have to will be very intense with experienced com- get through the winter without injury, be- petitors like Simon Schoch, Roland Haldi, cause if we lose an athlete capable of win- Heinz Inniger, Marc Iselin and the return ning two medals, we would have to lower of two-time Olympic champion, Philipp our expectations.” The Swiss master of Schoch. ceremonies believes talk about the Olym- pics is superfluous. He says: “The athletes Curling, bobsleigh and ice skating must peak at the right time. That is The curling event will be fi ercely contested. the problem with the “Both teams are aiming Carlo Janka Olympics; you only get for a medal”, says Jürg one shot at it every Leuenberger of Swiss Is Switzerland set to bring home a record four years. If the ath- Curling. The team led number of medals from the Vancouver letes get it right on the by Mirjam Ott from Olympics? Will Canada bring us as much day, they will be Davos (Grisons) has luck as it did in Calgary in 1988, when Swit- amongst the medal already won two silver zerland returned with fifteen medals? Such winners.” He believes medals, one at the Salt an ambitious target is not merely a fl ight of Switzerland has good Lake City Olympics in fancy as the outlook has seldom been so medal prospects in al- 2002 and one in Turin good. The Swiss Ski Association has its pine skiing, bobsleigh, in 2006. Its honours list sights set on thirteen medals (see interview cross-country skiing – includes European with Urs Lehmann). These games will turn with Ammann, Küttel Championship titles in February into a winter sports extravaganza and Cologna – snow- Lara Gut 1996 and 2008 and 3rd throughout Switzerland. We talk to the boarding and freestyle place in the 2008 Swiss team’s officials to get the inside track skiing. He adds: “There are lots of athletes World Championships. Jürg Leuenberger on our chances. with the potential to take a place on the says: “The women have medal aspirations, podium. The fi nal selec- but winning gold will be tough because of Predictions of the Swiss tion for the team will be strong competition from the Canadians Olympic Organisation announced on 2 Febru- and the Chinese.” In the men’s event, the The Swiss Olympic Or- ary 2010.” team captained by Ralph Stöckli of Club ganisation was aiming for Basel Regio finished 5th at the Turin Olym- eight medals at the Turin Focus on snowboarding pics, 3rd at the 2003 World Championships Olympics in 2006, but The Swiss snowboarding and 4th in 2007 and 2009. Leuenberger ex- exceeded its goal by six team has a maximum of plains: “The main contenders will be Can- (see honours list). This 18 places available for the ada, Norway, Scotland – the current world was a significantly better flight to Vancouver, di- return than at previous vided into three disci- Olympics in Salt Lake plines – the half-pipe City (11), and particularly (HP), snowboard cross in Nagano (7). “Judging (SBX) and parallel giant by the results in all disci- slalom (PGS). In the plines last winter, we are Dario Cologna half-pipe, Zurich’s Iouri . 1 No

/ on track to pick up the same number of Podladtchikov has been close to breaking 10 medals as in Turin”, predicts Gian Gilli, American supremacy for the past two sea- head of elite sport at the Swiss Olympic sons. He achieved second place at the January 20 Organisation and Head Coach of the Swiss World Cup opener in New Zealand. The delegation in Vancouver. He explains: “Of novice Christian Haller from Grisons, ISS REVIEW

SW course, it will also depend on the injury sit- Swiss champion at Zermatt last September, Simon Ammann Photos: Swiss-Ski 27

