THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD

jANuARy 2012 / NO.1

Federal Councillor Alain Berset and his meteoric rise

Traditions: the UNESCO list and Switzerland

Iouri Podladtchikov: an incredible talent Glacier Express in the Goms Valley, Valais

The magic of panoramic Altitude 4000 If you want to admire an Winter views. exceptional view of around Allow yourself to be captivated by the passing 29 mountain tops reaching peaks of over 4000 meters, landscapes on board Switzerland’s most includingSwitzerland’s famous panoramic train. highest mountain, the Pointe Dufour, a trip to the The Glacier Express links the An unforgettable journey Gornergrat is a must. It can Tip 1 two most important regions Since its first journey in easily be reached by cog- in the Swiss Alps, Valais and 1930, the Glacier Express wheel railway from Zermatt. MySwitzerland.com Graubünden. On board, you has lost none of its magic, Webcode: A41609 will travel through 91 tunnels particularly in Winter. It took and cross 291 bridges be- 50 years before trains were Winter sports tween Zermatt, the home able to run on the impass- The Oberalp Pass in of the Matterhorn, and able mountain section of the Graubünden is transformed St.Moritz, the glamorous Furka in Winter! in Winter into a playground station of the Engadin. In for tobogganing enthusi- its panorama cars, a journey NetworkSwitzerland asts,skiers, snowboarders of over seven hours will seem Register at and hikers. The view of the like just a few minutes, as the MySwitzerland.com/asoby Urseren Valley and the views of nature in Winter are 31 March 2012 and win mountains of the Gotthard Tip 2 so magnificent. From the a 3-nights stay for 2 persons Pass region is breath- highest point of the journey, at the Hotel JulenÀ in taking. MySwitzerland.com the Oberalp Pass (2033 m), Zermatt. Webcode: A41033 through the gorges of the Rhine, the entire route shows MySwitzerland.com Beautifulinspiration you a succession of forests Webcode: C54311 The scenery here is inspir- with trees cloaked in white, ing: the path along the silent plains and typical sunny slopes of Muottas mountainvillages. Muragl in the Upper Enga- din has even been dubbed the“philosophers’path”. Take a walk here among the A collaboration between Switzerland Tourism and the Organisation of the Swiss giant peaks and let your Abroad (OSA) Tip 3 mind roam free. MySwitzerland.com Webcode: A41043 EDITORIAL cOnTEnTs 3

The struggle over concordance

freshly elected Parliament, a new Federal Council, new faces and new political 5 forces – so does this also mean a new beginning? In the six weeks between the Mailbag A parliamentary elections on 23 October 2011 and the Federal Council election, 5 endless discussions took place on various bodies about the right composition of the Swiss Books: Switzerland – a military service government. The notion of concordance was at the heart of all these talks. The debate provider became so intense that it seemed as though the future of Switzerland depended solely on 7 the system of concordance, also known as the magic formula. This principle of power Images: Parisian surrealists in Basel distribution among the four strongest parties in the Federal Council according to their 8 number of seats in Parliament, which the FDP.The Liberals and the Swiss People’s Party Traditions from all over the world: (SVP) wanted to uphold, was ultimately rejected by the Federal Assembly (report on Switzerland’s contribution to the UNESCO list page 14). 13 However, the magic formula’s power distribution principle is certainly no guarantee The Swiss people will vote on five proposals of concordance or successful government. The word “concordance” contains the Latin at the referendum on 11 March terms con (with) and cor (heart). Concordare means “to reach agreement”. A body com- 14 mitted to concordance in this sense of the word requires people who act together in The new Swiss government with Didier heart and mind as far as possible, and who are willing and able to cooperate with their Burkhalter as Minister of Foreign Affairs political adversaries in the interests of the common good. The search for widespread 16 majority support and the involvement of minorities in the decision-making process are The voting behaviour of the Swiss abroad - an fundamental to the success of this form of government. analysis after the first e-elections The vast majority of Swiss people clearly favour this type of government. A Federal Regional news Council at loggerheads and dominated by mistrust and machinations, as we have seen in the past, would be disastrous in light of the financial and economic crises and the chal- 18 lenges that lie ahead in global politics over the coming years. An interview with Michael Reiterer, the out- In view of this situation, it is questionable whether it was a wise going EU ambassador in Berne decision to deny the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), which still has 20 the largest number of votes, the second seat on the Federal Coun- His programmes enjoy cult status: Andreas cil that it is entitled to under the magic formula or mathematically Moser’s “Netz Natur” on Swiss TV under the concordance system. Only time will tell. The SVP 22 clearly contributed to Parliament’s refusal to grant it a second Iouri Podladtchikov: the Swiss snowboarding Federal Council seat with its unsuccessful candidate selection and star with the Russian soul its approach to the Federal Council election on 14 December, which was driven by 24 anger and vengeance. If the SVP, which has been humiliated for a second time, following OSA news the de-selection of Christoph Blocher in 2007, now focuses on a policy of opposition and 27 obstruction, government will become a difficult task. This will certainly not be in the best Notes from Parliament interests of the nation, and the new beginning will be destined to fail. 30 Besides politics in Berne, the second major issue this edition of “Swiss Review” focu- Little gems ses on is “intangible cultural heritage”. This awkward and not immediately transparent term has been coined by UNESCO. It refers to traditions practised worldwide, such as 31 Mongolian folk songs with circular breathing, yodelling, fondue and Malian wisdom ri- Echo tes. The article on well-known and less familiar Swiss traditions on page 8 contains plenty of surprises. Cover photo: As she herself says, Christine Lauterburg’s roots are in alpine folk music. BARBARA ENGEL The 56-year-old from Berne is also called a “techno yodeller”. Her unconventional interpre- tations constantly meet with disapproval from traditionalists. Photo: donated

IMPRINT: “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss abroad, is in its 39th year of publication and is published in German, French, Italian, English and Spanish in 14 regional editions. It . 1

No has a total circulation of 395000, including 135000 electronic copies. Regional news appears four times a year. /

12 The ordering parties are fully responsible for the content of advertisements and promotional inserts. These contents do not necessarily represent the opinion of either the editorial office or the publisher. n EDITORS: Barbara Engel (BE), Editor-in-Chief; René Lenzin (RL); Alain Wey (AW); Marc Lettau (MUL); Manuel Gnos (MAG); Jean-François Lichtenstern (JFL), responsible for “Notes from

January 20 Parliament”, Service for the Swiss Abroad, FDFA, CH-3003 Berne Translation: CLS Communication AG n LAYOUT: Herzog Design, Zurich n POSTALADDRESS: Publisher, editorial office, advertising: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne, Tel.: +41 31 356 61 10, Fax: +41 31 356 61 01, Postal account (Swiss National Giro): 30-6768-9. n E-MAIL: [email protected] n PRINT: Swissprinters St.Gallen AG, CH-9001 St.Gallen. n CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please advise your local embassy or consulate. Do not write to Berne. n 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 30 / abroad: CHF 50). ISS REVIEW Subscribers are sent the magazine direct from Berne. n INTERNET: www.revue.chCopy deadline for this edition: 15.12.2011 SW Prepare yourself for real-world leadership www.unisg.ch

Choose Switzerland’s leading business university to start your career. The University of St.Gallen (HSG) has been ranked 1st worldwide by the Financial Times with its SIM Master and 2nd with the double degree CEMS MIM. Internationality, practical relevance and an integrative perspective have been the trademarks of education ever since our establishment in 1898. Today, we are educating more than 7,000 students from 80 countries in Management, Economics, Law, Social Sciences and International Affairs. Our Bachelor‘s courses for undergraduates are taught in German currently, but an English-language We‘ll take you to Switzerland Bachelor‘s is planned for 2013. Six of the twelve at the click of a mouse. Master‘s programmes are taught entirely in English. Information. News. Background reports. Analysis. From Switzerland, about Switzerland. Multimedia, interactive and up to date in 9 languages. swissinfo.ch University of St.Gallen (HSG) EFMD +41 (0)71 224 37 02 I [email protected] I www.unisg.ch mailbag books 5

Subtle, current and well drawn rate, undemocratic and ex- mercenaries do not have a good reputation. The Libyan I would like to respond to the tremely questionable in terms dictator Muammar Gaddafi attempted for months to pre- letter entitled “Offensive” by of state politics. The incorrect vent his fall from power in October 2011 with foreign Ms. Zingg from Taiwan. The claim that the modern army is troops. The UN recently warned of a worrying rise in the “Drop it!” caricature by Peter no longer fit for purpose is an number of mercenaries in Africa. The use of “external mili- Gut in your September edition affront to all those who perform tary forces” is outlawed in Switzerland but that has not al- is subtle, humorous, current and military service in accordance ways been the case. The Swiss were among the most

well drawn. I would not have with the constitution and, above warfare service provider sought-after mercenary forces for half a millennium. Well felt offended even if I were a all, the officers. over a million Swiss mercenary soldiers fought on the bat- – a Federal Councillor. It may just HEINRICH L. WIRz, tlefields of Europe. They were renowned for their brutality be a case of the end justifying RETIREdCOLONEL, and boldness, which made them much coveted and feared the means. But many things are BREMGARTEN (SWITzERLANd) in equal measure. They served almost every European all too readily called “misogy- power. At one stage, one in three of the French army’s in- nistic”. I am grateful to “Swiss Great on the iPad too fantry came from Switzerland. And in the 19th century, lib-

Review” for allowing me to ap- We are delighted that we can Switzerland eration movements were often confronted with Swiss preciate some current Swiss hu- now read “Swiss Review” on the troops serving royal dynasties in decline. Swiss mercenaries of mour. iPad too. It is great that you old are a far cry from the idyllic image of the modern-day papal CAROLEdAUBERSCHMIdT, have decided to do this, and we Swiss Guard as an historic relic. LUxEMBOURG are sure that lots of readers are Probably no other phenomenon had a stronger influence on also grateful for the app. My pre-modern Switzerland than its mercenaries. Journalist Jost Auf Sexist and lacking in respect wife and I have been living in der Maur points out that it is strange that there is little general “Drop it!” - have I missed Antigua and Florida for six awareness of this extraordinary historical phenomenon. Exten- something or do I completely years and continue to read sive research has been carried out into mercenaries in military lack a sense of humour? I find “Swiss Review” with great in- history, but the cultural history and socio-political dimension this caricature misogynistic, terest. Many thanks for all your has largely been overlooked. In his book “Söldner für Europa” sexist and lacking in respect. It efforts. (Mercenary soldiers for Europe), Auf der Maur highlights this certainly does not belong in ROLANd ANd SILVIA BACHMANN, black hole in Swiss history. He felt obliged to do so as many of his “Swiss Review”. ANTIGUA direct ancestors were officers in the pay of foreign powers. GABRIELE MÜLLER GLOOR, In one respect, it was a “dirty business”, one that established CIUdAd COLON, COSTA RICA Extremely frustrated an aristocracy founded on the mercenary trade and wielding po- As an avid reader of “Swiss litical power. The book’s illustrated annex impressively shows the A rare blunder Review”, I followed the articles financial gains of Swiss mercenary entrepreneurs, which were I was saddened and extremely on developments in Swiss poli- turned into architecture – stately homes built on blood in the disappointed to find a carica- tics and was preparing to vote truest sense of the word in many parts of Switzerland. Mercenary ture of our Federal Councillors by post. I was extremely frus- soldiers who avoided death on the battlefield of- in such bad taste and a rare trated when I received the elec- ten returned home in poverty, mutilated and suf- blunder in “Swiss Review”. I am tion update on 20 October. fering from alcoholism. Switzerland suffered astonished that the editorial Owing to a postal service strike, huge population loss. team allowed those so coura- all mail was delayed and it was On the other hand, the long periods abroad re-

geous and willing to commit too late to send the ballot enve- miliengeschichte sulted in a transfer of knowledge. Those who Fa themselves where men are not lope via the consulate in São managed to return home in good health and per- brave enough to be ridiculed. Paulo. It is time the Swiss gov- haps even with some prosperity brought culture

