THe MAGAZIne FOR THe SWISS ABROAD

June 2011 / nO. 3

Max Frisch: New publications mark the 100th birthday of an outsider

SRG: Popular with the people, less so with politicians

Fabian Cancellara: Outstanding cyclist sets ambitious goals Ronco s. Ascona, Ticino

Swiss Summer Getaway in Lugano Lugano, with its historic with an Italian flavor. traffic­free town center, its This Summer, set your course for the south many buildings in the an­ cient Lombard style, and its of Switzerland, on the other side of the museums, parks and views Alps, where la dolce vita welcomes you with of the surrounding moun­ open arms. tains reflected in the lake, Tip 1 is the stopover of choice Here, the gentians flower in Ticino is also a paradise for for enjoying la dolce vita in Further information: mountain pastures and camel­ those who just want to relax, Ticino. lias blossom beside the lakes. where it is pleasant to let life 28451 From the Mediterranean gar­ go by, to bask on a beach, laze dens to the little villages nest­ beside the emerald waters of A garden in paradise ling deep in alpine valleys you the Verzasca river, or to sample A Greek temple right next will find there a striking con­ a polenta, accompanied by a to an Egyptian one on the trast between the rugged al­ good Merlot, on the terrace shores of Lake Lugano? In pine world and the sweet life of a typical grotto: savoring all Morcote, a village dating on the shores of Lake Lugano the pleasures of life from the Middle­Ages, visit or Lake Maggiore. A balmy MySwitzerland.com/summer. the Parc Scherrer, an amaz­ climate or rough mountain ing garden where you can Tip 2 paths, the scent of mimosa or NetworkSwitzerland admire the panorama across a stroll in the shade of chest­ Sign up on MySwitzerland. to the Italian shore of the lake Further information: nuttrees – in this land of con­ com/aso by September 30, Ceresio and the plains of the trasts, holidays have a very 2011, and win a 2­night stay Po river beyond. 28309 special flavor. This is Switzer­ for 2 people at Villa Principe land’s Italian­speaking canton. Leopoldo Hotel & SpaÖ in A fascinating tour of Welcome to Ticino! Lugano. Switzerland Near Lugano, the Swissminia­ The taste of the south Further information: tur brings together the most A land of adventure for moun­ picturesque places in Swit­ tain­bikers and ramblers, 12023 zerland – cities, landmark, monuments and mountain railways. There you will dis­ Tip 3 A collaboration between Switzerland Tourism and the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) cover the Swiss Parliament in Berne, the city hall of Schwyz, Further information: the Cathedral of Basel and even the Matterhorn. 36086 EDITORIAL cOnTEnTs 3

An inconceivable reality

ramatic global events sparked a foreboding sense of insecurity worldwide in 5 recent months. There were the uprisings in the Maghreb and Middle Eastern Mailbag Dcountries where societies have revolted against despots and dictators in a way 5 never deemed possible. The revolutionaries, who are predominantly Muslim, are Books: The reference points of Swiss memory not fighting for Islamic theocracies, but are calling for freedom and democracy. 7 Many observers in the West did not consider them ready for this or even capable of it. Images: Switzerland as an industrial nation The second event with global ramifications was the catastrophe in Japan, where the 8 chain reaction of an earthquake and tsunami triggered the worst-case scenario at the SRG has always had an important but Fukushima nuclear power plant. challenging role in Switzerland The disaster in Japan is of even greater concern to people than the political upheaval 12 mentioned above. The German Federal Chancellor, Angela Merkel, said that the “im- Max Frisch, as a critical writer, always kept possible became possible” in Fukushima. This is perhaps how we would like to see it. How- his distance from Switzerland ever, what happened in Fukushima was not that the impossible became possible but rather 14 that a possibility that we did not want to envisage became a reality. This event has changed Political parties keep quiet about donations our perception of the risks involved, as the catastrophe has shown that the calculations and financial backers concerning the so-called residual risk and the assumptions regarding its controllability 16 were too optimistic. Schopenhauer called such behaviour “nefari- The impact of the disaster in Japan on ous optimism”. Swiss politics Fukushima serves as a warning against excessive faith in the Regional news progress, feasibility and controllability of technology and nature. The events in Japan will change energy policy worldwide as 18 Fukushima is not Chernobyl. Unlike 25 years ago, dangerous Notes from Parliament experiments were not being carried out in a scrap reactor in an 20 unpredictable dictatorship. The Fukushima disaster occurred Open-air festivals: Summer concerts are on Barbara Engel in a technologically advanced country, in a democracy where, the increase until 11 March 2011, the government had constantly affirmed that its nuclear power 23 stations were safe. Major doubts have since arisen about the assurances of other govern- OSA news ments on nuclear safety. Even those who previously supported nuclear technology 25 unconditionally are now intently discussing and considering its abandonment and a change Training opportunities for young Swiss in energy policy. abroad The catastrophe in Japan as well as new scenarios and responsibilities will also have an 26 impact on Swiss politics. The number of people who oppose the construction of new nu- Fabian Cancellara achieves legendary status clear power stations or believe they are untenable for the future has risen sharply. The long before the end of his career change in opinion by many Swiss politicians within days or weeks is clearly explained by 30 the forthcoming elections. While tens of thousands of people in Japan must begin a new Mani Matter, revered for generations, is now life having been permanently driven from their homes by the disaster and forced to live honoured by the National Museum in unbearable uncertainty regarding the long-term consequences of contamination, there 31 is intense speculation in Switzerland about which party will turn “Japan” to its advan- Echo tage.

Read Heinz Eckert’s article on page 16 onwards to discover how recent developments Cover photo: Max Frisch, the most famous will influence campaigning for the parliamentary elections on 23 October. Swiss writer of the last century, would have celebrated his 100th birthday in May. BARBARA ENGEL (Photo: Suhrkamp Verlag, Berlin).

th

. 3 IMPRINT: “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss abroad, is in its 38 year of publication and is published in German, French, Italian, English and Spanish in 14 regional editions. It has a

No total circulation of 395,000. Regional news appears four times a year. The ordering parties are fully responsible for the content of advertisements and promotional inserts. These contents do /

11 not necessarily represent the opinion of either the editorial office or the publisher. n EDITORS:Barbara Engel (BE), Editor-in-Chief; Rolf Ribi (RR); René Lenzin (RL); Alain Wey (AW); Jean-François Lichtenstern (JFL), responsible for “Notes from Parliament”, Relations with

June 20 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.: +41313566110, Fax: +41313566101, Postal account (Swiss National Giro): 30-6768-9. Internet: www.revue.ch 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. Copy deadline for this edition: 26.04.11 SW Vorsorgen in Schweizer Franken.

Agentur Auslandschweizer Stefan Böni Dorfstrasse 140, 8706 Meilen +41 44 925 39 39, www.swisslife.ch/aso

 Inserat_Midi_Stefan Böni_90x64.5.indd 1  01.12.2010 14:26:28

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Swiss Solidarity Switzerland’s humanitarian visiting card Swiss Solidarity (or Glückskette, as the foundation is called in Switzerland) has been helping people in need in Switzerland and abroad since 1946. After tragic events, it appeals via the media to the people of Switzerland for donations. It then finances and monitors aid projects realized by 31 Swiss partner relief organizations. In 2010, Swiss Solidarity was engaged in 247 projects in 47 countries with a total value of 167.7 million francs. How does Swiss Solidarity work? • Swiss Solidarity supports humanitarian relief projects in Switzerland and abroad. • Working together with the Organization for the Swiss Abroad and the Schnyder von Wartensee Foundation, in cases of hardship Swiss Solidarity can also assist Swiss people living abroad who have fallen victim to natural disaster. • Swiss Solidarity finances relief projects for emergency aid, rebuilding and helping the return to an independent life. You too can help throughout the world and carry on Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition. Information at www.glueckskette.ch or www.swiss-solidarity.org.