champions representing Great Britain – And what about the new freestyle discipline – and Germany.” There are also hopes of suc- ski cross? cess in the bobsleigh with teams led by the Switzerland generally tends to do well pilots, Ivo Rüegg and Beat Hefti. The re- when a new discipline is introduced. We be- turn of Stéphane Lambiel augurs well in the lieve we have a chance with Michael Schmid figure skating. It remains to be seen whether and Andreas Steffen. The women also won he can compete with a new generation World Cup races last year. However, it is dif- of skaters. Whatever happens, the Games ficult to predict as it is not yet an established promise to be a magnificent spectacle and sport like snowboarding or alpine skiing. In will hopefully bring us a good medal haul. freestyle skiing, there is, of course, the Olym- pic champion, Evelyne Leu, and a very tal- Urs Lehmann, President of the Swiss Ski ented young men’s team, four of whom fi n- Association: “Thirteen medals” ished in the top 10 of the overall World Cup “swiss review”: What are your goals for the rankings, including Andreas Isoz and Tho- Vancouver Olympics? mas Lambert. We also hope to win a medal Urs Lehmann: We in freestyle skiing. Urs Lehmann have eight disciplines at the Swiss Ski Associa- And the ski jump? The host city: Vancouver, nestled between tion, and seven of them Simon Ammann and the USA and Alaska will be represented at Andreas Küttel both won “The best games ever!” – the Canadians are the Games. Only tele- medals at the 2009 World pulling out all the stops to deliver a magnif- mark will not make the Championships (1st and icent and memorable event. The Olympic trip. Based on an analy- 3rd). We believe Ammann, Village in Vancouver will host competitors sis of results in previous in particular, has a good and officials from the ice sports as well as years, we are aiming for chance of being amongst snowboarding and freestyle skiing. The other thirteen medals. the medallists. He fin- disciplines will stay in Whistler Village in the ished 2nd in the overall Coast Mountains, some 120 kilometres from In which disciplines has World Cup rankings in Vancouver. Describing the host city and its Switzerland got the best 2009 and is a consistent, surroundings almost feels like writing travel medal prospects? high-level performer. diaries in the style of Jack London. Count- We have our sights set Didier Cuche less bays, headlands, fjords and islands are on six medals in alpine Cross-country skiing? found along the Pacific Ocean coastline. Ma- skiing, four in men’s and two in women’s. We We have medal aspirations here for the jestic, snow-covered peaks rise above the sea, were the top nation in the 2009 World first time in a long while. Dario Cologna, and emerald lakes are nestled between the Championships for the first time in 20 years. who fi nished first in the 2009 overall rank- mountains. The trees, which are as wide as In the women’s events, even though Lara ings, and the relay team are expected to do medieval towers, underline just how well- Gut is unlikely to make it, skiers like Fabi- well. And not forgetting Curdin Perl and preserved the natural environment is. With enne Suter, Dominique Gisin, Fränzy Toni Livers, who remain in Cologna’s a region of such outstanding beauty and Ca- Aufdenblatten and Nadia Styger have the shadow, but who have achieved the same re- nadian hospitality, what more could you potential to win two medals. Right from the sults as him in training. want from the Olympic Games? first race of the season, the men proved that they will be in the reckoning with Didier 14 MEDALS AT THE WINTER ■ Mirjam Ott and her team, ■ Gregor Stähli, Cuche’s 1st place finish and Carlo Janka com- OLYMPICS IN TURIN IN 2006: curling, silver. skeleton, bronze. ing 3rd. Both are world champions. Didier 5 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze ■ Martina Schild, Défago, winner of the downhill at Wengen medals in addition to 24 top downhill skiing, silver. SIX MEDALS AT THE 2009 and Kitzbühel last season, is also expected to 8 fi nishes. ■ Stéphane Lambiel, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN do well. individual ice skating, VAL D’ISÈRE (FRANCE): ■ Evelyne Leu, silver. ■ Didier Cuche, What about snowboarding? freestyle skiing, gold. ■ Simon Schoch, gold in the super G, The team won four medals at the World ■ Tanja Frieden, snowboard PGS, silver. silver in the downhill. Championships – Fraenzi Mägert-Kohli and snowboard cross, gold. ■ Martin Annen and his team, ■ Carlo Janka, . 1 No