ALExIS WARIdEL, QUEBEC ernment thought about elec- Söldner für Europa Mehr als eine Schwyzer Jost Auf der Maur Echtzeit and knowledge from many foreign countries with tronic voting in all countries by them. Auf der Maur even claims that Switzerland Aloof internationalists using the Swiss diplomatic rep- would not have survived without its foreign mercenaries. The Philosophy professor Georg resentations. courts of Europe had become so dependent on Swiss troops that Kohler unprofessionally said of ALExANdREdEVELEy, they refrained from attacking their supply line of soldiers. The the Swiss army: “It still exists SãO PAULO, BRAzIL Swiss were able to call their troops home whenever they needed but is no longer fit for purpose them for themselves. A mechanism was practised here that grad- in its current form. It must ur- Goodbye Swissinfo disk ually became an ever stronger commitment to neutrality. gently join an alliance because The last Wahl-CD from Based on his family history, Jost Auf der Maur provides new, . 1 No

/ the opposition forces have be- swissinfo.ch will become a fascinating and sometimes disconcerting insights into a turbu- 12 come too powerful.” Which al- collector’s item as it is the last lent and underappreciated chapter in Swiss history. liance? The EU and/or NATO? one. What a sad loss. We are JÜRG MÜLLER January 20 Such writing by international- constantly encouraged to follow ists who see themselves as being JOST AUF dER MAUR. Söldner für Europa: Mehr als eine Schwyzer Familien- ISS REVIEW above the electorate is inaccu- More readers’ letters on page 6 SW geschichte. Echtzeit Verlag, Basel 2011. 106 pages. CHF 29 6mailbag

mainstream trends and in fact fairs. Thanks to the Internet Much handier by Muammar Gaddafi and the to become sheep. It has been a and TSR/1, expats are well in- I just wanted to give you some US tax authorities. (…) But great source of information, formed about current affairs quick feedback on “Swiss Re- Mr Balmer is right. The major- enabling people to listen to the and politics and can vote with view”. I love the fact that it ity of Swiss people have had pros and cons from party rep- full knowledge of the facts. gets sent out in printed paper “enough of multiculturalism”. resentatives on upcoming vote These citizens live abroad for a form again. I had stopped read- Let’s shut ourselves off from and election issues. To hear variety of reasons and often re- ing it when it became elec- the outside world – not their someone’s voice and points member Switzerland as a good tronic. The paper form is so wealth, of course, just every- provides so much more clarifi- place to live where workers fo- much handier. thing else, and let’s hope that cation, especially to those cussed on ensuring a job well sandra caFazzo, london they will not become resentful abroad who are not “bom- done. If Switzerland joined the editorial note: any swiss citizen enough to withdraw their barded” with daily debate. This European Union it would lose abroad can order the printed version of money too. Let’s cast aside our “swiss review” at www.swissabroad.ch is another example of how its national sovereignty and be- principles of hospitality and technology separates people. come dependent on Brussels. I The biggest idiots tolerance, which are part of our Helene lettau, Grindelwald, do not wish to see Switzerland In the last edition of “Swiss enlightenment tradition. We tasmania become like France, Germany Review”, your reader, Bern- are a small country, so let’s re- and Italy. The bilateral agree- hard Balmer, lambasted the main one. What could be bet- Voting by the Swiss abroad ments go far enough. If Swit- European Union and be- ter than keeping ourselves to As a Swiss citizen abroad, I do zerland were tempted to ac- moaned how “we again find ourselves? It is a well-known not agree with those who argue cede to the EU, it would no ourselves in thrall” to it. How- fact that inbreeding produces that the Swiss abroad should longer be the highly regarded ever, in recent years Switzer- the biggest idiots. not be allowed to have an opin- and much envied country that land has not been humbled by edouardreicHenbacH, ion on decisions taken about it is today. the European Union, losing its antony, France Switzerland and its political af- Guy nicolas, dijon, France dignity and honour, but rather

advertisement

Vorsorgen in Schweizer Franken. www.revue.ch We look forward to your online visit. Agentur Auslandschweizer Stefan Böni Dorfstrasse 140, 8706 Meilen +41 44 925 39 39, www.swisslife.ch/aso . 1 no / 12 january 20 iss review sw images 7

The exhilaration of art

Surrealism, inspired by André Breton and Sigmund Freud, was one of the most important artistic and literary movements of the 20th century. The artists of surrealism opened doors to the unknown and the disconcerting. A unique exhibition on “Surrealism in Paris” is now on display at the Fondation Beyeler in Basel. This features almost 300 paintings, manuscripts, objects, items of jewellery, photographs and films from around 40 artists.

The exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler will close on 29 January 2012. It will then be displayed at the Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Bélgique in Brussels (16 March to 15 July 2012)

“Ma gouvernante – my nurse – mein Kindermädchen” “Indestructible Object” Meret Oppenheim, 1936/1967 Man Ray, 1923/1933/1965 . 1 No ler / ye 12 ndation Be January 20 Fo

“The Great War” “Soft Construction with Boiled Beans – Premonition of Civil War”

Iss RevIew René Magritte, 1964 Salvador Dalí, 1936 Images: donated, sw 8FOCUS

Switzerland: land of herb gardens and motorbike meetings

Switzerland is drawing up a list of its “thriving traditions”. The survey has thrown up a few surprises, with some regions astonished at what is seen as tradition in other parts of the country. This has led to lively debates about the role of tradition in shaping identity. What does a conservative politician-cum-writer have to say about this? And what about a painter who paints nothing but cows? And why does a progressive yodeller keep stumbling over dogged traditionalism? By Marc Lettau

Sometimes the baddies are actually the also resonates outside the wrestling ring. tion of what traditions and customs might be goodies. When men with bulging muscles Only very few Swiss people actually engage deemed worthy of UNESCO status, while take to the ring to engage in Swiss-style wres- in Swiss wrestling themselves. But they all in others ordinary people have been asked tling known as Schwingen, the enthusiastic know that – if they ever win anything – they for their opinions. The Federal Office of crowd doesn’t talk about the strong guys, but should wipe the dirt off their opponent’s Culture (FOC) is now busy working on doc- about the bad guys. And what about when back. umenting the 387 suggestions received and one of the really bad guys throws his oppo- whittling them down to fewer than half that nent onto his back with a powerful cross- Trend towards the archaic number. The final list will be submitted to buttock – what does he do then? Before rais- At the next Swiss Federal Wrestling Festival UNESCO for review in April 2012. ing his arms aloft to celebrate, he first dusts in 2013 – it is only held once every three years the sawdust off his opponent’s shoulders. So, – the good sportsmanship of these bad guys is A mind-bogglingly colourful mix as the cheers ring out, he is really one of the set to make even more of an impact than in When researchersand folklorists come to- good guys. previous years as the archaic appeal of the gether to list ancient customs, and ordinary All cultures are familiar with martial arts, sport is increasingly making its mark on ur- people say what they consider to be where brute force is made civilised more or ban Switzerland. And the advertising indus- traditions, the result is a very colourful mix. less by competition rules. So, it’s not the try won’t shy away from putting the spotlight The responses from the cantons initially force part that makes Schwingen a typically on the tough guy wrestlers themselves as threw up a rather mind-boggling array of Swiss sport. It is, to a large extent, the image Schwingen is likely to be definitively awarded suggestions. Before being whittled down by of the winner and the fact that in his moment UNESCO heritage status as an example of the team from the Federal Office of Culture, of triumph he shows respect for his defeated Switzerland’s intangible cultural heritage be- the suggestions ranged from mountaineering opponent. Obviously not all baddies are fore the next wrestling festival. to oral irrigation, from chalet architecture to inherently good. The act of wiping the Switzerland is currently drawing up a list banking confidentiality, from monastic sawdust off the loser’s shoulders is part of of its thriving traditions for UNESCO. In herb gardens to the Paléo Music Festival in the tradition and of the values associated typical Swiss fashion, this is being done in as Nyon, and from flag throwing and hunting with Schwingen, which are passed down complex a way as possible. In some cantons, for rock crystal to Switzerland’s special vir- from one generation to the next. This teams of experts have pored over the ques- tue: cleanliness. The results have revealed . 1 No / 12 January 20 one, donated yst Ke s: to iSS Review Pho Sw 9

things that even Switzerland didn’t know about itself, and some regions have been as- tonished to learn about what is seen as tradi- tion in other parts of the country. The pro- cess has seen various practically untranslatable concepts discussed in a single breath. What on earth are Gansabhauet, Rabadán, Pschuuri, Troccas, Tschäggättä and Pfingsblüttlern all about? Schwingen, of course, is something we all understand. But now even the most tradition-conscious Swiss people are realising that Switzerland has many traditions that they know very little about as they are mostly other people’s tra- ditions.

One objective has already been achieved In compiling the UNESCO list, one objec- tive has already been achieved even before the publication of the final shortlist, says Da- vid Vitali, Head of the Culture and Society “Helping individuals find their place in a very Department at the FOC: “We hope this pro- pluralistic world.” cess will raise awareness, firstly that these traditions exist and secondly that they have What’s the benefit of all this? a valuable role to play.” The FOC obviously You could be forgiven for asking what the hopes these thriving traditions will receive point is of the FOC compiling a list of tradi- greater appreciation and believes the mere tions. Vitali acknowledges that drawing up fact of compiling the list of suggestions has the list does not directly help preserve tradi- brought this one step closer. Folklorists and tions: “Traditions have to constantly evolve, newspaper commentators think the re- otherwise they die out.” Ultimately, this istic of a tradition is “something that is sounding response the campaign has re- means that “the supporters of a tradition de- handed down from one generation to the ceived is down to globalisation, which is cide whether or not they want to pass that next”. A tradition calls for a clearly distin- changing the meaning of traditions. Vitali tradition on”. It is therefore clear that nei- guishable group of followers; a vague sense shares this view. These days, cultivating tra- ther the FOC nor UNESCO will be issuing of belonging is not enough to create a tradi- ditions is in no way simply about reducing any regulations regarding the customs and tion. He goes on to say that tradition is there- them to a “patriotic phenomenon”. Tradi- traditions. It is also clear that the process is fore something that shapes the identity of a tions have long been a key part of identity: not about protecting traditions and, at worst, specific group of individuals. This can be said “mummifying them”. Traditions have to be of the Hauenstein motorbike meeting, the able to evolve on their own: “Drawing up the Töfftreff Hauenstein: “For many the Poya art from the list therefore only has an indirect impact, if Töfftreff is a focal point.” Since 1964, mo- canton of Fribourg anything, on the traditions.” torbike enthusiasts have been meeting up (photos above) was traditionally just a with their beloved two-wheeled machines depiction of alpine A broad concept of tradition every Thursday. scenery for decorating homes, but these days Holzschnitzer, Appenzeller Witze, Köhlern, Vitali takes another, somewhat question- it is also in demand Jassen, Maskenschnitzen,Volkstänze, able, example to demonstrate the broad from art lovers Vereinswesen, Gebetsheilen and Töfftreff concept of tradition. Switzerland has put Switzerland’s (wood carvers, jokes from Appenzell, char- forward the way it deals with the dangers cultural heritage coal burners, a Swiss card game, mask carv- posed by avalanches for the UNESCO list. includes wrestling and bilingualism, ing, folk dances, clubs and societies, prayer “This, too, is completely justified as the topic which is part of healing and motorbike meetings). Can you represents Switzerland’s attitude to risks everyday life in Biel as the signposts really call hundreds of motorcyclists in and dangers, which is firmly engrained in so- illustrate (photos leather jackets bombing along winding ciety.” left) mountain roads and stopping for a beer on Hauenstein a typically Swiss tradition? Vi- Between tradition and folklore tali advocates an open-minded, unprejudiced Vitali believes some people’s amazement at and all-embracing concept of what consti- certain nominations is due to the fact that tutes a tradition. He says one key character- tradition is often equated with folkloric cus- 10 FOCUS