Protect your interests, vote in Switzerland! www.aso.ch mailbag books 5

Distance from Switzerland tice. The embassy’s unwilling- what have rütli, tell and guisan got to do with In the March edition of “Swiss ness to act is consistent with Rösti, Toblerone and Swatch? We perceive them all as Review”, Ms Cigall Zitoun, the servile policies pursued by typically Swiss. In the words of Georg Kreis, they from Israel, wrote that the Switzerland in recent times are “reference points of Swiss memory”. Kreis, one of Swiss abroad should not take where the government dis- Switzerland’s leading contemporary historians, takes us part in referenda or elections tances itself from the result of a on a journey through the topography of Swiss memory on account of a lack of know- referendum (ban on minarets) in his book of the same name. It leads the reader into an ledge. She is mistaken. I have and the Federal Council apolo- extremely diverse, colourful and sometimes unfamiliar taken greater interest in affairs gises to terrorists (Gaddafi af- world. It deals with geographical locations, but not at home since being away. I fair). It is time for those who exclusively or primarily. “Schweizer Erinnerungsorte” never miss “10vor10”. As a mas- represent Switzerland to re- does not concentrate on historical facts but rather on terpiece requires you to stand mind themselves that our fore- how these are transformed in the collective memory some distance away to appreci- fathers did not win their free- over time. It deals with phenomena such as reality, ate the finer detail, the same is dom by kissing people’s feet myth, legend, identity, hotly-contested symbolism and

also true of Switzerland. and for us to start showing Swissness marketing. WERNER BuCHER, AlMuñéCAR, SPAIN some backbone rather than be- Kreis’ 26 milestones of Swiss memory take us into extremely ing the soft touches of world diverse territories. The author features historical figures politics. If we continue as we (Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, Henri Guisan), mythical and Opposed to the right to vote are doing, we may one day have fictional characters (William Tell, Heidi), places (Rütli, St. Got- and citizenship to accept that the Swiss Pavil- thard), events (Battle of Marignano) and legendary items that I regularly listen to Radio ion’s shocking slogan at the are the embodiment of Swissness (Toblerone, Swiss army DRS1 and consider myself to 1992 World Expo in Seville has knife, Swatch). Kreis does not just look at the much-covered be well-informed. I neverthe- become a reality: “La Suisse aspect of historical identification but also examines fault lines less think differently to all my n’existe pas” (Switzerland does and controversial issues, such as the crumbling stronghold of relatives and friends who live in not exist). banking confidentiality or Kaiseraugst as the pinnacle of the Switzerland. This is why I’m JüRG WAldER, NEW dElHI, INdIA anti-nuclear power movement. And when it comes to Rösti, it also opposed to the right to is not just the potato dish that is explored, but also the vote for Swiss abroad. Neither “Röstigraben”, the linguistic divide within Switzerland. do I support the retention of This book does not simply go over old ground or recount entitlement to Swiss citizen- epic heroic tales. It shows how the crystallisation points of ship down the generations. national memory develop over time and how different per- VERENA BlENK, BuCHENBERG, spectives can be. For example, it discusses how a German song GERMANy originally became a typically Swiss one, what chance events were necessary for it to enter national folklore and how it was not until 1915 that it became the “Beresinalied” (Beresina “La Suisse n’existe pas” – Song), which everyone associates with the sacrificial with- has it come to this? drawal of Napoleonic Swiss soldiers from Russia in 1812. Last year I was involved in a SWISS BankS Georg Kreis makes subtle observations about his selection of matter in Singapore in which I The editorial team at “Swiss topics and writes in his theoretical conclusion “that such a exposed the fact that an official Review” has received a huge book cannot actually be produced under academic standards”. letter by a senior government pile of letters from readers Each area of recollection is too volatile, the reference points official did not contain the over recent months in which of national memory come and go, or at least fade, too dynami- truth. My work permit was Swiss abroad express their cally. The selections should therefore be understood “in an subsequently not renewed after disappointment, anger and experimental rather than a dogmatic sense”, Kreis writes in ten years in the country. As I outrage at the major banks, the foreword. He chooses the form of the essay, which he com- had done no wrong in Singa- uBS and CS, and their new bines with analysis and explanation, loosely pore, I called upon the Swiss charges for Swiss living made associations and a healthy dose of embassy to support me and to abroad. irony to produce a very readable book. mediate. However, the em- Readers will also greatly appreciate the bassy rejected my request on As we have limited space carefully designed graphic layout and the the grounds that any state has available, we are unfortu- selection of photographs. This book is

. 3 the right to expel an undesired nately unable to publish all certainly an excellent read for anyone who No /

11 person without providing justi- these letters in “Swiss Re- believes they know Switzerland well. fication. I think it is disgraceful view”. However, we wish to JüRG MüllER June 20 that a Swiss representation can refer you to the two articles look on without acting while a on this matter on page 23. GEoRG KREIS. “Schweizer Erinnerungsorte. Aus dem Speicher der Swissness”. ISS REVIEW Swiss citizen suffers an injus- Verlag NZZ, Zurich 2010. 349 pages, CHF 44 SW We‘ll take you to Switzerland at the click of a mouse. Information. News. Background reports. Analysis. From Switzerland, about Switzerland. Multimedia, interactive and up to date in 9 languages. swissinfo.ch

Official commemorative coin 2011 A picture-book story

A little boy. A big bell. An Engadin tradition. This is what the original drawing of Schellen-Ursli by Alois Carigiet embellishing the new gold mint is all about. Available at banks, coin dealers and www.swissmint.ch.

Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft Confédération suisse Confederazione Svizzera Confederaziun svizra

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I should like to place an order for the following item plus Name: First name: shipping costs payable in advance: Quantity Quality Price per coin Address: Town/postcode: A Bell for Ursli 50 franc gold coin, gold 0,900; 11,29 g; Ø 25 mm Date: Signature: Proof coin in presentation case CHF 580.– no VAT Send voucher to Federal Mint Swissmint, Bernastrasse 28, CH-3003 Bern. SchweizerRevue_E Images 7

“Built up and sold off” Until several decades ago, Switzerland defined itself as a nation of freedom-loving farmers. However, it has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world as an industrial nation. This transformation has been based on innovative capability, receptiveness to outside influences, social cohesion and industriousness. “Aufgebaut und ausverkauft” (Built up and sold off) is a fascinating, richly illustrated book on the history of Switzerland as an industrial state. Historian Hans-Peter Bärtschi describes this history in nine chapters, with titles such as “Affluent Switzerland”, “Plundered Heavy industry” and “Clean Coal – Shadowy Tax Haven”. “industrial Switzerland – from the 18th to the 21st century, Built up and sold off”.