/ Patrizia Kummer in alpine and Mellie Franco ■ Daniela Meuli, two-man and four-man gold in the giant slalom, 10 and Olivia Nobs in snowboard cross. But we snowboard PGS, gold. bobsleigh, bronze. bronze in the downhill. are hoping for three medals this year – two ■ Philippe Schoch, ■ Ambrosi Hoffmann, ■ Lara Gut, January 20 from the women in snowboard cross and one snowboard PGS, gold. super G, bronze. silver in the downhill and in alpine, even though that will be a tall or- ■ Maya Pedersen-Bieri, ■ Bruno Kernen, super combined. ISS REVIEW SW der with the Americans. skeleton, gold. downhill skiing, bronze. Photos: Swiss-Ski 28 SWISS CUISINE

A culinary tour of Switzerland the country proudly preserving its own spe- What tickles your taste buds? Plain in Pigna, Maluns or the cialities. The new Swiss cookbook is divided into famous Aargauer Rüeblitorte? Or maybe a Berner Platte, Papet four regions: Romandy; Solothurn, Berne Vaudois or Fondue Moitié-Moitié? Any Swiss expatriate is sure and Valais; Northern and Eastern Switzer- to yearn for some hearty Swiss cooking now and again. And a land; and Central Switzerland, Grisons and Ticino. The recipes are also divided new cookbook from Betty Bossi is guaranteed to help satisfy into three categories: a recipe with one appetites for authentic Swiss food. By Heinz Eckert Swiss cross is of the type “New Swiss cook- ing with fresh Swiss produce”, two crosses It’s thanks to Betty Bossi that Swiss cooking share a long tradition and reveal a passion indicates a “New interpretation of a Swiss is well and truly back in fashion. 53 years of for detail and a love of fresh seasonal pro- classic”, and three crosses symbolises a experience and a genuine love for Swiss cui- duce. But as Switzerland’s foremost cook, “Swiss classic”. sine have prompted the company to compile Betty Bossi is intending to take Swiss spe- As you would expect, the “classics” include a comprehensive collection of recipes for cialities to a wider international audience. the likes of Älplermagronen with Apfel- Switzerland’s finest and most popular dishes. “The Swiss Cookbook” is the fi rst cook- schnitzen (Alpine macaroni with sliced ap- Spanning more than 300 pages, it is the fi rst book from the company to appear in Eng- ple) and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (chopped book from the company to be published in lish as well as German and French. It’s a veal with mushrooms and cream). But Betty English as well. Swiss cooking can hold its book for Swiss at home, home-sick Swiss Bossi also throws in a few surprises, such as head up high in the illustrious company of abroad, lovers of Switzerland and gourmets “Hagu-Hans-Gotlett” (pork cutlets with the world-famous culinary traditions of It- everywhere. In short, it’s for the whole dried fruit) and “Ziberlihoger-Lisi-Filet” aly, Asia or France. world. (pork medallions in a cream sauce). And no- By launching “The Swiss Cookbook”, If you were to ask what Switzerland’s na- one would guess from its name what “Sii” is: Betty Bossi wants not only to preserve tional dish was, most people would probably a sweet dish made with bread, sultanas and Switzerland’s culinary heritage but also to say fondue or raclette. And what about the red wine. actively contribute to the future devel- most popular sweet treat? Chocolate, I hear The book is packed with delicious ideas opment of Swiss cooking. This original, you say. But Betty Bossi’s “The Swiss Cook- and surprises, although a few recipes do beautifully illustrated and comprehensive book” broadens our horizons and proves that make you chuckle. Asparagus samosas, reference work features all the essential re- Switzerland has much more to offer than just salmon sashimi, stuffed quail with horserad- gional specialities together with new inter- chocolate and cheese. The country not only ish, and crème brulée are undoubtedly pretations of classic dishes and fascinating, has four language regions but four different mouth-watering, though they can hardly be entertaining cookery tips. All the recipes culinary traditions as well, with every part of described as authentically Swiss.