toms. Obviously customs will take up a great however: “To a degree, many traditions only Folk music: deal of space on UNESCO’s list. However, came about because of tourism. Tourism it- Performed by alphorn players in the tradi- the “traditional” customs are often much self is a kind of Swiss tradition.” tional way, and rein- younger than many Swiss people think. Yes, University lecturer and tourism expert terpreted by Christine Lauterburg with the really. Even some of the most uncontested Urs Wagenseil recently summarised roughly Swiss accordion candidates have only been flourishing for a where the boundary might lie: “If you see an matter of decades, rather than centuries. alphorn formation playing at the top of the Below, the Swiss Post The alphorn, for example, was as good as for- Kleine Scheidegg with a Bernese mountain Office’s controversial stamp to mark the gotten at the beginning of the last century. It dog drafted in specially to sit in front of them, 100th anniversary of only began to re-emerge from 1930 onwards, we would see that as kitsch. But for a Chi- the Swiss Yodelling Association in the wake of the developing tourism indus- nese person, that’s a real piece of Switzerland try. In other words, a desire for alpine “au- before their very eyes.” thenticity” on the part of outsiders led the The cultural heritage locals to unearth things they considered The lone voice of opposition list also includes the motorbike meeting at passé. This symbiotic relationship between We put a question to a representative of the Hauenstein, which tradition and tourism is quite delicate. Swiss People’s Party (SVP) in Valais, a can- dates back to the 1960s (bottom left) ton where tourism plays a major role: So, Advertisers sense a competitive edge what’s your view on tradition? A perfectly Companies promoting Swiss tourism are reasonable question since the SVP was the showing a keen interest in UNESCO’s list of only political party to oppose the ratification thriving traditions. The process has given rise of the UNESCO convention for the safe- tion. In addition, for the SVP, any govern- to animated discussions among tourism ex- guarding of intangible cultural heritage. ment commitment to cultural values smacks perts as to how marketing traditions more Does this mean that the conservative SVP, of patronising “state culture”. strongly could lead to a competitive advan- with its constant talk of traditions, is against tage, creating more value. The marketing or- the strengthening of traditions? “Quite the “Tradition is vital” ganisation “Switzerland Tourism” also wants opposite”, says Oskar Freysinger, National Of course, like anyone, the SVP is happy that Swiss traditions to feature more heavily in its Councillor for the canton of Valais. It is not the reputation of Swiss wrestlers, alphorn advertising campaigns from 2013 onwards. the UNESCO list that is the problem, he musicians and Jassen players might be given Vitali points out the opportunities in this says, but the fact that yet again Switzerland a boost. According to Freysinger, there is no area: “Tourism definitely has a role to play is in the process of giving up the principle of intrinsic reason to criticise the Federal Of- in conserving traditions, such as ancient arts being free to take its own decisions only to fice of Culture (FOC). “They’re aiming in and crafts or traditional forms of agricultural “subject itself to the objectives and agendas the right direction. It’s a rich and diverse list management.” At the same time, tourism of a supranational institution”. This means that has been put together.” The underlying runs the risk of monopolising traditions and the SVP is holding firm to its “tradition” of position that globalisation underscores the reducing them to a money-making factor. Vi- seeing a loss of sovereignty lurking behind importance of traditions is spot on in Frey- tali refuses to demonise the tourism industry, any dealings with an international organisa- singer’s opinion. “Tradition is vital. Globali- sation makes a lot of people feel that they no longer control their own fate. Tradition puts the focus back on roots.” However, Frey- singer also believes that traditions cannot be stage-managed: “Just because you play at be- ing a cowboy doesn’t make you a cowboy. Ar- tificially staged customs do not possess any vitality.”

Tradition passes on values Freysinger’s formula is clear: traditions pro- duce values, values provide support and sta- bility. And traditions stand for permanence and depth, not for just a stringing together of isolated moments. “The modern-day . 1 No

/ trend towards an ever more comprehensive 12 state of timeless present simply creates the illusion of eternity.” Tradition is more hon- January 20 est: “It doesn’t deny death.” Instead, it offers room for life through all its stages – germi- : Daniel Desborough to iss Review Pho sw nating, blossoming, fading and dying. “Peo- 11

ple die, traditions remain.” the landscape. The same A world full of On what does he base his effect as idealised reality is trAditions view? On the Fête-Dieu produced by realistically Chinese calligraphy, spanish (Corpus Christi proces- painted images of the un- flamenco, Balinese temple sion) in his home town of realistic – a painted re- dancing: UNesCO’s aim is that Savièse, for example, “an minder of what is good. such “intangible cultural extraordinary affair that What do such paintings heritage” remains alive in all has incredible dynamism have to do with tradition? its diversity. switzerland has and stands for much more Poya painting is art, but signed the UNesCO resolution than religiosity, namely for community, not a personal form of art. It is art that be- on the protection and promo- which is built around specific values”. longs not to the artist, but to the region in tion of the diversity of cul- The debate on traditions will see a liter- which it “thrives”. Oberson: “If you paint a tural expressions along with ary contribution from Oskar Freysinger in picture for a farmer, then the farmer lives 94 other countries. Conse- spring. Freysinger is basing his next novel in with that painting.” The important element quently, it will have to submit the world of the Suonen, the irrigation for Francis Oberson is, therefore, not the a report to UNesCO on its cul- channels artfully constructed along the rock passing on of knowledge and values from one tural diversity in April 2012. face in Valais. While it is a tradition of note, generation to the next, but the unconditional To broaden the debate, the the construction of these channels has not connection with a place. Poya paintings can Federal Office of Culture found its way onto the UNESCO list. This only be painted by those who have their roots prefers to talk of “thriving is no slight on the Suonen; it simply under- in those places. Oberson says that he ob- traditions” rather than scores the fact that the sheer diversity of served and sketched cows for nine years be- “intangible cultural heritage”. Swiss traditions makes a clear overview im- fore he saw himself as a poya painter. Since whatever the terminology possible. then, painting has been “like a prayer” for used, however, the ultimate him, an attempt to “capture the light of the goal remains the same: Cows, cows… and more cows Gruyère region”, a call to embrace the slower switzerland, too, wants to While Oskar Freysinger is busy writing books, pace of life. contribute to a social climate Francis Oberson is in his workshop north of As already mentioned, the Federal Office where traditions are hon- the Alps painting cows on an enormous wood of Culture does not want traditions to be oured and maintained. (mUl) surface using a tiny brush. Oberson is a poya “mummified” and advocates an open mindset. artist. He only paints cows. His paintings do Traditions, including folklore-based customs, For the complete list of all not end up hanging in galleries, but adorn the are seen by practically everyone as fine, co- 167 traditions considered, visit: . 1 www.bak.admin.ch No

/ walls of farmhouses in the Gruyère region. lourful, enriching and even significant social 12 Oberson paints rows of cows winding their structures. The growing interest of an urban way up mountains and over alpine pastures audience in age-old traditions such as January 20 and flower-filled meadows. He paints an ide- Schwingen reinforces this view. As do the alised world, where no machinery, commer- few instances where very un-farmer-like s: donated to iss Review Pho sw cial aircraft or tourism infrastructure blights bankers commission poya paintings. There 12 FOCUS

are, however, critical voices that challenge Watch-making such homogeneity. The Berne-based musi- (photo right) is among the Swiss cian and singer Christine Lauterburg is one traditions worthy of such voice. She says that, for many years now, protection, as is the “Fête-Dieu”, the she has struggled with what she sees as an Corpus Christi proces- overly dogged take on traditions. As a yodel- sion in Savièse in the canton of Valais ler who combines traditional songs with con- (photo below) temporary music, Lauterburg is exposed to constant hostility. “There is a small circle of ‘gatekeepers’ who almost live in a self-enc- losed parallel world, in the holy grail of folk music. And that’s a really narrow world that’s not much fun. It doesn’t bring people together; it excludes them.” Lauterburg sur- mises that the “reactionary tendencies” and monopolising of folk culture within tradi- tions are at their most extreme in yodelling. Christine Lauterburg is the enfant terri- ble of folk singing, a “techno-yodeller” who is not looking for a power play with the Swiss Yodelling Association, the body that over- sees “correct” yodelling. “I’m just not inter- ested in joylessly going through the motions in my folk music. I want to contribute spon- taneously to folk music that develops, that’s alive, that laughs.” She wants, for example, to be allowed to yodel and accompany her- self on the violin at the same time – some- thing the custodians of tradition will not ac- cept. She says she has no interest in static, on a commemorative stamp from the Swiss change in such a way as to make it “fun; to let unchanging customs. Post Office – just eleven millimetres across, it include young people, emphasise the ele- but big enough to spark a major fuss and some ments that bring people together and eradi- A stamp of approval? strong reactions from traditional yodellers: a cate those elements that exclude”. This Berne-based yodeller even has the power “lapsed” follower, with her face on a stamp! It to annoy when she is doing nothing. To mark created “a real stink”, says Lauterburg. De- A snapshot in time the centenary anniversary of the Swiss Yodel- spite her negative experiences, she neverthe- The conflicts that Lauterburg describes do ling Association (in 2010), her image was used less hopes that the approach to tradition can not change the fact that yodelling is without a doubt part of Switzerland’s “intangible cul- tural heritage”. The UNESCO list has not one, but two entries for yodelling: one for Juuz yodelling from central Switzerland and the other for natural yodelling from Appen- zell and Toggenburg. Why these two partic- ular variations? According to David Vitali from the Federal Office of Culture, despite every effort to the contrary, the UNESCO list is simply a snapshot in time. It is not set in stone. The aim, he says, is to review it on a periodic basis and keep the debate on tra- ditions and their value alive. This means that, whether they like it or not, the question of . 1 No

/ what their view is on tradition is one that is 12 set to follow the “lapsed” yodeller, the painter who only paints cows and the politi- January 20

one cian-cum-writer for the rest of their lives. yst Ke s: to iss Review MaRc Lettau is an editor at “swiss Review” Pho sw VOTING 13

A referendum has been called

On 11 March, the people and cantons will decide on five proposals concerning book prices, home ownership, landscape conservation, lotteries and more holidays. By René Lenzin

Parliamentary and Federal Council elections Home purchase savings initiative Gambling for the common good have dominated the political debate in Swit- This popular initiative from the Swiss Soci- With the “Gambling for the common good” zerland for many months. Now, specific po- ety for the Promotion of Home Purchase popular initiative the cantons sought to se- litical issues are back on the agenda, for both Savings calls for the cantons to introduce tax cure their control over lotteries and to parliamentarians in Berne and the electorate incentives for the acquisition of property for guarantee the use of gaming revenues throughout Switzerland. They must decide owner occupation. Single persons should be for culture, social affairs and sport. The on five proposals simultaneously on 11 March: allowed to deduct up to 15,000 Swiss francs Federal Council and Parliament tackled the three popular initiatives, a parliamentary a year from taxable income as a home pur- issue with a direct counterproposal, which counterproposal to a popular initiative and a chase savings deposit for a maximum period led to the withdrawal of the initiative. The federal law against which a referendum has of 10 years, while the limit for married cou- National Council recommended adoption been called. The adoption of the initiatives ples would be twice as high. It also calls for of the counterproposal by 193 votes to 3, and the counterproposal will require the ma- deductions of up to 5,000 and 10,000 Swiss and the Council of States by 42 votes to 0. jority support of both the Swiss people and francs for structural energy-saving measures. the cantons, while the majority support of Those behind the initiative want to allow just the people will suffice for the law. more people than at present to achieve the Fixed prices of books dream of owning their own home. The Fed- The fixing of prices of books, in other words eral Council opposes the initiative because the sale of books at set prices, is a constant “An end to the unrestricted construction home ownership already enjoys tax benefits political issue. In 1999, the Competition of second homes” and because the initiative would primarily Commission declared a 100-year-old indus- This popular initiative from the environ- benefit people on higher incomes. As the Na- try agreement in German-speaking Swit- mentalist Franz Weber’s Helvetia Nostra tional Council and Council of States were zerland illegitimate. To save price fixing, foundation calls for the proportion of sec- unable to agree on a position on the initia- advocates submitted proposals for it to be ond homes to be restricted to 20% of the tive or on an indirect counterproposal, the enshrined in law. These were approved by gross area used for residential purposes per initiative will go to a referendum without a both chambers, against the will of the Fed- commune. The supporters of the initiative parliamentary recommendation. eral Council, by 96 votes to 86 in the Na- say that second homes are usually empty, tional Council and by 23 votes to 19 in the have a detrimental effect on the most beau- “Six weeks holiday for everyone” Council of States. Price fixing is to apply to tiful mountain landscapes and lead to an un- This popular initiative from the Christian- online trading as well as bookshops. The controlled rise in property prices. The Fed- socialist federation of trade unions, Tra- Consumer Forum for German-speaking eral Council and the majority of vailsuisse, calls for all employees to be given Switzerland and the Young Liberals have parliamentarians reject the initiative be- at least six weeks of paid holiday per year. successfully called a referendum against the cause it does not take account of the differ- The law currently provides for four weeks, law. They want to allow competition in the ing requirements of tourist and non-tourist and five weeks for the under-twenties. Those book trade and to prevent excessive prices. areas. They want to tackle the issue of sec- on the left and the trade unions hope to Supporters of price fixing argue that it pro- ond homes with spatial planning measures – achieve a better balance between work and tects the book as a cultural asset. They a process already launched by federal gov- relaxation through this initiative. They claim claim that although bestsellers would be ernment, the cantons and many communes. that workloads have constantly increased cheaper without price agreements, many The National Council rejected the initiative with negative repercussions for the health of books with small print runs would disappear by 123 votes to 61, and the Council of States many employees. The Federal Council and from the shelves. by 29 votes to 10. the conservative parties argue that the cur- rent regulations have proven effective. These leave it to social partners to negotiate . 1 No