Zurzach 1978: The wooden pumping towers above the Riburg 2005: Rheinsalinen’s Uster 1980: Brewing vats at the Uster brewery with the Sodafabrik’s drill holes sunk in 1914 are listed as an historical logistics and storage centre with a last steam engine in the Zurich Oberland. Valve engine and heritage site 31-metre-high wooden dome cooling compressor from 1897

Kemptthal 1896: Assembly line work in the Maggi factory. Berne 1952: Assembly line work Fribourg 1979: Manual work on the production line, such as Mechanical transmission equipment powered the packing at Hasler-Ascom, which once had the quality control of marshmallows here at Villars, is still conveyor before electrification a workforce of 14,000 commonplace today at chocolate factories Built up and sold off”; y, centur st 21 e th to th , eUR 52.80 18 78 e F th CH . 3 No / 2 pages; 11 31 June 20 Biel 1998: Whether for sundials, clocks, pocket watches Zurich 1989: Escher Wyss was Rheinfelden 1990: The Feldschlösschen bottling plant or wristwatches, accurate timekeeping requires maximum taken over firstly by Schmidheiny constructed in 1974 in the famous castle style of this leading

s: “industrial Switzerland – from precision from watch and clock manufacturers, as in this and then by Sulzer brewery to ag hier + jetzt, Baden; iSS Review rl Sw ve Pho photograph taken at Omega 8SwiSS Radio and TeleviSion

“The national institution of equilibrium” The swiss Broadcasting Corporation, or sRG as it is known in German, is extremely popular and its radio and Tv programmes are highly regarded in switzerland. The mandate and political control of sRG, seen as an identity-shaping institution for generations, are the subject of fierce debate. By Hanspeter spörri

The media influence thoughts and feelings Cuba and on the sea blockade imposed by schaft”. SRG, often labelled a state broadcas- and evoke mental images and moods that be- the USA. The family regarded these reports ter by critics, is actually an association cur- come part of our memories, fusing with per- as objective despite their being highly emo- rently made up of 20,000 members from all sonal experiences and shaping how we see tive and, as a result, even more powerful than linguistic regions. Anyone can join its various eras in retrospect. When I was allowed to the TV images of that time. Many Swiss peo- regional companies. These are the trustees spend the night in my grandparents’ living ple shared their shock at the assassination of for 18 radio and eight TV stations. With over room in the early 1960s, I would wake up to the US President on 22 November 1963 with 6,000 employees, SRG is by far the largest a world of sputniks, summits and nuclear Gautschy. electronic media firm in Switzerland. bomb tests when my grandmother switched Roger de Weck has been the head of the on the radio at six in the morning and Radio Intellectual aristocrat appointed head corporation since the start of 2011. The new Beromünster began broadcasting. From my of SRG Director General used to be a journalist and bed I watched the “magic eye” come to life: The media report on contradictory facts and editor-in-chief at the “Tagesanzeiger” news- two green compartments opened up and different viewpoints, conflicts and clashes of paper in Zurich and the “Zeit” publication becamelighter and lighter before forming a interest in the same way today as they did in Hamburg. De Weck, who comes from an circle. This indicated that the station was then. They explore events through analysis aristocratic Fribourg family of bankers, has properly tuned in. I was unable to explain it or comment and they compete for attention, taken clear stands in recent years as a col- at the time, but the magic eye seemed to circulation and audience figures. They are umnist with the “Sonntagszeitung”. He op- pierce the dawn in the room and look directly therefore sometimes exposed to severe criti- posed the initiative to ban minarets and into my childish dreams and nightmares. cism themselves. In Switzerland, this is par- never concealed his support for closer ties These were tense times. The Second ticularly true of the Swiss Broadcasting between Switzerland and the European Un- World War was still fresh in the memory of Corporation, which was founded in 1931 as ion. “It is not in the interests of small and me- the adults. Many had also lived through the the “Schweizerische Rundspruchgesell- dium-sized countries to make the nation the First World War and most feared the outbreak of a third, perhaps fi- nal, war. During the Cuban Mis- sile Crisis in autumn 1962, the family gathered at 6.15 a.m. to lis- ten to the news bulletin from the Swiss National News Agency (De- peschenagentur). I can still hear the solemn-sounding voice. The radio also shaped our out- look on the world with its evening broadcast “Echo der Zeit”. Heiner Gautschy, with his distinctive voice, read the news and reported on Kennedy’s proclamation that the USA would land a man on the moon in less than ten years, on the Soviet missile bases found on . 3 No / 11 June 20 one / süddeutsche Zeitung / scherl yst Ke : A family in front of their radio – a to iss Review sw photograph from 1936 Pho 9

measure of all things”, he wrote several days broadcasters. Matter wants to set a different before his appointment as SRG Director tone. He says that he will also accept a slight General. Supporters of the nationalist-con- drop in audience figures, that relevance servative camp, in particular representatives rather than sensationalism will take priority, of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), subse- citing as an example the issues featured on quently saw this as a declaration of war. “Arena”, the primarily political debate show broadcast every Friday. Two new heads De Weck’s appointment also came as a sur- Schawinski’s talk show prise to media analysts. Prior to his appoint- However, Matter has caused a sensation of ment, he was not even treated as a potential his own by appointing Roger Schawinski, the candidate publicly. It was expected that media entrepreneur, one-time pirate radio somebody with business management expe- operator and founder of “Radio 24”, as the Roger de Weck, SRG Director General since January rience would be thrust into the high-profile presenter of a new talk show. The 65-year- 2011 position – the SRG Director General is also old, who created and produced the consumer of Swiss journalism, believes that de Weck responsible for the planning and implemen- show “Kassensturz” on Swiss TV in the and Matter’s sensational appointment of tation of savings measures. 1970s, turned the Swiss media landscape up- Schawinski has embarrassingly sent out the Rudolf Matter took up his position as Di- side down around 1980 with his illegal pri- “wrong signal”. To pronounce this often rector of SRF, the subsidiary for German- vate radio station, whose transmission equip- “poorly prepared and obscenely aggressive speaking Switzerland, at the same time as de ment was located on a 3000-metre-high egotist” as “Switzerland’s finest inter- Weck. He too has a journalistic background. mountain in Italy, and forced the licensing viewer” is an affront to SRG employees. Al- Matter has been branded a “super director” of local radio that was financed by adverti- lowing him to return to much-berated because he is responsible for both radio and sing. In recent years, he has positioned SRG shows “poor instinct” for which there television. SRG’s radio and television com- himself as a vehement critic of SRG and its is no reasonable explanation. Lüönd then panies were merged at the start of the year monopoly on national television. He conduc- poses a venomous question: “Does this fig- as part of a convergence process. ted a private war with de Weck’s predeces- ure represent a new form of nepotism at Matter’s predecessor as head of television, sor, Armin Walpen, a rough-and-ready SRG?” Ingrid Deltenre, did not have any journalis- man from Valais, who was seen as a power This may also be interpreted as a tit- tic experience. She was constantly criticised, monger. Commenting on Schawinski’s for-tat response as, shortly beforehand, and not always unjustly, for focusing too appointment, Matter said: “A prodigal son Schawinski had accused Lüönd of being in heavily on viewing figures and for allowing is returning home.” his paymaster’s pocket, having been commis- SRG’s channels to become too lightweight However, Karl Lüönd of the “Tages- sioned by Blocher’s Ems-Chemie to write a and similar to German commercial private anzeiger”, who is seen as the grand old man favourable company history in book form which was published in “Welt- woche” as an advance publication without any reference to the con- tractual relationship. However, Lüönd’s accusation of nepotism refers to a pre-existing close rela- tionship between de Weck, Schaw- inski and Matter, who once lived or worked in Berlin at the same time and apparently became friends. The SVP, the party with the largest share of the vote, issued an ironic press release on the matter. It said that with the “purchase” of Roger Schawinski a long-standing critic of state TV had been si- lenced with licence payers’ money . 3 No / 11

June 20 “Unter uns gesagt” on 4 March 1978

one/sRF with Federal Councillor Kurt Furgler (r)

yst and author Max Frisch became Ke

: legendary. The presenter was Heiner to iss Review Gautschy. sw Pho 10 SWISS RADIO AND TELEVISION