Marinade: bring all the ingredients for the ALPINE MACARONI WITH Bring 3 tablespoons of milk, 3 table- marinade to the boil in a pan and allow to SLICED APPLE spoons of full cream and 2 pinches of cool. Pour into a glass, porcelain or stain- Preparation time: approx. 1 hr salt to the boil in the same pan and pour less steel container, place the meat into the A wide, 2-litre, greased oven-proof over the macaroni. Wipe out the pan. marinade, covering it fully in the liquid, if baking tin is required. necessary by weighing it down. Cover and SLICED APPLE leave in a cool place for approx. 5 days, Preparation: preheat oven to 120°C, Heat ½ a tablespoon of butter in the turning the meat every day. Remove the preheat baking tin. same pan meat and vegetables and dab dry. Bring the Add 750 g of sliced red apples marinade to the boil, pour through a fi ne- ALPINE MACARONI Add 1½ dl of apple wine or cider, 1 cin- mesh sieve and put to one side. Cook 500 g of waxy potatoes, diced into namon stick, halved, and approx. 2 ta- 2 cm cubes, and 200 g of alpine maca- blespoons of sugar. Cover and cook the Season the meat with 1½ teaspoons of roni in boiling salted water. Cook the sliced apples until soft. Remove the lid, salt and a pinch of pepper. potatoes and macaroni until soft, then reduce the liquid and remove the cinna- SUURE MOCKE (wine-braised beef) Heat 1½ tablespoons of clarified butter in drain. mon stick. Marinade: approx. 5 days. Preparation the pan. Brown off the meat for around 8 time: approx. 1 hr. minutes and remove. Sauté the vegeta- Arrange 200 g of finely grated spicy Serve hot or cold with the alpine Braise for approx. 2 hrs 45 mins. bles and remove. Reduce the heat and alpine cheese in layers with the macaroni. www.MySwitzerland.com/aso For 6 persons add a small amount of clarified butter. potatoes and maca- 1 kg of beef (e.g. eye of round) Add 2 tablespoons of flour and ½ a table- roni in the pre- spoon of sugar, cook until hazelnut brown pared baking tin. Marinade then remove the pan from the stove. Pour Top with cheese 1.2 litres of light red wine in 5–7dl of the marinade that has been and keep warm. (e.g. Blauburgunder Beerli) put to one side and bring to the boil while Wipe out the pan. 1dl of red wine vinegar stirring. Put the meat and vegetables Heat 2 tablespoons . 1 1 No 1 small leek, chopped back into the pan. ⁄3 of the meat should of butter in the /

10 1 carrot, chopped be covered by the liquid. Cover and sim- same pan. 1 small piece of celery, chopped mer on a low heat for approx. 2¾ hours, 2 onions, halved turning the meat every half an hour. Re- Brown off 2 thinly January 20 2 sprigs of rosemary move the meat and leave to rest for ap- sliced onions and 1

cipes: Betty Bossi 1 cinnamon stick prox.10 minutes before carving, keeping clove of crushed re 2 bay leaves and 2 cloves it covered. Season the sauce with salt and garlic and spread 8 black peppercorns, ground pepper to taste. Carve the meat and serve over the macaroni. ISS REVIEW SW Photos and 4 juniper berries, ground with the sauce and vegetables. Keep warm.