/ more generous holiday provisions or to pass

12 on increases in productivity in the form of higher wages or shorter working hours. The January 20

National Council rejected the initiative by 122 votes to 61, and the Council of States by iSS Review Sw 32 votes to 10. 14 POLITICS

Almost everything is as it was in the Federal Council

Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf was confirmed in office, and the Swiss People’s Party failed to obtain a second seat as the party with the largest number of votes. Alain Berset replaced Micheline Calmy-Rey, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs. By René Lenzin

The party political composition of national to two Federal Council seats and no one personalities. How interaction with Parlia- government is unchanged - the Swiss Social apart from the Greens disputed this. ment and an SVP that is half in opposition Democratic Party (SP) and the FDP.The Its attack on Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf will work remains to be seen. Liberals each hold two seats; the Christian nevertheless failed. Its candidates, Democratic People’s Party (CVP), the Jean-François Rime and Hansjörg Walter, Allocation of ministries Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and the Con- had no chance against the politician from Following her comfortable re-election, servative Democratic Party (BDP) each Grisons. It received support from the FDP, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf was also the have one. The United Federal Assembly re- but the two parties together still only have overwhelmingly popular choice for Swiss elected all the Federal Councillors who around 100 seats in the 246-strong Federal President for this year. Ueli Maurer is the stood for office again at the general election Assembly. And when the SVP with Rime Vice-President. Federal Councillor Didier on 14 December. In the order in which they came up against the FDP and SP it lost out Burkhalter is the new Head of the Federal were elected, these are: Doris Leuthard again. Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). (CVP), Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf (BDP), The party leadership clearly sees this out- Since his election to the Federal Council in Ueli Maurer (SVP), Didier Burkhalter come as an infringement of the system of 2009, the Free Democrat from Neuchâtel (FDP), Simonetta Sommaruga (SP) and Jo- concordance. It will ask the party base how had directed the Federal Department of hann Schneider-Ammann (FDP). Alain it should respond at a meeting of delegates Home Affairs (FDHA). The FDHA is now Berset, the Social Democrat from Fribourg, in January. Possible scenarios include Ueli headed by Alain Berset. The other five replaced his party colleague Micheline Maurer stepping down from the Federal Federal Councillors will continue in the Calmy-Rey, who stepped down at the end Council and going into opposition. Or they same departments they directed before the of 2011. The Federal Chancellor, Corina could remain in national government and elections. Casanova (CVP), was also confirmed in pursue a policy of “half government and half office. opposition” as long as the demand for a The clear winner in this election is Eve- second seat remains unmet. line Widmer-Schlumpf. Four years ago, she The SVP will have to put this defeat was elected to national government when down to itself to a large extent. It took a still an SVP politician in place of Christoph long time over its search for a suitable can- Blocher, against the will of her party. After didate for the Federal Council position. It her expulsion from the SVP, she joined the had only just selected the Zurich National newly formed BDP, which had little chance Councillor Bruno Zuppiger as its candidate of securing a seat on the Federal Council when he was forced to withdraw owing to with its 5% share of the vote. With the help his involvement in a shady inheritance af- of the SP, CVP, Greens (GPS) and Green fair. The SVP also refused to stand against Liberals (GLP), Widmer-Schlumpf was the FDP until election day, despite the fact nevertheless comfortably re-elected to of- that these two parties could hardly expect fice in the first round of voting. to win four of seven seats with a 42% share The second winner is Johann Schneider- of the vote. Ammann. The Free Democrat from Berne, However, the main reason for the SVP’s only elected a year ago, was regarded as an failure is the centre-left coalition that outside candidate because his party lost elected Widmer-Schlumpf four years ago votes in the National Council elections and and now returned her to office. Although looked unlikely to win two seats. Finally, this coalition has a clear majority in the the SP can also be satisfied with the Federal Assembly, it made no serious move outcome after masterfully managing the for the SVP to obtain a second seat at the succession of Micheline Calmy-Rey and expense of the FDP against its will. The . 1 No

/ easily holding both its seats. desire to elect Widmer-Schlumpf and to

12 weaken the SVP was ultimately stronger Will the SVP go into opposition? than the general commitment to the system January 20

one The main loser is the SVP. As the party of concordance. yst

Ke with the largest number of votes by The result is a government that will be : to iSS Review Pho Alain Berset in his first media appearance as a Federal Councillor Sw some margin, it had the strongest claim able to work well together in terms of 15

A young star with a meteoric career SoCiAL DemoCRAtS win CounCiL oF StAteS eLeCtion 39-year-old Alain Berset, the former Council of States member for Fribourg, is one of Switzerland’s youngest Federal Councillors. Only 27 of the 46 seats on the council of By René Lenzin States were filled after the election on 23 October 2011.A second round of voting was subsequently held in 13 cantons. Alain Berset does not like to give away any consensual manner, but rather at his lack of n The Social Democratic Party (SP) emerged secrets. At least this is the impression he executive experience. He claims he was pre- as the winner. it increased its number of gave in his interviews as a Federal Council viously a freelance strategy and communi- seats by two compared to 2007. if the seat candidate. He evaded the most tenacious in- cations consultant. In fact, he was already a in Berne, which was lost in the interim terviewers by making vague and general professional politician before joining na- period, is also included, the total gain is in statements. In his first interviews after the tional government. fact three seats. with 11 seats, the SP is election, he again did not wish to comment The 39-year-old Social Democrat is one stronger than ever before. specifically on his priorities in his future of the youngest Federal Councillors in the n The parties previously dominant in government role either. He told the media history of the federal state. He is the young- the chamber of cantonal representatives, that he would initially have to integrate into est member of the current government by the christian Democrats (cvP) and the the team and find out which department he some margin. Berset has enjoyed a meteoric FDP.The Liberals, now only have half the would be taking over. He gave a polished rise in his political career. He spent three council of States members. The cvP lost performance but remained rather elusive as years on the communal parliament in Bel- three of its 15 seats and the FDP one of a person and as a politician. faux where he lives and was a member of Fri- its 12. When confronted with this perception, bourg’s Constitutional Council for four n The major offensive on the council of Berset told the Tages-Anzeiger: “I represent years before the electorate in his canton States by the Swiss People’s Party (SvP) our social democratic positions with convic- voted him onto the Council of States in clearly failed. it has one seat fewer than four tion and commitment.” He is in fact highly 2003. He was comfortably re-elected four years ago. if the Berne seat, which was lost esteemed within his party and hardly ever years later and also eight years later. In 2009, just a few months after the election, is also takes up a position at odds with the party he became President of the smaller cham- counted, the number of seats lost is two. line. The man from Fribourg is also seen as ber. He has been the Vice-President of the n The number of parties in the council a bridge-builder and consensus-oriented SP faction in the Federal Palace since 2005. of States has increased. The Greens (GPS) politician who is also well regarded by most In this capacity, he apparently played a ma- and Green Liberals (GLP) each hold two politicians in the conservative parties. These jor role in the de-selection of Christoph seats and the BDP one. with Thomas are typical qualities often attributed to Blocher in December 2007. A graduate in Minder, the politician behind the so-called Council of States members and generally politics and economics, he is married and “initiative against rip-off salaries”, an represent a solid foundation for a term in has three children aged four, six and eight. independent member has also entered the government. Berset’s detractors do not level As a jazz pianist he once undertook part of smaller chamber. he has joined the SvP their criticisms at his ability to operate in a a tour of Latin America and was junior faction but wants to remain independent. champion in middle-distance running in French-speaking Switzerland. DiStRiBution oF SeAtS in 2011, BY PARtY change compared to 2007 in brackets Difficult tasks at the FDHA Council of States (46 seats) Alain Berset overcame the former National CVP Councillor and current member of the Can- BDP 13 (–2) GLP 1((nneu)ew) 2(+1) tonal Council of Vaud, Pierre-Yves Mail- FDP 11 (–1) lard. He achieved a surprisingly clear victory SP 11 (+2)

over his rival in the first round of voting and e Nzz th SVP overcame the hurdle of the absolute major- 5(–2) GPS ity in the second round. He is replacing his 2(+/–) 1((nneu)ew) ParteilosIndependent party colleague Micheline Calmy-Rey on plicit consent of ex e the Federal Council. However, he has national Council (200 seats) th

/ Nr. 1 not taken over the office of Minister of CSP OW 12 CVP BDP 1(+1) 28 (–3) Foreign Affairs from her, instead becoming GLP 9(+9) FDP 12 (+9) 30 (–5)¹ / Published with

Januar 20 EVP

Head of the Department of Home Affairs AG 2(+/–) (FDHA). Difficult tasks await him there: he SP

will have to attend to the blocked reforms 46 (+3) SVP er zeitung 54 (–8) ch :

to of both health and social insurances schemes, MCG ue zür Schweizer revue Fo which have been the subject of heated polit- GPS 1(+1) Ne 15 (–5) LEGA 2(+1) ederal Councillor ¹FFDDPP inkl.incl. LPSLPS (2007:(2007: 4S4 seatitze)s) ical debate for years. charts: © 16 POLITICS

How do the Swiss abroad vote?

The question as to whether the Swiss abroad vote differently to the electorate living in Switzerland is frequently asked after elections and referenda. And if so, how? We have analysed this issue as far as it is possible to do so.

The question about the voting behaviour of the Swiss abroad in elec- n The Christian Democratic People’s Party (CVP) achieved above- tions and referenda can only be answered selectively. This is because average results among the Swiss abroad in Geneva and Vaud but, by not all the cantons provide separate information on their voting pat- contrast, below-average results in Lucerne, Aargau, Thurgau, St. Gal- terns. However, based on the little data available from the cantons of len and Valais. Geneva, Vaud, Lucerne, Aargau, Thurgau, St. Gallen and Valais, it is clear that the party political preferences of voters abroad vary sig- Comparisons with previous elections nificantly from one canton to the next. Whether Swiss voters abroad In comparison to 2007, the Greens, FDP and CVP increased their in a particular part of the world, such as the USA or South-East Asia, vote among the Swiss abroad in Geneva, whereas the SP and Swiss have similar preferences cannot be determined as the statistics on People’s Party (SVP) share of the vote fell. The Greens, CVP, SVP votes from abroad are not broken down by origin. and SP increased their support in the canton of Vaud, while the FDP combined with the Liberals lost votes. The SVP made slight gains in Surprising details Lucerne, whereas the CVP and FDP lost ground. The data available from the parliamentary elections It is also noticeable that the SVP is the strongest on 23 October 2011 reveals some interesting facts: party among the Swiss abroad in four of the six can- SVP n The Greens were clearly more successful among the SP tons surveyed (Lucerne, Aargau, Thurgau and St. Swiss abroad than they were on average in all the can- FDP Gallen). Four years ago, it did not occupy the top spot tons, in some cases significantly more so. Liberals in any of the three cantons that revealed the results n The Social Democratic Party (SP) performed ex- CVP for the Swiss abroad at the time (Geneva, Vaud and ceptionally well among the Swiss abroad everywhere Greens Lucerne). However, the SVP is between 4.4 and 14.2 except in the canton of Vaud. BDP percentage points weaker among the Swiss abroad n The Free Democratic Party (FDP) was more suc- Green Liberals than the cantonal average in all the cantons where it cessful among the Swiss abroad than on average in the Others now holds top position. Only in Valais did the SVP cantons of Aargau and Thurgau, but less successful by win a higher percentage of votes abroad than the can- Legend for the charts contrast in Geneva, Vaud, Lucerne and Valais. below tonal average.