CVP 17 and the Greens six. The politician political parties, as is the case with Germany’s who received the most invitations was public service broadcaster, “saying nothing Christoph Blocher, former Federal Coun- of Sarkozy and Berlusconi”. De Weck also cillor and father figure of the SVP. He alone highlights the “Swiss solidarity” exemplified made five appearances on the show. The by SRG. Without this neither French-speak- presenter, Reto Brennwald, was also contin- ing Switzerland nor Ticino would have radio ually reproached for a lack of distance from and TV stations on an equal footing with the SVP, even within television circles. those in German-speaking Switzerland. Of The SVP and its strategist, Blocher, there- the CHF 462 generated annually by the fore found an ideal platform in “Arena”. licence fee, CHF 202 goes to French, Italian They won popularity not in spite of the and Romansh-speaking Switzerland. “state broadcaster”, which they constantly This is of little interest to the SVP, which Rudolf Matter, Director of SRF criticised, but very probably because of is attempting to repress SRG and working SRG’s stations. However, Brennwald has hard to strengthen its influence over the me- and a figure who clearly expresses what he now been replaced as presenter. dia and editorial offices. Following a change thinks of the nation’s best-supported party, of ownership, the “Basler Zeitung” recently that is to say not a lot, had been appointed Where does Switzerland’s strength lie? fell into its sphere of influence and the once as the new political presenter. The SVP The SVP has made radical demands concer- left-liberal “Weltwoche” went over to the therefore demanded: “To ensure that hav- ning the future of SRG. It is calling for “a nationalist-conservative camp some years ing a presenter with such strong political drastic cut in the range of stations within ten ago following several changes of ownership views does not constantly violate the licence years, with strict restrictions on this public with unclear financial ties. in the area of diversity and neutrality, Swiss service and a limit to one radio and TV sta- television should now invite an SVP repre- tion per linguistic region in addition to cor- Decades of conflict sentative as a guest on all Schawinski’s talk responding licence fee reductions”. “Welt- The current wrangling in media politics shows to balance the scales.” woche” is supporting its SVP friends with a about the definition and scope of public ser- campaign against left-leaning SRG, de- vice broadcasting is taking place at a time al- Cultural battle over “Arena” nouncing, in typical fashion, the “antidemo- ready marked by major upheaval. In place of Like de Weck, Matter has also wasted no cratic roots of Roger de Weck”, whose de- the magic eye on yesteryear’s radio set, to- time in antagonising the nationalist-conser- vout Catholic family still supports a form of day there are user interfaces, serving as ac- vative camp, in particular the SVP. The main rule that despises and disenfranchises the cess portals to a vast number of communica- reason is his criticism of “Arena”, German- people. Previous generations obeyed Rome, tion and distribution channels, social speaking Switzerland’s leading political de- today’s worships Brussels, it continues. networks and communities. Countless ma- bate show. According to Matter, more time “Who will stop Roger de Weck?” asks edi- gic eyes are now looking directly into our pri- has been dedicated to confrontation be- tor-in-chief Roger Köppel in one of his vate domain. tween left and right – in other words, bet- “Weltwoche” editorials. He says that Swit- “The use of the media is changing rapidly ween the Social Democratic Party (SP) and zerland’s strength lies in “open debate and and radically”, Rudolf Matter told the spe- the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) – than has the exchange and assertion of opinions”. He cialist media publication “Edito” prior to his been objectively justifiable. He is calling for claims that de Weck and Matter, the radio appointment. He said: “The reach of radio the show to also cover alternative, solution- and television director appointed by him, and television is diminishing. We are seeing oriented viewpoints because solutions to want to prevent a “robust political contest” rapid growth in multimedia.” There can be complex political issues in Parliament have and are “focusing on staging a contrived har- no doubt that Matter is also thinking of ex- often been found through the involvement mony that does not exist in real Switzerland”. panding the online services of radio and TV. of the centre parties. Roger de Weck has not picked up the This is angering the President of the Associ- At the end of 2009, the “NZZ am Sonn- gauntlet and has refrained from becoming ation of Swiss Media, the former Association tag” calculated that the SVP had in fact directly involved in the new cultural battle. In of Newspaper Publishers. Hanspeter Lebru- been invited onto “Arena” more often than an interview with the NZZ, he said: “Our task ment, publisher and chairman of the Board any other party. SVP representatives ap- is to reflect political affairs and not to shape of Directors of Südostschweiz-Medien- peared precisely 29 times as main guests in them. SRG journalists should convey polari- gruppe AG in Chur, is calling for an online 2009; in addition, there were three appear- sation objectively and not add to it for the advertising ban for SRG, arguing that “on- ances by the ultraconservative former EDU sake of sensationalism.” De Weck sees SRG line is the future of private media”. The SVP National Councillor, Christian Waber, who as “a national institution of equilibrium”. He does not regard Internet services as within

. 3 belonged to the SVP faction for a period. feels that the secret to Switzerland’s success the public service remit either. Indeed No /

11 And Roger Köppel, editor-in-chief of is its consideration for minority opinion Blocher’s party goes even further. It is call- “Weltwoche”, which largely represents SVP and constant efforts to achieve a balance of ing for SRG to surrender frequencies and ra- June 20 views, was invited on three times. The other interests. He says that SRG embodies this dio stations that do not provide a public ser- parties lag behind by some margin: the SP spirit. Its associative structure assures that it vice, such as special-interest stations, to the : sRF to iss Review provided 22 “Arena” guests, the FDP 18, the remains independent and not controlled by private sector. sw Pho 11

Two partially overlapping lines of conflict in correspondence with the supervisory au- “Weltwoche” recently presented a similar can be identified in the media industry. On thority of the day, the Telegraph Director- argument, claiming that the majority of em- the one hand, there is a struggle over the ate. The publishers believed that radio news ployees at Swiss TV were left-wing. It called distribution of advertising revenues and the should remain just “a supplement to the daily for all SRG employees to declare any party division of roles for individual media be- newspaper to prepare for and encourage” membership. However, even “Weltwoche” tween private media companies and SRG. the reading of newspapers. The Swiss conceded that most of SRF’s reports were of Compromise solutions have always been National News Agency, which produced the excellent quality. It said: “The question is found in the past because the media compa- news for Swiss radio until the 1960s, was also whether appropriate attention is given to nies as well had no interest in the complete a member of the Association of Newspaper balance for a monopoly broadcaster. SRF liberalisation and privatisation of electronic Publishers. At the start of the Second World has the power to set the agenda in the nation media – this would also have meant new in- War, the NZZ wrote: “The press forms and determines the political debate.” ternational competition. On the other opinion in the democratic state (...) The It sounds as though there is a hint of res- hand, there is debate over the journalistic shorter and more concise radio news is, the ignation among the critics. It is difficult to quality and political orientation of electronic more it contributes to maintaining spiritual get the better of SRG. It does its job well, es- media, in other words the political control and political equilibrium.” (*) pecially in view of the diverse and contradic- of SRG. These conflicts are exacerbated by tory requirements of the public. SRG pro- the egos at management level in the media Suspected of being leftist grammes are popular. In republican companies. Journalistic and publishing The political conflict has been fought from Switzerland, television stars take on the role heavyweights, such as Roger Schawinski, the outset with varying degrees of intensity performed by the royals in the UK. With Roger Köppel, Frank A. Meyer, SVP Na- depending on the overall political situation. love affairs, children and fashion, they gladly tional Councillor Christoph Mörgeli and The Association of Swiss Television and Ra- provide daily material for the gossip columns president of newspaper publishers Hanspe- dio, formed in January 1974 and also known and commuter papers. The German Swiss ter Lebrument, write venomously and often as the “Hofer Club”, set itself the task of public used SRF’s services for 14.4 hours a express themselves in a self-opinionated and “tackling the misuse of the television and ra- week on average in 2010, so before the self-righteous way. dio monopoly in terms of information and merger. In television, it occupied 32.6 per- A look at history shows that the conflict of programme policy”, as it was no longer ac- cent of market share. Its dominance was even economic interests between publishing com- ceptable that “the media monopoly influen- greater in radio with 61.7 percent of all panies and SRG – mainly funded by the li- ces large sections of the population ideolo- listeners tuning into an SRF station. And cence fee (currently CHF 1.1 billion a year) gically in a way that not everyone recognises SRF is aware of its value. Its homepage says – has always existed. Radio is having a seri- and defames our economic and social system, that it is “deeply rooted in society” and ously detrimental impact on the interests of often severely, through a one-sided selection serves the public with its diverse and the press, wrote the Association of Newspa- of news and clearly left-leaning programmes high-quality programmes. That is difficult per Publishers at the beginning of the 1930s without any reply”. (*) to argue with.