30 SWISS POLITICAL PARTIES – INTERNATIONAL SECTIONS

Baltisser: “People who vote for the SVP vote for Swiss values” bership fees totals around three hundred. SVP International was founded in 1992 as a political association Membership among the Swiss abroad has grown at the same rate as membership at for Swiss people abroad. The Committee consists of influential home. There was a veritable wave of new SVP politicians and dedicated Swiss abroad. Together with the members when Christoph Blocher was General Secretariat it works to promote ties between the Fifth voted off the Federal Council. Switzerland and the federal Parliament. In an interview with How do you maintain contact with Swiss “Swiss Review”, SVP General Secretary Martin Baltisser stresses abroad? the importance of Swiss voters abroad. By Heinz Eckert We mainly use our electronic channels, though we also write to registered mem- bers. In future, we plan to introduce com- munities so that our party allies abroad “swiss review”: What do the Swiss abroad see to it that these val- can have interactive dis- mean to you? ues are not abandoned. cussions with each other. martin baltisser: They mean a great What’s more, a great We also keep our mem- deal to me. After all, I was a founding many Swiss strongly bers regularly informed member of SVP International back in support our European through our newsletters. 1992. When postal voting was introduced policy because they live for Swiss abroad, it was immediately clear in the EU and can see to us that they should also be given the op- for themselves what EU portunity to align themselves with a membership would party. mean for Switzerland. Martin Baltisser, General Secretary of SVP International rep- the SVP What were the aims behind the foundation resents the interests of of SVP International? the Swiss people, who want a self-assured What does the Council of the Swiss Abroad Our objective was, and still is, to forge country where prosperity, security and mean to you? contacts between Swiss nationals living freedom thrive. They therefore support The Council of the Swiss Abroad in it- abroad as well as between them and their independence, low taxes, a well-equipped self is a good institution. Unfortunately, home country. SVP International also army and police force, and a neutral for- the SVP is extremely under-represented aims to make an important contribution eign policy. on this council, even though it is by far the to protecting the interests of Swiss abroad strongest party in the Swiss Parliament. here in Switzerland. Naturally, we en- Of all the Swiss parties, yours is the most That needs to change. deavour to include their concerns in Swiss active in terms of the Swiss abroad commu- federal politics when preparing responses nity. Why? Will a Swiss abroad ever make it onto the to consultations or initiatives. The SVP Because we have the most active Swiss National Council? International Committee is made up of abroad. Also, we afforded the Swiss abroad Since candidates have to put themselves dedicated Swiss abroad as well as influen- community the status of a cantonal party up for election in a canton, that would be tial SVP politicians. from the outset, and fully integrated it very difficult, but by no means impossible. into our parent party. That has to be a ma- There are certainly some highly eligible Much of the SVP’s manifesto does not neces- jor factor in our success. candidates around, and for the 2011 elec- sarily reflect the views and interests of tions we will once more campaign with as Swiss people abroad. The SVP’s No to the How many members do you have among many lists of Swiss abroad as possible. At EU surely can’t be in the interests of Swiss the Swiss abroad? present it is the SVP National Council- nationals living there? It’s difficult to say, since we don’t keep lors who guarantee a link between the I’m not so sure. Most Swiss abroad join a central register of members. We estimate Swiss abroad and the federal Parliament. the SVP because they want to see tradi- that there are several hundred. The hard tional Swiss values defended. We want to core of Swiss abroad who also pay mem-