Geneva: canton as a whole Swiss abroad Lucerne: canton as a whole Swiss abroad

Vaud: canton as a whole Swiss abroad Aargau: canton as a whole Swiss abroad . 1 No / 12 January 20 iss Review Charts: Anna Diezig, OsA sw 17

Calls for e-voting The charts provide a detailed representation of each individual par- “E-voting for all” ty’s share of the vote among all the eligible voters in the respective OSA Petition to the Federal Council cantons as well as the strength of each party if only the votes cast by Swiss abroad are taken into account. As can be seen from the appeal opposite, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) has set itself the goal of enabling all those enti- tled to vote to take part in elections and referenda via the Internet. OSA believes this would facilitate the political participation of the Swiss abroad enormously and would therefore also result in a higher turnout. E-voting is also an issue for the electorate living in Switzer- land, particularly younger generations. (BE)

Further details of the e-election trials can be found in the Federal Chancellery’s text on page 28

Thurgau: canton as a whole Swiss abroad

St.Gallen: canton as a whole Swiss abroad

with a petition, the Organisation of the swiss Abroad (OsA) is calling on the Federal Council and the relevant cantonal authori- ties to take quick action to make e-voting and e-election available to all swiss citizens, living at home or abroad. Valais: canton as a whole Swiss abroad This petition can be signed by any citizen who supports this measure. . 1 No /

12 Sign today. Every signature will increase the chances of success! January 20 www.petition.aso.ch iss REviEw Charts: Anna Diezig, OsA sw 18 IntervIew

“Seeing the EU as nothing more than an export club is completely wrong”

Michael Reiterer was the EU ambassador in Berne from January 2007 until the end of 2011. Even during difficult times, he made a major contribution to enabling constructive discussions between Switzerland and the EU. An interview at the time of his departure. By Barbara Engel

“swiss review”: You were the first EU From a Swiss perspective, Brussels sometimes Which areas are on the EU wish list for the ambassador to come to Berne in 2007. Was makes unachievable demands. This has caused bilateral agreements with Switzerland? Berne a destination you wanted at the time? fronts to harden. The EU does not have a wish list. But michael reiterer: Yes, even in the EU I don’t wish to talk about fronts because there are some issues that are being negoti- system you have to apply for a job, and I ap- we are not fighting a war. Switzerland clearly ated, such as free trade in agriculture. Swit- plied for the Switzerland post. I had lived in wants to participate in the European Union’s zerland is holding things up here. There are Switzerland previously –I spent two years internal market. The EU, for its part, has to also negotiations on the internal electricity studying in Geneva and two years with the ensure that the rules that apply within the market, an area where common interests ex- Austrian delegation to GATT. I’m now re- internal market are uniform across the board. ist. turning to Brussels with nine years’ experi- Discussions with Switzerland about this are ence of Switzerland. currently ongoing. I am confident that now An analysis from Brussels in “Swiss Review” that the parliamentary and Federal Council suggests that Switzerland’s approach is Why were you interested in the position elections in Switzerland are over we can perceived as “cherry-picking” in Brussels. Is of EU ambassador to Switzerland? adopt a more offensive approach to these that true? I was attracted by the prospect of estab- discussions again. I recently put this question to the Presi- lishing something new. There had previ- dent of the European Council, Herman van ously been no EU representation in Berne. In Switzerland, there are several sensitive is- Rompuy. He said that it was certainly not I started off with nothing more than a sues associated with fears about the free move- an expression he would use. There is no rented building. I also ment of persons and the EU. question that Switzerland benefits from po- found the opportunity to The EU was and The buzzwords are “foreign litical stability and economic prosperity in live and work here for a judges” and “social tourism”. Europe. The Swiss government and most of longer period of time ap- remains a peace Can you understand this? the Swiss people also appreciate this. It is pealing as I was already very I’ve got an anecdote to therefore important that the EU is seen as familiar with Switzerland project. That tell you about this. A can- a project in which everyone plays a part. and its virtues. comes at a price. tonal politician once told When it comes to developing Europe fur- me that foreign judges from ther, for example through expansion, active Relations between Switzer- Lausanne introduced the participation is vital. Relationships between land and the EU have become strained right to vote for women. This illustrates how states are like those between people – you in recent times. The tone adopted is sometimes relative the term “foreign judges” is. Swit- communicate, think things through to- not very friendly. Are you glad to be leaving zerland is a member of several international gether, work together and when one refuses Berne at this point? organisations that have their own jurisdic- to talk, the others notice this. The same will No. I don’t believe relations have become tion. For instance, Switzerland does not have also apply to developments we have yet to more strained. The issues have always been an issue with being subject to WTO jurisdic- encounter. more or less the same since the Swiss voted tion on trade disputes. There are also Swiss against joining the EEA in 1992. We have judges at the European Court of Human The keyword is development of the European constantly been seeking a modus vivendi ever Rights, and a Swiss judge even represents the Union – a peace project has turned into a com- since. This has to be adapted from time to principality of Liechtenstein at the EFTA mercial association. time because the EU has changed. Court. It would appear that exporting for- Seeing the EU as nothing more than an ex- eign judges does not present a problem. As port club is completely wrong. It has actu- How has the EU changed? far as “social tourism” is concerned, the ally developed the other way round. The Eu- . 1 No

/ First and foremost, it has increased in size Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs ropean Economic Community was set up

12 from 12 to 27 states. The internal market has will readily confirm that the institutions of first, and this later became the European Un- grown and deepened. The framework con- the Swiss social security system would be in ion. The latter incorporates close coopera- January 20

ditions have changed. As a consequence, we a very poor state if it were not for the con- tion and integration in the fields of justice, also need to find new forms of cooperation tributions of foreigners. Fears arise because migration, asylum, foreign policy and secu- iss Review sw between the EU and Switzerland. sensationalist and populist language is used. rity policy. Of course, the internal market 19

trade organisation. The EU has also success- fully intervened in conflicts much further away from Europe, such as the Aceh conflict in Indonesia. The Indonesian government explicitly requested the EU as a mediator rather than a national state.

The German Chancellor recently said that we need a new EU. Does the euro crisis really call everything into question? Idon’t know exactly what Ms Merkel meant by that. But, of course, in tackling the debt crisis it has become clear that individ- ual countries need to coordinate their poli- cies to a greater extent, particularly their economic policies. The bail-out plans have, after all, been approved by the countries. This is something completely new. Nobody would have thought such resolutions possi- Michael Reiterer, the EU ambassador ble two years ago. in Berne, returned to Brussels at the Has the EU grown too quickly, as critics end of 2011. He constantly claim? made frequent pub­ lic appearances in It dependson which area they are refer- his five years as ring to. From an economic perspective, the ambassador, such EU may well have grown too quickly. Its ab- as at the Congress of the Swiss Abroad sorption capacity has indeed reached its lim- in Lugano last year. its. But, as we have already said, the EU is a Reiterer is succeed­ political project. After 1989, the primary aim ed in Berne by British diplomat was to stabilise the Central and Eastern Eu- Richard Jones. ropean states freed from the shackles of com- munism and to ensure they developed dem- remains important and we have the euro as is also attached to these goals in the EU’s for- ocratically. The aspiration to create and a result of this. It also requires us to coordi- eign policy in its relations with other states. maintain an area of democracy and freedom nate our policies. But the political project is has always existed in the European Union. equally important, with Europe wanting and But the institutions that exist in the EU for This has worked. The EU was and remains a needing to appear united. this purpose are weak? peace project. That comes at a price. We have strengthened our How and where does the European Union play institutions through the Lis- The EU You are now returning a united role? bon Treaty. The new posi- to Brussels. What role will The global political situation is going tions of EU President and supported the you take up there? through radical changes. There are new play- High Representative for For- I will rejoin head office ers, such as the G20 and an emergent China, eign Affairs and Security Pol- Arab revo- after ten years of service which is reclaiming its position in the world. icy, which are currently held lution. abroad. The USA remains the strongest military by Herman van Rompuy and power but faces competition from Europe Catherine Ashton, are in- That doesn’t sound very and Asia as an economic force. There are also tended to get the EU more involved in global exciting. competing ideas. Something more than just politics and are succeeding in doing so. You won’t find many diplomats, irrespec- a commercial association is required in this tive of which country or service they are environment. Europe must assert its values In what way? from, who are enthusiastic about returning because the EU is first and foremost a com- The EU supported the Arab revolution. to head office. But it’s standard practice, and . 1 No

/ munity of values. The UN Security Council’s resolution on after two or three years you are assigned else- 12 the protection of the Libyan civilian popu- where again. What values does the EU represent? lation was initiated by the EU, and the EU January 20 Democracy, respect for human rights and worked with the Arab League to obtain its Do you have another dream destination? the rule of law are the fundamental values on approval. All of this is extremely political. I would like to be an ambassador again in : donated to iss Review Pho sw which the EU was built. Great importance These are not the actions of purely a free an Asian country. 20 Culture

A biologist becomes a TV star

“Netz Natur” (Nature Network) is one of the most popular shows on Swiss TV. Biologist Andreas Moser manages to attract around 400,000 viewers eight times a year and has been doing so for almost 20 years. But he doesn’t feel like a star - he’s too shrewd and dedicated for that. By Heinz Eckert

Andreas Moser’s interest in animals stems Moser is highly committed to and a strong an ideal target for misuse by politicians from his background and family. Having advocate of the interests of animals and na- in election campaigns for propaganda grown up near to Basel Zoo, or “Zolli” as the ture, but he is certainly no missionary. A na- purposes. locals call it, Moser spent a lot of time with tural scientist to the core, he analyses situa- his grandfather in the zoological garden, tions, makes deductions and draws Honorary doctorate came into contact with animals and keepers, conclusions. He presents these to viewers in Moser views himself primarily as a conveyer sometimes helping them with their work, an easy-to-understand way, but without dra- of information because he sees how much na- and learned a great deal about animals in the matic or pedagogic undertones. ture is being destroyed by a lack of awareness. process. These experiences influenced his He explains: “‘Netz Natur’ is an ideal plat- choice of career and the course of his life. He The wolf and the sheep form for showing people how nature is inter- actually wanted to become a zookeeper, but He adopted the same approach when the connected and explaining to them through his parents persuaded him to finish his Swiss Parliament expressed concern about images, the senses and sometimes also school education first and go on to univer- wolves migrating back to Switzerland. Mo- through emotion that other perspectives sity as well. He chose biology, majoring in ser said that the killing of sheep and goats by exist besides the human one.” In an age when zoology. He carried out field studies on in- wolves was a problem of man’s own making. nature is increasingly sacrificed for industry, digenous reptiles during his degree course at “Wolves treat unattended pets as part of na- for the construction of housing and roads, the University of Basel and soon became an ture”, he explained to Parliament. The 10 or but also for leisure activities, he has the task, expert on snakes. so wolves living in Switzerland kill around within the scope of Swiss television’s public After graduating, Andreas Moser ran the 350 sheep and goats a year. That is a small poisonous animals laboratory at the Swiss number in relation to the 4,000 to 10,000 Tropical Institute in Basel as an academic as- sheep “which die each year, sometimes in ex- sistant and laboratory chief. There he was cruciating pain, due to accidents and disea- responsible for keeping poisonous snakes, ses because shepherds leave them to graze in spiders and scorpions. the mountains for weeks or months on end without supervision or protection”. Successor to a legend Moser pointed out that sheep on the Alps Instead of taking up the opportunity available need constant shepherding and occasional to him to travel to Africa to carry out further treatment from a vet in the same way as pets. research into poisonous snakes, Moser joi- They require protection at night, ideally ned the Swiss state television company in through electric fencing, and shepherds and 1987. He worked on the “Karussell” pro- sheepdogs are also needed to look after the gramme and began producing TV program- flock. “Sheep looked after in this way are mes on natural history. When the highly suc- rarely in danger from wolves”, said Moser, cessful “Karussell” came to an end, he joined emphasising that federal government pays the “Menschen-Technik-Wissenschaft” edi- farmers 43 million Swiss francs a year in sub- torial team. The concept of “Netz-Repor- sidies for keeping sheep. He said this fund- tage aus der Natur” was developed here as a ing should also be used to keep animals in ac- successor to the well-known productions of cordance with the provisions of animal Hans A. Traber. Moser has been the protection legislation. programme’s presenter since 1989 and its He was fairly astonished that Parliament head of editorial content since 1993. Last would not take this on board in the debate service mandate, of reporting on the oppor- . 1 No

/ year, the programme featured the following on wolves. Wolves are the natural adversar- tunities and risks for the natural environment 12 topics: “All about the cow”, “Switzerland – a ies of roe, chamois and deer and are biolog- in a scientifically accurate but entertaining cow nation?”, “Who stinks here?”, “Wild na- ically programmed to live here. It is simply way and in line with journalistic criteria. January 20 ture – money or life”, “Mangroves – apes, that they have been unable to establish Just how skilfully he does this is high- crabs and crocodiles”, “Horned animals” and themselves in the past because they have of- lighted not only by his huge fan base but also s: sRF to iss Review “Animals – creatures of honour”. ten been killed by poachers. They are also by the fact that his rather unspectacular pro- sw Pho 21