(*) Quotes from: Radio und Fernsehen in der schweiz, verlag hier + jetzt, 2000, Baden. . 3 No / 11 For the political parties, the show

June 20 “Arena” is the ideal stage for self-

one / eddy Risch promotion and is criticised or praised

yst accordingly. On 16 May 2008, Federal Ke

: Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf to iss Review sw Pho took on Christoph Blocher 12 MAX FRISCH – HIS 100tH BIRtHDAY

The outsider a spared nation was not without conse- Max Frisch, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday in quence. It resulted in closer ties domestically, which was ultimately counterproductive May of this year, always saw alienation as part of existence. from a cultural point of view. There was The more transient his places of residence, the more at home “embarrassing familiarity” (Frisch) to rela- the author felt. He did not associate the notion of home tionships in domestic literary circles, where everyone had already encountered one an- with a particular country. By Julian Schütt other “in their slippers and nightcaps”. This lack of distance fostered appalling apathy over the long term. Most cultural figures left politics to the politicians in power and fo- cused instead on supposedly more essential matters. Pro-government, army-friendly discourse therefore predominated without any real state pressure. Though, if necessary, the censors of the Swiss government armed with far-reaching powers helped bring any insubordinate voices into line. Strictly-regulated army life, known as “active service”, made the most attentive observers passive and dulled the powers of perception. While there was not exactly a fear of being drawn into the war, there was an increasingly apathetic response to the suffering in other countries, despite or perhaps because of the many exercises and simulated emergency drills. Frisch observed: “The news is becoming boring, a list of cities Max Frisch in Rome, 1965 in the afternoon and evening. People don’t even bother looking at the map anymore. Returning home was a problem for Max Switzerland – a mousetrap With no bloodshed, it sounds like a sports Frisch even before he made his first trip The desire to constantly make a fresh start, to report. There is no screaming, no stench, abroad to south-eastern Europe as a 21-year- leave old chapters of life behind, to shed one’s no numb staring, no wheezing, no burning.” old in 1933. In a newspaper supplement, he skin and to become unknown permeates It was as though Switzerland had been describes a hike in the mountains. His walk through Frisch’s biography and works. Abroad immunised against the realities of war. back to the valley and civilisation alarmed he felt truly alive. Similarly, he could only de- Not until “Dienstbüchlein” (1974), a book him: it was as though time had stood still. He scribe his compatriots with the necessary clar- about his life in the army, does Frisch passed an uninhabited mountain hut and ity and inexorability once the Hitler era and painstakingly explore what he actually continued his descent crossing alpine pas- the associated entrenchment of Switzerland knew about the Nazi period, Hitler’s attacks tures, which seemed deserted, as did the first were over and he was able to travel again. He and the annihilation of the Jews. Did the village he finally reached. As he walked along saw alienation as an inescapable part of con- void outweigh everything? No, what stayed the village road, it felt as though he was pass- sciousness. with him above all was the recollection ing a row of graves. There was not a person Not being able to travel abroad for a decade af- of “how the uniform takes away our con- or an animal in sight. Complete desolation. ter 1936 was a hardship for Frisch. “More of a science without anyone recognising it as Here Frisch refers, for the first time, to the mousetrap than a haven” was his description conscience”. fairytale of Rip van Winkle, who returns so of Switzerland’s position during the war. The late after awakening from his enchanted country had become an endangered “void be- Confrontation with Germany

nology Zurich slumber that he cannot find anyone. This tween war and peace”, or, according to mod- Literature encountered all sorts of confines ch Te ageold figure of alienation pervades Frisch’s ern historical knowledge, a fissure not casually during and after the war. It was inadequate. entire works. He portrays the Rip-van- forgotten that was important to the Axis pow- How could the incomprehensible be ex- Winkle experiences repeatedly, with the nar- ers between which Switzerland was sand- pressed when it lay beyond our own experi- deral institute of . 3 Fe rator wondering why all of a sudden he wiched and which it fatefully accommodated ences? There was only one feasible way – No /

11 is walking through the streets “as though I economically and in terms of refugee policy. writers needed to understand their own ive, Swiss

ch was in a foreign place and unable to under- limitations. Max Frisch came to this con- June 20

isch Ar stand your language”. Consciousness means Distanced from the events of war clusion earlier than many other authors. Fr alienation for Rip van Winkle, as it did for The fact that Switzerland was not involved He went to occupied Germany so often : Max to iSS Review Max Frisch. in any acts of war but remained cloistered as after 1945 that he attracted attention. In Sw Pho 13