Advertisement . 1 No / 10 January 20 SVP ISS REVIEW SW Photo. ECHO 31

■ Researchers at CERN in national company directors Geneva can stop agonising. surveyed, 20% would choose After more than a year of repair Switzerland if they had to relo- work, the largest particle cate their business. In contrast, accelerator (LHC) ever built the Swiss tax system has lost has been put back into opera- some of its appeal, dropping tion without any hitches. from 4th position worldwide in The scientists are aiming to The Swiss U17s football team – all the players are still under 17 years of age – be- 2007 to 11th in 2009. came world champions in Nigeria last November after an outstanding perform- detect traces of the invisible ance. They defeated Brazil, Germany, Italy, Columbia and Nigeria in turn to see ■ Having retired early from “dark matter” believed to Switzerland crowned football world champions for the first time ever. The team was the Federal Council, Pascal honoured in a reception at the Federal Palace. make up more than 96% of the Couchepin can now dedicate his universe. time to his passion for history. ■ The Federal Minister of “We have pursued a policy that has made us the most competitive nation He is to become President Economic Affairs, Doris Leut- in the world and the most innovative in Europe. We are still the world’s of the Foundation of the Swiss hard, who was elected Swiss seventh most important fi nancial centre.” School of Archaeology in President in December, is Doris Leuthard, President Elect of the Confederation Greece as well as the Hardt planning to apply the safeguard for 2010 and Economics Minister Foundation for the Study clause to protect the Swiss “I have no problem with Muslim women wearing head scarves. In the of Classical Antiquity in Van- labour market from 2010. The more remote valleys of Grisons you will still see older women wearing doeuvres (canton of Geneva). Federal Council had decided head scarves.” Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Federal Councillor and Justice Minister He is also responsible for pro- against using this instrument moting French as the official “Should Switzerland join the European Union? I wouldn’t entertain in May 2009. She told the language of the Winter Olym- any illusions. Switzerland is very much in the thick of it and dependent “NZZ am Sonntag” that the pics in Vancouver. on the EU in all sorts of ways. Everything would have been much easier government had to look at ways ■ In the first nine months of with the European Economic Area (EEA).” of making Switzerland a less 2009, the number of companies Joschka Fischer, former German Foreign Minister attractive destination for EU going bankrupt in Switzerland citizens in 2010 and 2011. Last “The longer Switzerland maintains a political distance from the rest of increased by 28.9% to reach a October, unemployment in Europe, and yet profits from the most important achievements of the EU, total of 3,872 companies. A dis- Switzerland rose to 4%, its the less willing it will be to risk EU accession.” mal record number of 1,387 highest level for more than four Michael Herman, political scientist companies went into liquidation years. in the third quarter alone. “According to our predictions, unemployment will fall gradually from The Competition Commis- ■ Chemist Michael Grätzel, a ■ 2011. Once the economy picks up again Switzerland will return to its sion (Comco) has imposed professor at the Federal Insti- traditionally very low rates of unemployment.” a CHF 220 million fi ne on tute of Technology in Lausanne, Serge Gaillard, head of the Labour Directorate Swisscom. The operator at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs is one of four people to be overcharged its competitors awarded the 2009 Balzan Prize. “Swiss-based asset management for foreign clients will continue to be (Sunrise, Tele2, etc.) for He will receive CHF 1 million very much in demand.” Brady Dougan, American CEO of Credit Suisse high-speed Internet services for inventing a new type of pho- over several years. This pre- “Why do we have up to 400,000 Muslims in Switzerland, mainly from tovoltaic cell which will be used vented its operator customers the Balkans and Turkey? Because we brought them in as workers and in Bertrand Piccard’s “Solar from operating their ADSL then they brought their families.” Impulse”. services profitably. Rudolf Strahm, commentator and former Price Inspector ■ The GaultMillau guide to A third of Switzerland’s Swiss gastronomy has named ■ “The arrest of film director Roman Polanski may have been legally inev- 4.28 million workforce is Andreas Caminada “Chef of itable, but politically it was senseless.” employed part-time. This the Year”. The 32-year-old chef Martin Senti, editor of the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung”, proportion is almost unparal- on the worldwide protests following this arrest at the Hotel Schauenstein in leled in Europe, where only Fürstenau (Grisons) was previ- the Netherlands is ahead of ously named “Newcomer of the Switzerland with a rate of by making a decisive contribu- persons at risk and then ex- Year” in 2007. His “magical and 48%. This phenomenon mainly tion in the play-off match tended to the rest of the popu- audacious” cuisine and a score of concerns women. against Italy. lation. 19 out of 20 have seen him enter . 1 No

/ ■ Roger Federer fi nished 2009 ■ The vaccination campaign ■ After Germany, Switzerland the exclusive club of “la crème 10 as world number 1, regaining to counter the H1N1 flu is set is the most attractive location de la crème des cuisiniers”, his crown after victory at to cost almost CHF 130 million in the world for companies which has eight members in January 20

one Wimbledon. He also helped and will be met by the federal according to a study conducted Switzerland, including Philippe yst Switzerland to retain its place government. It was launched by the consultants Ernst & Rochat from the canton of ISS REVIEW SW in the Davis Cup world group at the end of September for Young. Of the 700 multi- Vaud. AW/RR Photo: Ke Switzerland – a winter wonderland: view from the Gamsberg down to a sea of mist on Lake Walen.