Andreas Moser filming one of his programmes (right)

Images of silkworms and butterflies from the programme “Wie ein Schmetterling die Welt verändert” (How a butterfly changes the world) – below left

gramme has neither fallen victim to cost-cut- ween different species are vital to the exis- But are there encouraging signs too? An- ting measures nor had to follow the wide- tence of living organisms, including humans. dreas Moser believes there are. The “Netz spread trend towards sensationalism and Moser explains: “Just take milk and meat for Natur” team works a lot with young people populism in Swiss television. example – without the vast number of soil- and is forever noticing that awareness about Andreas Moser has received many awards dwelling organisms, no grass or cultivated interrelationships and attitudes towards na- for his work, but he was particularly pleased plants would grow. And cattle and sheep ture are better among younger people than with the University of Zurich’s reasons for need grass to produce milk and meat. Ever- with older generations. Youngsters are also awarding him an honorary doctorate: “The ything is interrelated.” He points to further willing to make their own contribution. “Pol- University of Zurich awards an honorary correlations: without bees there would be iticians cannot afford to make any more de- doctorate to Dr. Andreas Moser in recogni- no pollination of fruit trees, without cisions concerning nature and the environ- tion of his services to the portrayal of ani- earthworms there would be no humus on the ment that are irreversible. Anything short of mals and their relationship with their natu- fields or on the forest floor which provides this would be unethical. We owe that to fu- ral habitat. Through his television food for plants, holds back water and pre- ture generations”, says Moser. programmes, Andreas Moser has made a ma- vents erosion and flooding. jor contribution to improving people’s un- The International Union for Conserva- “Netz Natur” is scheduled to be broadcast on the following dates in 2012: 15 March, 26 April, 24 May, derstanding of animals in the places where tion of Nature, IUCN, has published some 21 June, 20 September, 18 October, 15 November, they live and of other important issues con- alarming figures – of the 47,677 endangered 20 December cerning the natural environment and, in so animal and plant species on the red list, doing, has played an important role in the 17,291 are at acute risk of extinction. “Nature The programme can also be watched online www.sendungen.sf.tv/netz-natur/ protection of animals and nature.” This was is fundamental to our existence. By destroy- All series are also available on DVD: recognition of Moser’s efforts from the high- ing it, we are destroying ourselves”, says Mo- www.sendungen.sf.tv/netz-natur/Formulare/ est echelons. ser. “Despite this, we continue to chop down Kontakt-NETZ-NATUR-SF-1 . 1 No

/ the tropical rain forests – the most abundant 12 New awareness among youngsters eco-systems in existence – and release vast Moser will, unfortunately, never run out of quantities of fertilisers from intensive agri- January 20 issues for “Netz Natur”. He believes biodi- culture into rivers and seas where they de- versity will be extremely important for the stroy coral reefs and make fish infertile ow- : SRF HEiNZ EcKERT is a freelance journalist in Basel; he to iSS REViEw future. The highly diverse relationships bet- ing to the hormones in the water.” was the Editor-in-chief of “Swiss Review” until 2010. Sw Pho 22 sport

The acrobat of the slopes

Iouri Podladtchikov is on first name terms with the American stars of snow- boarding. The Zurich-based snowboarder – World Championship runner-up in the half-pipe – has consistently succeeded in accomplishing some of the most remarkable manoeuvres on the circuit. We met the circus acrobat of the slopes following his World Cup triumph in Saas-Fee. By Alain Wey

Iouri Podladtchikov on the podium and in the half-pipe in Saas- Fee last November

He flies into the half-pipe, soaring over the opportunity to find out more about the four metres above the 6.5-metre-high man he is today. walls of snow. Phenomenal spins and per- ilous, jaw-dropping flips – it seems nothing Brother as a role model can stop Iouri Podladtchikov. He won Iouri arrived in Switzerland in 1996 at the age the World Cup event in Saas-Fee with of eight. His family followed his father, a geo- panache and without excessive risk-taking. physics professor, who moved from Moscow In the finish area he is all smiles, focussing to the Netherlands and then to Switzerland on the television cameras. Podladtchikov and Zurich, where he was a lecturer at the is one of the few Europeans capable of Federal Institute of Technology. Iouri re- competing with the giants of the sport calls: “I started snowboarding at the age of 11 from the USA like Shaun White who in Flumserberg. My older brother Igor was a remains invincible. After the Olympic very keen snowboarder and I always wanted champion, he is only the second snow- to emulate him. I was already skateboarding boarder to have landed the double so snowboarding was a natural step. It meant McTwist 1260, which involves two flips everything to us.I would go into the moun- and three and a half spins. The man tains every weekend with my parents and nicknamed iPod has risen to fame through- they allowed me to go on my own from the out Switzerland after only missing out age of 13, mainly to Laax or Davos because, on a medal at the Vancouver Olympic right from the start, I wanted to surf the . 1 No

/ Games by a few points. He also picked up pipes, jumps and rails.” Iouri studied at the 12 a silver medal at the legendary North sports high school in Davos and became a American Winter X-Games in 2010. At Swiss citizen in 2007, just a year after taking January 20 the Hôtel du Glacier in Saas-Fee, the part in the Turin Olympic Games in Russian 23-year-old snowboarder puts aside his colours while training in Grisons with his : FiS/Oliver Kraus to iSS Review Pho Sw boards and guitars for a moment to give us Swiss friends and coaches, Marco Bruni and 23

Pepe Regazzi from Swiss Ski. “But I was al- ways the Russian”, he recalls. When asked whether he feels more Russian or Swiss, Iouri sidesteps the question: “I hate that question, that’s my answer!” he smiles. And what about in terms of his character and outlook? “I’ve experienced many different countries and I feel multicultural. But my par- ents are Russian, very Russian in fact. Perhaps my mindset is somewhat more Russian than that of my Swiss friends. But I’m not Russian in Russia and I’m not Swiss in Switzerland. That’s how it is. At the end of the day, I’m Iouri and I’m not worried about anything else.” And does Switzerland have a special place in his heart? “It represents a lot to me – the mountains, my friends, love and Zurich”, he explains, with a glint in his eye. He adds: “Swit- zerland is wonderful.” His home town also pre- sented him with the title of “Sportsperson of the Year” in 2009.

Always focussed on a goal What is a year in the life of Iouri like? He re- plies: “The first word that springs to mind is chaotic because I’m constantly travelling around the world. I’m not very good at set- tling down and not moving. I never get to spend more than four months a year in Swit- zerland. For example, I took part in compe- titions in New Zealand in August and then went back there in October for training.” He is always on the go. “I’m very instinctive. I have very high expectations of myself and therefore also of others”, he says. With a pas- sion for photography, the guitar and skate- boarding, he still dreams about winning com- petitions like the Winter X-Games and, of course, winning a medal at the 2014 Olym- pic Games in Sochi in his native Russia. With so much creative talent, does he have a phi- losophy? “Not really, because things are con- stantly changing. I don’t know what I’m go- ing to be doing tomorrow. I simply concentrate on moving onwards and up- wards, focussing on the goal in front of me.”

AlAin Wey is an editor at “Swiss Review” 24 ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD

Summer camps in 2012 for children aged 8 to 14 Leaders Experienced, multilingual teams of lead- Are you aged 8 to 14? Would you like to spend 14 days in Switzerland getting to know ers ensure that the two-week holiday camps your homeland better? Then sign up for a holiday camp run by the Foundation for Young are well-organised and offer a wide variety Swiss Abroad. We organise summer holiday camps in Switzerland’s most beautiful of activities. regions during July and August. registration The exact details of the individual holiday Programme camps and the registration form can be Our camps give you found, from Wednesday, 1 February 2012, the opportunity to see at www.sjas.ch. We are also happy to post the sights, to discover you our information brochure on request. lakes, mountains, riv- The registration deadline is 15 March 2012. ers and incredible Please contact the office in Berne for scenery, to go on short further information: hikes and perhaps even Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad visit some cities. Some Alpenstrasse 26CH-3006 Berne days are also spent at Tel. +41 (0)31 356 61 16 the camp, where we Fax +41 (0)31 356 61 01 organise games, sport- E-mail: [email protected] ing activities and vari- www.sjas.ch (Our forthcoming activities) ous workshops. You will also have the chance to learn lots of useful things about Switzerland. For example, we look at Summer CAmPS in 2012 the Swiss languages, n sat. 30.6.–Fri. 13.7.12: Gsteig b. Gstaad Swiss songs, Swiss rec- (Berne) for 40 children aged 8–14, price: ipes and typically CHF900. Swiss games and n wed. 11.7.–Fri. 20.7.12: swiss trip for sports. 24 children aged 12–16, price: CHF 950. The interaction be- n sat. 14.7.–Fri. 27.7.12: Mümliswil tween participants be- (solothurn) for 36 children aged 8–11, yond all linguistic, cul- price: CHF 900. tural and national n sat. 14.7.–Fri. 27.7.12: Prêles (Berne) boundaries provides an for 36 children aged 11–14, price: CHF 900. opportunity to enjoy Happy times at past summer camps run by the Foundation for n sat. 28.7.–Fri. 10.8.12: Obersaxen an unforgettable expe- Young Swiss Abroad (Grisons), sports camp for 48 children aged rience and to make lots possible. We therefore offer reduced camp 12–14, price: CHF 950. of new friends. rates. The relevant application form can be n sat. 28.7.–Fri. 10.8.12: Aurigeno (Ticino) requested with the registration form. for 36 children aged 8–11, price: CHF 900. Costs n sat. 4.8.–Fri. 17.8.12: Mariastein (solo- The prices of the offers are set out in the Travel/meeting point thurn), radio camp, children produce radio list below. The Foundation for Young The meeting point is Zurich airport around broadcasts and discover switzerland. For 48 Swiss Abroad wishes to give all Swiss chil- lunchtime. children aged 8–14, price: CHF 950. dren abroad the opportunity to spend a Travel to and from Zurich airport is or- n sat. 18.8.–Fri. 31.8.12: valbella (Grisons) holiday in Switzerland at least once if ganised and paid for by parents. for 36 children aged 8–14, price: CHF 900.

Advertisement . 1 No / 12 January 20 sA s: FY to iss Review Pho sw 25

OSA advice their age do not have to complete military Führungsstab der Armee training school but have to pay military Personelles der Armee (FGG 1) I would like to study in Switzerland – service exemption tax. Swiss citizens Steuerung und Vorgaben what would happen in terms of military abroad who wish to stay in Switzerland for Rodtmattstr. 110, 3003 Berne service? a period of over three months have to Tel. 031 324 32 56, Fax 031 324 14 92 notify the head of section within 14 days E-mail: [email protected] In Switzerland, all men are obliged to of their arrival. Website: www.vbs.admin.ch carry out military service before the end of If you hold dual nationality and have al- the year in which they turn 30 years of age ready carried out military service or alter- Conscientious objectors to military ser- or 34 years of age if they already com- native civilian service or have made an ex- vice can undertake alternative civilian ser- pleted military training school before leav- emption payment in your country of origin, vice. Alternative civilian service lasts one ing Switzerland. Upon your return to you no longer have to carry out military and a half times longer than military ser- Switzerland, you will therefore be called service in Switzerland. However, this does vice. For further information: upon to fulfil your military obligations not release you from the obligation to pro- Zivildienst Zentralstelle based on your age and aptitude level. Swiss vide notification of your arrival and you Malerweg 6, 3600 Thun citizens can be recruited until the end of may have to pay the military service ex- Tel: 033 228 19 99, Fax: 033 228 19 98 the year in which they turn 25 years of age. emption tax. If you have carried out mili- E-mail: [email protected] They will then be asked to attend military tary service or alternative civilian service in Website: www.zivi.admin.ch training school before the end of the year Germany, Austria, France or Italy, you will during which they turn 26 years of age. An be exempt from paying the military service Sarah MaStantuoni, head of the Legal Department exception exists for men who have already exemption tax owing to agreements that carried out military service in Switzerland, Switzerland has concluded with these who have been granted military leave to go countries. abroad or who have not been in the coun- You can also voluntarily decide to attend oSa’s Legal Department provides general legal informa- try for an uninterrupted period of over six military training school in Switzerland as a tion on Swiss law and specifically in areas that concern the Swiss abroad. it does not provide information on years and are no longer needed by the Swiss citizen abroad. Requests in such cases foreign law and does not intervene in disputes between army. Citizens not recruited owing to should be addressed to: private parties.