Germany, his work was exposed to a com- Europe and the USA foreigner”, in particular when describing pletely different environment to that in In 1951, he went to the USA for more than a things not experienced personally. And Switzerland. Germans reacted with great year thanks to a grant from the Rockefeller the phraseappears again in the concluding sensitivity to things that mattered little Foundation, spending several months in sections in a more radical form: “...one to the Swiss, and vice versa. Writing in New York and San Francisco. Back in Eu- quickly becomes an emigrant.” and for both cultures represented a risky rope, he was annoyed at the snobbery shown During his speech at the Büchner Prize undertaking. Most contemporaries did towards the USA by artists, architects and award ceremony in 1958, he spoke at length not voluntarily expose themselves to the intellectuals. The lecture entitled “Our ar- of a “sense of not belonging”. He said that threat of cross-border misunderstandings. rogance towards America” was a response to it was, of course, debatable whether a posi- Frisch wrote that one had to be capable all those who wondered why Frisch had cho- tive assessment of the emigrant’s situation of “revealing the reality of our time”. This sen to spend over a year in the USA. They does not push the compulsive nature of any capability involved depicting various reali- expected some kind of juicy justification af- period of exile too far into the background. ties while they were still “ardent” objects, ter his return, which he could not see the The literary results are certainly exciting, the and presenting them with their diversity need for. This arrogance related to culture way in which Max Frisch has depicted man’s and synchronicity as one constellation that in particular. Frisch observed that while alienation in post-war society in “Tagebuch was true at least of the moment. That was es- there was indeed a lack of a cultural middle 1946-1949”, “Graf Öderland” (1950/51), sentially what Frisch set out to achieve after class in the USA, in its place was a refresh- “Stiller” (1954), “Homo faber” (1957) and the war. ing uninhibitedness. People did not hide be- “Andorra” (1961). hind unfamiliar knowledge of art history. The first “diary” ends with the vignette Observed and reported Frisch wrote that a vast number of Ameri- “Schinz”, which is about a lawyer of the same He did not just travel to Germany, but also cans were tired of being patronised intellec- name. “Schint’s” (so it seems) is a common to countries destroyed by the Germans, such tually by “old father” Europe, which they colloquial expression in Switzerland used to as Poland, to gain as accurate an impression had to look after, and that this situation confirm that one has also already heard a par- as possible of the changed state of Europe. was of no benefit to anyone. He embraced a ticular rumour. The Word seems to have got His travel behind the Iron Curtain did not cultural globalisation in this 1953 lecture. He around that something is not quite right with go down well, particularly in Switzerland. said that the world was starting to become Schinz, he feels ostracised at least. It is he The state protection authorities began to ob- round, not just in terms of knowledge but who suddenly realises: “One quickly be- serve and keep files on him. The “Neue also human experience. He added that this comes an emigrant.” Zürcher Zeitung”, with which he had a long type of global person would primarily be Almost immediately after reading “Schinz”, association, distanced itself from him, openly born in America and that it was only natural Frisch’s publisher, Peter Suhrkamp, was con- pigeonholing him as a Nazi sympathiser and that such a person would refuse to see Eu- vinced that it was the draft for a more impor- a national traitor. rope as the intellectual epicentre of the tant work. Schinz is in fact a precursor to From this point on, Frisch no longer saw pol- world. Frisch later bought an apartment in Stiller, the “emigrant in his own country”. itics as being detached from culture. Quite Manhattan. Both attract the attention of the authorities the opposite, he perceived politics as part of as they are suspected of being in contact with culture and culture as part of politics. He …quickly becomes an emigrant subversive elements. Suhrkamp recognised now described his stance as “humanistic so- Did he choose to live abroad – he also spent a great deal of Frisch in this: “It seems to me cialism”, against dictatorships of all kinds. long periods in Rome and Berlin – in order that you are having a personal crisis but that He became the first German-speaking au- to write? He certainly chose to do so in or- is probably a prerequisite for a productive thor to tackle the issue of the nuclear age and der to live. The first part of “Tagebuch state”, he wrote to Frisch. its dangers in the 1946 play “Die chinesische 1946–1949” (Diary 1946–1949) contains The Cold War produced various emigrants. Mauer” (The Chinese Wall). the phrase: “... somehow one is always a One of these was Frisch. It happened very quickly or, as he writes in “Schinz”: “You see things differently to how they are taught by NEw pUblicAtiONS Wallstein Verlag, Göttingen, occasion of his 75th birthday others; you can’t help it if the newspapers In addition to Julian Schütt’s 128 pages, CHF 30.50 with Hans Ulrich Probst, liter- write the opposite…” biography, various publica- Volker Hage: “Max Frisch – ary editor of Radio DRS. Verlag It is undoubtedly true that Max Frisch tions on Frisch have been Sein Leben in Bildern und Tex- Christoph Merian, CHF 26 needed to feel like an emigrant in order to brought out in German for the ten”. Suhrkamp Verlag, Berlin, Most of Max Frisch’s work write. anniversary year. 257 pages, CHF 37.90 has also been translated into Beatrice von Matt: “Mein “Nicht weise werden, zornig French, English and Spanish.

. 3 Name ist Frisch”, encounters bleiben”. A portrait in original There were no new publica- No /

11 with the author and his work. recordings (edited by Ingo tions in these languages for Verlag Nagel & Kimche, Zurich, Schulz), Hörverlag, 2 CDs, the anniversary year. June 20 156 pages, CHF 23.90 CHF 35.20 Julian Schütt, born in 1964, is an author and journal- ist living in Zurich. His book “Max Frisch – Biographie Daniel de Vin (ed.): “Max “Max Frisch spricht”, eines Aufstiegs” (Suhrkamp Verlag Berlin) was pub- ISS REVIEW Frisch – Citoyen und Poet”. speeches and a chat on the lished this spring. SW 14 The SwiSS parTieS and Their funding

The party funding debate heats up with elections looming The parties on the left as well as various experts and interna- tional organisations are calling for greater transparency in the funding of parties and electoral campaigns. All such proposals have previously been rejected by a parliamentary majority. How- ever, popular initiatives are now set to help make the break- through. By René Lenzin

“The most expensive election campaign of all munerated government posts and on the Na- time” read the headlines of Swiss newspapers tional Council and Council of States to make at the start of the year as several parties re- contributions to party funds. All parties are vealed their budgets for the federal elections primarily reliant on donations for their cam- this autumn. The Christian Democrats paigning. However, the origin of this money (CVP) indicated a sum of three million Swiss remains largely unknown as disclosure is not francs, three times higher than at the last mandatory. The only area in which there is elections in 2007. For the Free Democrat- a degree of transparency relates to state Liberals (FDP) the figure was 2.6 million contributions to the parliamentary groups Swiss francs, which has since become over in the councils at federal level. Each three million. “Eight million Swiss francs group with at least five seats on the National would be required for a high-profile cam- Council or Council of States receives an an- paign”, said Vincenzo Pedrazzini, FDP cam- nual basic contribution of 144,500 Swiss paign chief, with five million as the absolute francs plus an additional 26,800 Swiss francs minimum. However, these figures only cover per member. In total, this funding recently the budgets of the national parties. In addi- increased from just under 5 million Swiss tion, there is the expenditure of their can- francs to around 7.3 million per year. tonal sections and the individual candidates. In recent years, various attempts have No-one knows exactly how much the par- been made, mainly by the left-wing parties ties will spend in total. For the 2007 elections, and the Greens, to introduce greater trans- experts put the total election campaign costs parency to party funding. They have called at around 50 million Swiss francs. They an- for parties and referendum committees to ticipate the figure will at least double this have to disclose the source of their donations year, but Switzerland is still a long way off above a certain amount, or for those who re- it must have had funding available for refer- US levels where hundreds of millions of US veal the names of their donors to be re- endum campaigns such as the minaret and dollars are spent on the presidential election warded with state funding. Another appeal expulsion initiatives on a scale that only the campaign alone. Yet the cost of political is for parliamentarians to disclose their per- powerful Economiesuisse, the umbrella as- marketing is constantly increasing in Swit- sonal financial position. The supporters of sociation representing the Swiss economy, zerland too and with it the call for greater these proposals are annoyed, in particular, at could otherwise muster. transparency over funding sources. Political donations from the business world, which Proponents of the disclosure obligation ar- donations are another area in which Switzer- are generally only made to the conservative gue that greater transparency is essential to land fails to meet international standards on parties. The SP and Greens claim this allows ensure a functioning democracy. They say disclosure. powerful lobby groups, such as the banks and that the electorate would only have sufficient pharmaceutical industry, to wield improper information to form its opinion if it knew Only the parliamentary group contribu- influence over politics. where the money for campaigns came from. tions are disclosed They are also concerned about the finan- The call for transparency is often coupled The parties are unable to fund election and cial might of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP). with the desire for state party funding, a sys- referendum campaigns with membership Critics complain that it has three times more tem familiar to many western countries. The

. 3 contributions as they bring too little money funding available for the elections than all differences in donation revenues are bal- No /

11 into the coffers. This also applies to the So- the other parties put together – money that anced out through public contributions, in- cial Democrats (SP) and the Greens, which is invested in campaigning by extremely creasing equal opportunities in terms of po- June 20

one depend more heavily on these sources of in- wealthy SVP members. This information litical competition. yst

Ke come than the conservative parties. They cannot be verified as the SVP does not grant However, it is precisely such state contri- : to iss Review therefore require their representatives in re- any inspection of its campaign accounts. But butions that the opponents of greater trans- sw Pho 15

exposing Switzerland to the suspicion of seat on the National Council would receive corruption. But is the Swiss political system one or two Swiss francs a year per vote. really corrupt? The problem is “that this Gross and Tschümperlin are hoping to have question cannot be answered owing to a set up a cross-party committee, revised the lack of transparency”, says Martina Caroni, wording of the initiative and launched the Professor of Public Law at the University of collection of signatures by late summer. Lucerne. She does not believe that Swiss politics is corrupt, rather that it is open Money is not everything to influence. This is resulting in a loss of The intentions of the two Social Democrats basic confidence in afunctional system. are clear. They want to highlight the issues “The feeling of not being able to trust politi- that they consider a problem, namely a lack cians because they are open to influence is of transparency and the excessive financial widespread among the electorate”, explains power of the SVP, at the height of the Caroni. electoral campaign. The SVP is in fact set- The recently elected Federal Councillor, ting a high benchmark and forcing the other Simonetta Sommaruga (SP), also seems to parties to increase their budgets. That even have recognised a need for action. She is includes the Greens, who plan to spend three responsible for such matters as Minister of to four times more on this year’s election Justice. As a parliamentarian, she has always campaign than in 2007. However, at 100,000 supported her party’s call for greater trans- to 200,000 Swiss francs, the budget of this parency. However, the Federal Council as national party is still very modest. a whole has so far opposed a disclosure The recent successes enjoyed by the obligation. Sommaruga is therefore adopt- Greens as well as the Green Liberals show ing a cautious approach and has started by that money is not everything in politics. The commissioning a report comparing foreign parties that win elections are those that give party funding models. the right answers at the right time or are sim- Two committees, which plan to call for ply in vogue. Referenda such as those on the transparency through popular initiatives, are custody and statute-of-limitation initiatives making more rapid progress. Firstly, there is show that political success cannot simply be that of 31-year-old SVP National Council- bought. Both proposals were launched by lor Lukas Reimann, who intended to oblige citizens’ committees that had neither signif- all parliamentarians to declare their incomes icant financial resources nor professional and gifts. Under pressure from his party, structures, but whose issues were clearly in which has so far refused any transparency, tune with the times. Reimann is now limiting his proposal to However, money can, of course, make the additional income and gifts relating to the difference between victory and defeat, par- parency use as their main argument. They political mandate. But as a representative of ticularly where referendum results are tight. claim that a disclosure obligation would not the Facebook generation, he is standing by And while it will not determine general only infringe upon the privacy of donors and the fundamental call for greater transpar- trends in elections, it can at least tip the bal- result in adecrease in contributions but ency. He is also receiving support from other ance. “If we had the SVP’s budget, we could would also inevitably lead to state support of youth parties. win two to three percent more of the vote”, the parties, which is not compatible with the Secondly, SP National Councillors An- says Ueli Leuenberger, President of the established Swissprinciple of having part- dreas Gross and Andi Tschümperlin have Greens. Alongside the Social Democrats, he time politicians (Milizprinzip). Even though launched a host of initiative projects. They now at least wants to ensure that the elector- there are certainly critics within the conserv- want to present the people with several var- ate knows where the SVP’s funding comes ativecamp of the lack of transparency, all iants to increase the chances of referendum from. If the planned popular initiatives ma- previous attempts to shed more light on success. A minimum variant provides for a terialise, the electorate will decide for itself party funding have been blocked on the ba- disclosure obligation for donations above a whether this is something that it does indeed sis of this argument. certain amount. A second variant would want to know. supplement this obligation with an upper do- International criticism nation limit for individuals and companies.

. 3 International bodies regularly criticise Swit- The third variant is based on incentives and No /

11 zerland over the lack of transparency on rewards parties and committees with state party funding. The Organisation for Secu- contributions if they disclose the source of June 20

one rity and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) their donations. Finally, the fourth variant yst

Ke and the non-governmental organisation proposes state party funding: parties that : to iss Review Transparency International warn that this is disclose their accounts and have at least one sw Pho 16 The elections in Switzerland and the disaster in Japan

Will there be a Fukushima effect? ent situation in Germany, where a Fuku- The Greens celebrated major success at the Swiss federal elec- shima effect was certainly felt at the elec- tions in Baden-Württemberg, but Golder tions after the Chernobyl reactor accident 25 years ago. explains this by saying that “the only way It is unclear whether the Fukushima disaster will now also have people in Germany can express protest is an impact on the elections in October. The political environ- through elections”. The Zurich-based political scientist, Mi- ment has changed since Chernobyl. By Heinz Eckert chael Hermann, presents a similar line of ar- gument, indicating that there is a clear dif- ference between referenda on specific Before the nuclear disaster in the Japanese city this matter. It is leaving its rivals to take up policies and elections. “It will undoubtedly of Fukushima, all the polls indicated that the a prominent stance on this delicate issue, be much more difficult now to win the sup- Swiss People’s Party (SVP) would be victori- probably in the hope that the furore will port of the electorate for a new nuclear ous in the federal elections on 23 October. have died down by the autumn and that the power station than it was before Fukushima”, Christoph Blocher’s fellow campaigners were Swiss people will be focusing on other issues he says but predicts: “Any Fukushima effect sweeping the other parties aside with their again by then. The Greens have evidently will have further abated by the time of the manifesto. The debates have primarily fo- benefitted from topical environmental issues autumn elections.” He goes on to argue cused on refugees from North Africa, immi- several times at elections in the past – in 1987 that the nuclear issue will be decided at a grants from Eastern Europe, the relationship they benefitted from the Chernobyl disaster, referendum in Switzerland and not at the with the European Union and the increasing in 2003 from the summer heatwave, which elections. In Switzerland, the electorate has pressure to conform, and concordance within brought environmental concerns to the fore, rarely sought to lay down a marker for a the Federal Council. It is as yet unclear and in 2007 from Al Gore’s film on the cli- particular direction or to punish politicians whether the political agenda will shift as a re- mate, which triggered environmental hype at election time, as is constantly the case in sult of the catastrophic events in Japan. The worldwide. He helped the Greens in Swit- Germany, for example. Social Democrats, the Greens and the re- zerland achieve their largest ever share of the cently formed Green Liberals received a sig- vote (9.6 %). No abandonment in sight nificant media boost after the incident and It is not clear as to whether there will be a One thing is for sure and that is that events were able to highlight their already established Fukushima effect and, if so, whether this will in Japan will have an impact on future Swiss positions on nuclear power stations. This cul- last until Election Day on 23 October. Al- energy policy. Just as the accident in Cher- minated in a large-scale march against nuclear though the Greens and Green Liberals nobyl spelt the end for the planned nuclear power during the traditional Easter marches. emerged as winners at the elections in the power plant in Kaiseraugst in 1987, a year af- CVP Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Zurich at ter the catastrophe, Fukushima will give mo- was also quick to react as the Swiss energy the end of March and beginning of April, ex- mentum to the opponents of nuclear power minister and called for the approval proce- perts do not believe that events in Japan had and will help promote alternative energy pro- dures for new nuclear power stations in a major impact on these elections. “If there duction. However, powerful business groups Switzerland to be suspended immediately. had been strong interest in current events, have already indicated their opposition to the However, she had to play down this demand the turnout would have been higher in both abandonment of nuclear power. And, as shortly afterwards as her party is completely cases”, says Lukas Golder of the GFS re- electricity consumption continues to rise in split on this issue, as is the FDP. Leading pol- search institute in Berne. The fact that the Switzerland and 40% of this is provided by iticians hold differing views on nuclear red/green camp did not increase its share of nuclear power plants, it is likely to take some power in both conservative parties. Whereas the vote overall would also suggest that no time and involve significant cost before any Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Am- Fukushima effect occurred. It was a differ- abandonment can become a reality. mann is arguing for the abandonment of nu- clear power after lengthy consideration, Georg Bührer, as President of Economie- suisse, the umbrella organisation represent- ing Swiss businesses, is advocating the exact opposite. FDP President Fulvio Pelli is man- aging to present even this internal dispute as a plus point for his party. He says the differ- ence in opinion simply goes to prove that FDP policy is independent of the umbrella