Area for the Swiss Abroad – new ideas sought

A global ideas competition for the design of the Area for the Swiss Abroad in Brunnen has been launched by the Foundation Council.

Ideas are being sought for a prominent, meaningful and permanent further development and realisation. Participants should provide symbol that expresses the concept of the Area for the Swiss as much detail as possible concerning the implementation of their Abroad in a clear and contemporary way and is perceived as a dis- ideas and the cost and effort involved. Ownership of the competi- tinctive feature. tion entries will be transferred to the Area for the Swiss Abroad The proposals must Foundation upon sub- be compatible with mission, and they may requirements for the be used, developed or protection of the nat- modified by the Foun- ural environment, dation as required. landscape and lake- Full competition side as well as with details can be found the utilisation needs on OSA’s homepage of the Area for the at www.aso.ch Swiss Abroad Foun- The deadline for dation and the expec- the submission of tations of the local ideas is 31 March 2012. population. The winning ideas will . 1 no

/ Competition en- go on public display in 12 tries may consist of Brunnen in July/Au- keywords, detailed gust and at the Con- January 20 text, sketches or other gress of the Swiss illustrations. They Abroad in Lausanne in : emanuel ammon/aura The Area for the Swiss Abroad in 1991 with the “Botta Tent”, which was erected to celebrate to iSS review must be suitable for 700 years of the Swiss confederation August 2012. Pho Sw 26 ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD

On a voyage of The project participants will then go off on their excursion, observing discovery and describing what they see, and an- swering questions. All this material OSA has a new offer for young Swiss will go into their reports. These will people abroad – the chance to spend two then be uploaded to the Internet as weeks discovering wide-ranging aspects text, photos or videos. of life in Switzerland, writing reports Other items required for the pro- on their findings and publishing these ject will be a camera, a pen and a note- online. pad. A ticket for public transport in Switzerland during the stay will be Water, history and architecture are just provided. three of ten topics for which OSA has pro- Each young explorer from abroad will stay with a Swiss host family, who will be very interested to hear all about their guest’s life story, culture and experiences. The host families will also provide Internet access for the publications. OSA is looking forward to reading the reports and contributions of Swiss abroad who have discovered Switzerland in still some places available to latecomers this way and is hoping to see an impressive on the winter sports week in Wengen. OSA output. is also organising an Easter camp in Fiesch duced suggestions for day trips. Participants Young people will also, of course, be able with a wide range of activities. All OSA’s will be given these suggestions together to take advantage of this offer prior to or offers for young people can be found at with plenty of background information. after one of our holiday camps. There are www.aso.ch (Offers).

90th Congress of the Swiss Abroad: 17 to 19 August 2012

At the 90th Congress of the Swiss Abroad in Lausanne participants will debate Mobility and Innovation: Switzerland in Times of Inter- national Challenges. More on this topic and the latest information on the 2012 congress can be found at: www.aso.ch/en/offers/congress- of-the-swiss-abroad/2012 . Put the congress dates in your diary today. We look forward to see- ing you at the Palais de Beaulieu in Lausanne.

Please send me the registration documents in spring 2012 for the 90th Congress of the swiss Abroad (17 to 19 August 2012 in Lausanne).

My address is:

surname: First name: Address: Country: Postcode/city: . 1 No

/ e-mail: 12 Please write clearly in block capitals January 20 donated

A, send the completed form to: Organisation of the swiss Abroad, Communications & Marketing, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne,

s: Os Fax: +41 (0)31 356 61 01 or e-mail us at [email protected]. to iss Review Pho sw NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT 27

Assistance for Swiss takes in account the growing importance What steps are planned over the coming of consular affairs and improves the months? abroad and travellers FDFA’s impact and visibility externally. We will optimise the existing services The FDFA Helpline staff answer over a by, for example, providing further staff The FDFA Helpline reduces the workload thousand queries a month, which clearly training in the various consular affairs. of the head office in Berne and of Switzer- shows just how well citizens have re- Our goal from the outset was to be able to land’s network of diplomatic and consular sponded to the new service. Most ques- answer at least 80% of queries to the Hel- representations abroad. Constant dynamic tions can be answered directly by Helpline pline directly. We have actually exceeded expansion and four supplementary employees thanks to their high level of ex- this target thanks to the outstanding level projects. pertise. This has freed up back-office re- of expertise of Helpline staff. We answer sources, which can be used to resolve over 90% of all queries ourselves, without complex and time-intensive issues. The having to pass them on to other offices. In objective is for the other FDFA directo- phase three, we will provide 24-hour rates and the network abroad to also ben- availability, take over the FDFA’s standby efit increasingly from the Helpline. Hans- service, and receive calls in Berne that are Peter Heiniger, Head of the FDFA made to representations abroad outside Helpline, spoke to the editorial team office hours. This will reduce the work- about ongoing projects. load of our colleagues in the embassies and consulates. “swiss review”: The FDFA Helpline has been set up and expanded rapidly since the Everyone concerned will be pleased about start of 2011. What phase is it in now? that. However, there are clearly still obstacles Hans-Peter Heiniger hans-peter heiniger: People have to overcome before this objective is achieved… been able to reach us from Monday to As I mentioned earlier, our goal is to be In addition to the embassies and consu- Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., since the start of available for our customers 24 hours a lates, which are the first port of call for in- 2011. The first phase was launched with day. The introduction of such a service formation for Swiss citizens registered or three employees. We have now had eight depends on technical and organisational travelling abroad, the FDFA Helpline at Helpline staff in place since 1 October capacities as well as resources. Like every- the Consular Directorate (CD) has been 2011 and have moved on to phase two. where else, these are in short supply here providing a “single point of contact” for This means we now answer queries every too. We are working at full tilt to achieve queries concerning consular services since day from Monday to Sunday between our objective as quickly as possible despite the beginning of 2011. This citizen service 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. the challenging framework. However, we . 1 No / 12 January 20 : FDFA to iss Review FDFA Helpline employees – supporting the Swiss abroad with advice and practical help Pho sw 28 NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

cannot, at the moment, rule out the possi- Smaller projects, such as the availability bility of delays in the launch of the 24-hour of the FDFA Helpline via Skype, have service owing to the resources situation. already been implemented.

What service are you providing at the What is the long-term future of the FDFA moment? Helpline? Customers from Switzerland and abroad We have made great progress in terms of can contact us with questions and ap- customer proximity and customer friendli- proach us about matters relating to consu- ness after a successful start for the “single lar services. We offer the best possible ser- point of contact” at the beginning of 2011. vice in line with our service charter. Our With our well trained and highly moti- intention is to provide expert consular in- vated Helpline team, we will continue to formation. We regard customer friendli- Yes, we are very well equipped. Not just offer customers the best possible service ness as our top priority. from a technical perspective but also in while also reducing the workload of spe- terms of our psychological and social cialist departments at head office and at What are the differences between the Helpline preparation. Our Helpline employees and our embassies and consulates as much as and the FDFA Hotline that is set up in crisis Hotline operators are being given basic we possibly can. situations? and advanced training using various sce- The Helpline is permanently available to narios to prepare them for such events, Interview: Mitarbeiterzeitung EDA Adaptation: Thomas Kalau customers for any question relating to con- with annual refresher courses to follow. sular matters. We also take queries via our Helpline in crisis situations. However, if What is the planned online counter all about? First attempt at the Helpline requires support in the event And how will the Helpline be affected by of a major crisis or catastrophe abroad, we this? electronic voting in can get our Hotline operators ready in We still have no means of online regis- next to no time. Customers are then for- tration for Swiss travellers abroad. This is national elections warded to the Helpline or the Hotline (for one of the four sub-projects in the Citizen Four cantons successfully carried out announcements and reports regarding Services division that we plan to imple- e-voting trials during the 2011 National missing persons) depending on their needs. ment by spring 2012. We have access to Council elections. 3,562 Swiss citizens The number (+41 (0) 800 24-7-365) re- the contact details of the registered Swiss abroad eligible to vote from the cantons mains the same in any event. community abroad so that we can send e- of Basel-Stadt, St.Gallen, Grisons and mails and SMS messages at any time in an Aargau cast their votes electronically. Press reports said that 36,000 SMS messages emergency, as described above in connec- and e-mails were sent by the FDFA from tion with Thailand. This is why we use According to a statement by the Federal Berne during the red-shirt demonstrations in every opportunity to encourage the Swiss Chancellery, the e-voting trials ran Thailand in May 2010. Was the Helpline abroad to register and to ensure their de- smoothly in all four cantons. The cantons involved in that? tails held by the embassy or consulate are concerned overcame the technical and lo- The Helpline did not exist then. This always up-to-date. gistical challenges without any technical task was handled by the Crisis Manage- failures or incidents. According to the Fed- ment Centre (CMC). However, messages Four Helpline projects are currently under- eral Chancellery the use of e-voting at the of this kind will in the future be sent by the way? What do these involve exactly? 2011 National Council elections can there- Helpline in close cooperation with the Sub-project 1 aims at expanding and op- fore be regarded as a success. CMC and the representations abroad. timising the existing Helpline application. Around 22,000 Swiss abroad had the op- Sub-project 2 involves the voluntary on- portunity to cast their votes electronically In other words, the Helpline will also reduce line registration I mentioned for Swiss cit- at the first e-voting trial in national elec- the Crisis Management Centre’s workload. izens travelling abroad so we have as good tions. Up to 53.1% took advantage of the How will you set up the infrastructure for an idea as possible of all citizens who may new voting method, depending on the can- such major operations in the future? be affected in crisis situations. Sub-pro- ton (see pages 16–17 on the voting behav- We have eight lines available to us for ject 3 should enable both Swiss Citizen iour of the Swiss abroad). the Helpline, and up to 16 can be provided Services at the Consular Directorate and With the current legal situation, around for the Hotline. The Helpline and the the Swiss embassies and consulates abroad 90% of Swiss abroad could take advantage . 1 No

/ Hotline are located on the same premises to send mass SMS messages more effi- of e-voting. These are Swiss citizens resid- 12 at Bundesgasse 32 in Berne. ciently. As the example of Thailand ing in either an EU member state or one of showed, the current solution has reached the 45 states that have signed the Wasse- January 20 What about the technical infrastructure of the its limits. Sub-project 4 is about replacing naar Arrangement (www.wassenaar.org). Helpline and Hotline? Are you well equipped the existing ageing telephone system with Among other things, this arrangement Iss REvIEw for the next major emergency? a state-of-the-art call centre system. governs the encryption of data transmis- sw 29

sion over the Internet, which is fundamen- government a boost in its efforts to give thank-you from the tal to e-voting. most Swiss citizens abroad who are eligible consular directorate to vote the opportunity to do so via the Milestone in the introduction Internet at the 2015 National Council elec- The FDFA’s Consular Directorate would of electronic voting tions. The experiences of recent years like to thank the Swiss abroad who took The second phase in the implementation will be evaluated by the Federal Chancellery part in the post-election survey conducted of e-voting has been reached with its first over the coming months. The Federal by the Swiss Foundation for Research in deployment in national elections. The pro- Council’s next report on electronic voting is Social Sciences (FORS) at the University ject was launched in 2000, and trials have scheduled for 2013 (also see page 17: Petition of Lausanne on the voting behaviour of been held in federal referenda since 2004. of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad). Swiss voters abroad. The results of this sur- In 2007, the Federal Council and Parlia- vey will be published in spring 2012. Further ment approved the gradual introduction of the focus of oscE information will be provided in this publi- electronic voting. Four development stages cation. were planned: election observation important 1. Electronic voting in referenda A team of nine experts from the Organiza- tion for Security and Co-operation in Please do not forget to provide the embassy 2. Electronic voting in elections Europe (OSCE) observed the elections in or consulate general responsible for you Switzerland from 10 to 28 October 2011. with your valid e-mail address and your mo- 3. E-collecting (electronic signature for in- The experts were primarily interested in bile phone number. itiatives and referenda) and electronic voting because this technology Register at www.swissabroad.ch to ensure is relatively new and pilot trials are only you do not miss out on “Swiss Review” or 4. Electronic signature for election nomi- just being held in a few participating states. information and newsletters from your rep- nations. Thirteen cantons are currently The OSCE Report on the 2011 National resentation. The current edition of “Swiss involved in the project. Council elections is expected to be pub- Review” and previous issues can be read lished approximately two months after or printed out at any time at www.revue.ch The positive experiences with e-voting the election date (www.osce.org/odihr/ or via the “Review” link on the websites of at the 2011 elections have given the federal elections/Switzerland/83755). Swiss embassies and consulates.

ElEctions and rEfErEnda initiative “Für Geldspiele im Dienste des Gemeinwohls” (Gambling The Federal Council decided at its meeting on 9 November 2011 to put for the common good) and the following proposals to the people on 11 March 2012: n Federal Law of 18 March 2011 on fixed book prices (BuPG). n Popular initiative of 18 December 2007 “Schluss mit uferlosem Bau Details of the proposals can be found on page 13. The referendum von Zweitwohnungen!” (Put an end to the unrestricted construction dates for 2012 are 11 March, 17 June, 23 September and 25 November. of second homes!) n Popular initiative of 29 September 2008 “Für ein steuerlich begün- PoPular initiativEs stigtes Bausparen zum Erwerb von selbst genutztem Wohneigentum The following federal popular initiatives have been launched since the und zur Finanzierung von baulichen Energiespar- und Umweltschutz- last edition of “Swiss Review” (deadlines for the collection of signa- massnahmen – Bauspar-Initiative” (Tax benefits on home purchase tures in brackets): savings for a property lived in by the owner and for financing struc- n “Für eine Wirtschaft zum Nutzen aller” (For an economy that tural energy-saving and environmental protection measures – home benefits everyone) (01.05.2013) purchase savings initiative); n “Wolf, Bär und Luchs” (Wolf, bear and lynx) (11.04.2013) n Popular initiative of 26 June 2009 “6 Wochen Ferien für alle” n “Rettet unser Schweizer Gold – Gold-Initiative” (Six weeks holiday for everyone); (Save our Swiss gold – gold initiative) (20.03.2013) n Federal resolution of 29 September 2011 on the regulation of n “Für eine neutrale weltoffene und humanitäre Schweiz – gambling for charitable purposes (counterproposal to the popular Neutralitätsinitiative” (For a neutral, humanitarian Switzerland that is open to the world – neutrality initiative) (13.03.2013) The complete list can be found on the Federal Chancellery’s website

Advertisement www.bk.admin.ch, in German under Politische Rechte/ volksinitiativen (also available in French and Italian) . 1 No / 12

January 20 FDFA OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: JEAN-FRANÇOIS LICHTENSTERN, RELATIONS WITH THE SWISS ABROAD BUNDESGASSE 32, CH-3003 BERNE TELEPHONE: +41 800 24 7 365 ISS REvIEW

SW WWW.EDA.ADMIN.CH, MAIL: [email protected] 30 LITTLE GEMS

Witch-hunt A bird’s eye view of Ticino Writings rather in the castle than photographs The witches have returned Rémy Steinegger provides a It is an adventure, an anachro- to Chillon Castle. Not the ones scenic flight over Ticino in his nism that will have many peo- from fairy tales, but the collection of photographs enti- ple shaking their heads. But it women who for centuries were tled “Ticino tra cielo e terra” is certainly an adventure that rumoured to be working in ca- (Ticino between Heaven and has started successfully. “Re- hoots with the devil to bring Earth). It contains 126 photo- portagen” is the title of a new disaster upon the people. graphs of a canton that has un- magazine first published in These women were pursued, dergone fundamental change Switzerland in October 2011. hunted, tortured and burned over the past century, where The name says it all really - 120 to death. Switzerland was par- agriculture has been almost pages, no photos, no PR and ticularly industrious and espe- completely replaced by tourism no high gloss. Quite simply ar- cially thorough when it came and service industries because ticles cover to cover, and what to witch-hunting, with more its beauty attracts visitors from exceptional articles they are. than 3,500 witches burned at the north in their thousands each year. The aerial shots provide re- Six authors contributed tales the stake between the 15th and markable images. The bird’s-eye-view perspective highlights the to the first edition that will live 18th centuries. Anna Göldi coexistence of the natural environment, which has developed over long in the memory. Margrit from Sumiswald was one of the a long period of time, and man-made civilisation with its rapid inva- Sprecher, for example, wrote sion. about Ireland and about how it The photos reveal beauty and correlations that cannot be seen became rich, then poor again at ground level by normal travellers, but also expose the brutal but wiser. In “Zwischen Töten encroachment upon and despoliation of nature. “This book does und Tanzen”, Karin Wenger not seek to cast blame or to gloss over the issues – it is simply a described her visit to the snapshot (…)” writes the photographer in the epilogue. closed-off bases of the US He is right, but it is also more than that – it is a wonderful snap- troops in Afghanistan. Erwin shot beautifully presented with concise, insightful text. BE Koch’s article entitled “Sarah” told of 17-year-old Sarah’s “Ticino tra cielo e terra”; Fontana Edizioni, 6963 Pregassona, 264 pages, CHF 64 fight against cancer. “Reporta- plus delivery costs. Order: [email protected] gen” does not reflect the spirit of the times in journalism, but last witches in Europe to be ex- it is an absolute pleasure. BE

ecuted. That was back in 1782 – #2 DezemBer 2011 www.reportagen.com chf20/eUr15 in 2008, following many years of to-ing and fro-ing, the Gla- REPORTAGEN eRWin deTTLinG Hoo nam SeeLmann rus cantonal parliament Nordwärts mit dem Güterzug wollenmigranten aus Ist hier mittelamerikaindie uSa. cleared her name on the dieendstation kommt meist früher. S.72 Europa? FLoRian Leu 26 Südkoreaner schaffen einen Kontinent grounds that she had been sub- in acht Tagen. ein durchhaltebericht zwischen Kimchi undGucci. Entzückende S.44 jected to an illegal trial. Torheit LinuS ReicHLin Seit einem halben Jahrhundertbaut The exhibition features nu- JustoGallegomartinez eineKathdrale aus Gefangen Schutt undSchrott. Gott weiss warum. merous documents, which are S.28 im Grünen Sabine RiedeL Vonder Sehnsucht nacheinem erfüllten Leben an den Rändernberlins: drei Porträts. being displayed to the public Mein dünner S.84 Freund Andrej Rod acKeRmann Liebeserklärung an St.Petersburg und for the first time and which il- seinen letzten Hungerkünstler. AllBlacks S.12 Wiedie maoridem Rugbyneues Leben einhauchen undneuseelandzum lustrate the role played by poli- Die hiStoriSche reportage: Weltmeistertitel führen. BiStro infernal S.963 GeoRGe oRWeLL ticians and the Church in this S.62 inglorious chapter in Switzer- land’s history. Chillon Castle, with its dungeon where count- Series of lectures on “Reportagen” less witches awaited trial and in collaboration with “Freitag”: subsequent death, is an ideal 16.02.2012 Hamburg with Peter Stamm . 1 12.04.2012 vienna with Sibylle Berg No / venue to house such an exhibi- 28.06.2012 Cologne with ilija Trojanow 12 tion. BE 23.08.2012 Berlin with Linus Reichlin www.freitag.ch January 20 The exhibition will run until 24 June 2012. www.chillon.ch Subscription: www.reportagen.com/ : donated to iSS REviEw Tel: +41 31 981 11 14, CHF 100/year. Pho Sw ECHO 31

Bulletins Quotations

“Hardworking” German-speaking Swiss “Now there’s someone who should definitely be burned at the stake.” parliamentarians overrepresented SvP President Toni Brunner about The number of initiatives (mo- Employees from French- Federal Councillor eveline widmer-Schlumpf tions, postulates, interpellations, speaking and Italian-speaking “There is no reason why our country can’t have three Federal etc.) at the Swiss Parliament in- Switzerland are still under- Councillors from the French-speaking territory.” creased significantly in the last represented in the federal SvP parliamentary group leader Caspar Baader, following the nomination legislature to a total of over administration. This has been of Federal Council candidates Jean-Francois Rime and Bruno Zuppiger 5,000 in the National Council revealed by research carried alone. The number of motions out by the news magazine “Do I really have to become President of the Confederation? in the National Council and “L’Hébdo”. In the Department Is there no way of bypassing the post?” Council of States rose from of Defence, for example, only Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer to one of his staff members 1,290 during the 2003-2007 pe- 10.3% of management positions “I stay true to myself. And I want to be allowed to be so. riod to 1,952, which represents are not held by German-speak- It’s not always that easy.” Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann an increase of 51%. Postulates ing Swiss. In the Department on DRS Radio on 12 November 2011 were up around 18%, while the of Foreign Affairs, which holds number of interpellations rose the top spot, 29% of the man- “I’m not a populist, more a unifying figure.” by 19%. Many parliamentarians agement are from French- FDP President Fulvio Pelli on DRS Television “grasp at initiatives to prove speaking Switzerland or Ticino. “Even our own members see us as the party for fat cats.” they are tackling people’s con- The Federal Council aims to Philipp Müller, FDP National Councillor cerns”, wrote the “Neue achieve the following linguistic Zürcher Zeitung”, commenting distribution by 2015: German “The FDP still only represents high finance. I’ve had enough of this on the deluge of submissions. 70% (72.1% in 2010), French arrogance.” Otto ineichen, FDP National Councillor 22% (21%), Italian 7% (6.6%) “No comment, no comment, no comment...” Federer in illustrious company and Romansh 1% (0.3%). The chief strategist of the Swiss People’s Party (SvP), Christoph Blocher, Swiss tennis player Roger on his financial involvement and influence at the “Basler Zeitung” Federer came second on a list 2,000 jobs axed of “most respected people”, Novartis is cutting around “If you can’t stand losing, don’t go into politics.” behind Nelson Mandela, the 2,000 jobs worldwide from its Bruno Frick, Member of the Council of States from the canton of Schwyz, who lost his seat after 20 years in Parliament former President of South 121,000-strong workforce with Africa. This was the outcome the aim of saving USD 200 of a survey by the Reputation million a year. 760 jobs will go Institute among 51,055 people in Basel, 320 in Nyon, and the worldwide. The 54 nominees other 900 or so positions will were figures from politics, primarily be lost in the USA. business, sport and culture. The downsizing plans sparked George Bush, Silvio Berlusconi, major demonstrations and Mahmud Ahmadinejad and strike action at Novartis in Kim Jong-Il were at the bot- Nyon in mid-November. tom of the list. An expensive business New head of the ICRC The decommissioning of Swit- Peter Maurer will take up the zerland’s existing nuclear position of President of the In- power stations and the disposal ternational Committee of the of radioactive waste will cost at Red Cross in the middle of least 20.6 billion Swiss francs – next year. Maurer is currently 10% more than previously fore- “Switzerland is a tame country. in Zurich. He gave up his profession I never encounter the devil here. If as a psychotherapist in 2001 and has the State Secretary at the Fed- casted. These figures come I did, I would immediately ask him worked as a freelance writer ever eral Department of Foreign from the latest calculations by if he had a story for me”, says Catalin since. Florescu describes the the . 1

No Dorian Florescu. The 44-year-old jury’s decision as “courageous”: / Affairs and previously made a federal government, which cal-

12 author won this year’s Swiss Book After Melinda Nadj Abonji (2010) name for himself as the Swiss culates anticipated costs every Prize for his novel “Jacob beschliesst and Ilma Rakusa (2009), this is the ambassador to the UN. He will five years. The Swiss Energy zu lieben” (Jacob Decides to Love). third time in succession that a Swiss January 20 replace Jakob Kellenberger at Foundation (SES) expects de- Florescu was born in Temesvar in writer with roots abroad has won Rumania in 1967 and has lived in the Book Prize. The first prize winner the head of the ICRC, who commissioning and demolition : donated Switzerland since 1982. He studied in 2008 was Rolf Lappert, a Swiss to iSS Review costs to be much higher. psychology and psychopathology citizen living in Ireland. Pho held the office for 12 years. Sw ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD

“The SwissCommunity platform networks Swiss people worldwide via the web.”

Ursula Deplazes Researcher from Graubünden, living in Rome

“Networking plays an important role among the Swiss abroad – both personally and profes- sionally.”

Daniel Keller Manager from Zurich, living in Hanoi

“The local experience Urs Steiner of Swiss people can Teacher from Berne, head be very valuable to an of the Swiss School in Peru international consultant like me.” “Get to know other Swiss people abroad, exchange useful addresses, find out about Switzerland … I can do all these things on SwissCommunity.”

Network with other Swiss abroad Keep up to date on relevant news and events Find an apartment – or the best fondue in town Discover Switzerland Sign up for free membership www.swisscommunity.org

SwissCommunity partners