11 / No. 3 / No. 11 organisation for business in Switzerland. June 20

CHAAD / Taken from “Tagesanzeiger, Zurich” “Tagesanzeiger, from CHAAD / Taken S Waiting until the furore dies down The SVP, which does not usually overlook llustration: swiss Review I any major issues, has had very little to say on “Nuclear power? No thanks – Electioneering? No thanks!” HERSTORY 17

Forty years Women’s Suffrage

On 7 February 1971, the swiss men conceded women the right to vote. 66 percent voted Yes, 34 percent No. The women’s struggle for equality was long and difficult: from 1866, there were repeated attempts. Posters from the voting campaigns show what an emotional fight it was.

1901 circa 1920 1920 ek, Bern th tionalbiblio Na . 3 No / iv, Zürich / schweiz. 11 ch June 20

1920 1968 circa 1945 iss Review sw Plakate: schweiz. sozialar 18 NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

Reorganisation of Switzerland’s diplomatic dure should not be compared to the closure of representations. and consular network – set-up of regional The Swiss presence remains strong in the countries where consu- lar services have been relocated. Our ambassadors will carry out consular centres and support measures their diplomatic tasks and ensure human proximity with our fel- low citizens in their countries of residence or accreditation. However, the FDFA is aware that the closure of representations and the concentration of tasks in regional consular centres have sig- Switzerland relies on a network of around 140 diplomatic and con- nificant implications for the Swiss abroad. This is due to the trans- sular representations distributed throughout the world to imple- fer of certain tasks to other representations, geographical distance ment its foreign policy and to protect its interests. This is a remark- and the subsequent loss of the sense of proximity. We understand, able network for a nation of Switzerland’s size and is ranked ninth for example, that having to travel to have biometric data recorded worldwide. The allocation of resources within the Swiss network is could be an inconvenience for the persons concerned. evaluated on an ongoing basis. Over the past 15 years, these resources With a view to maintaining and consolidating high-quality have been reduced in Western Europe (closure of representations public service, the FDFA has therefore provided for various sup- in Naples, Bordeaux and Dresden, etc.) and in North America (e.g. port measures, such as the establishment of a Consular Director- closure in Houston) in order to meet new requirements relating to ate which aims to deliver public service of the highest standard. the emergence of countries in southern and eastern regions (e.g. The helpline that will respond to telephone calls and e-mails, pro- opening of representations in Astana, Saint Petersburg and Guang- gressively reaching availability 365 days of the year, is one of the zhou). More recently, budgetary considerations - implementation flagship services. With regard to these measures, it should be of savings on personnel and operational expenses - have resulted noted that local personnel will remain in the embassies, breaking in the closure of our general consulates in Dusseldorf, Genoa and away from their consular services to perform certain tasks in close Edinburgh. collaboration with the regional consular centres. Transportable The current revaluations are based on an analysis of the effi- services with mobile equipment for recording biometric data ciency of the provision of consular services to the Swiss abroad will also be set up. It should be noted that anyone can carry out while maintaining or improving the quality of public service. This this procedure at any passport office in Switzerland (for exam- analysis has resulted in the production of lists of services specific ple, during a visit to Switzerland) or at any Swiss representation to each representation which has led to the closure of consular abroad providing consular services in agreement with the repre- sections within embassies in favour of the set-up of regional con- sentation where the applicant is registered. Drop-in points will be sular centres (see the list in the box). It showed that the embassies set up for official affirmation of subsistence certificates for Old concerned all offer the full range of consular services, including Age and Survivors’ Insurance (e.g. Swiss clubs and honorary the production of identity documents for civil status matters, at- consulates). When consular protection becomes necessary, we in- testations and the issuing of visas, etc., in addition to their diplo- tend to rely more on our network of honorary consulates which matic commitments covering political, cultural, economic and will be made aware of the various aspects of their role – including commercial matters. These similar products are therefore pro- their proximity to the Swiss community – at a conference that vided by consular services relatively close to one another individ- will bring them together for the first time in Switzerland in Au- ually using key resources in terms of personnel as well as infra- gust 2011. In this regard, it is worth pointing out that the FDFA structure and equipment (e.g. equipment for recording biometric has opened more than 100 honorary consulates since 1990, in or- data). Our embassy in Bratislava is a good example of the inefficient use of our resources in the context of consular services alone. An output of 42 passports ConSulaR SeRviCe Regional ConSulaR CentRe Date and 3 visas a year does not justify the (CloSeD) (open) presence of two full-time transferable Tirana (Albania) Balkans (Pristina) 01.04.2011 employees. The concept of concentrat- Harare (Zimbabwe, Malawi, ing a complete list of consular services in Zambia, Angola) southern Africa (Pretoria) 01.04.2011 a single location produces significant sofia (Bulgaria) south east europe (Bucharest) 15.04.2011 economies of scale. It effectively involves Port-au-Prince (Haiti) Hispaniola (saint Domingo) 01.05.2011 the allocation of personnel not dispro- Brussels (Belgium) portionate to but instead in line with the Luxembourg (Luxembourg) Benelux (The Hague) 16.05.2011 requirements of Swiss citizens in neigh- Helsinki (Finland) bouring regions registered under one Copenhagen (Denmark)

. 3 roof as well as investment in equipment Oslo (Norway) Nordic Countries (stockholm) 30.05.2011 No /

11 limited to just one location in a given re- Ljubljana (slovenia) gion. The transfer of administrative Zagreb (Croatia) June 20 units to regional consular centres aims to Budapest (Hungary) optimise resources. However, it should Bratislava (slovakia) summer iss Review be noted that this concentration proce- Prague (Czech Republic) vienna 2011 sw 19

der to take account of the development of Swiss interests and the PoPular initiatives: emergence of new requirements, primarily in the developing By the time of going to press, the following popular initiatives had countries. The FDFA will now ensure the participation of the been launched since the last edition: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad in the nomination procedures (deadlines for collection of signatures in brackets) in order to optimally meet local requirements and the expecta- tions of the Swiss abroad. It goes without saying that the FDFA n Federal popular initiative “Für eine öffentliche Krankenkasse” will support the development of online services. It will also engage (For a system of public health insurance) (01.08.2012) in forms of cooperation with states in the Schengen area and in- n Federal popular initiative “Für eine nachhaltige und ressourceneffi- tensify its partnership with Austria and Germany in the field of ziente wirtschaft (Grüne wirtschaft)” (For an economy based on consular protection. sustainability and efficient resource management – green economy) We will keep the readers of “Swiss Review” up to date with fu- (08.09.2012) ture developments regarding the Swiss diplomatic and consular n Federal popular initiative “Für den schutz fairer Löhne network. This undergoes constant change as its form is determined (Mindestlohn-initiative)” (For the protection of fair wages – minimum by the principle of universality in particular (Switzerland aims to wage initiative) (17.12.2012) establish relations with all countries worldwide), new geopolitical challenges and the protection of Swiss interests in their entirety, in- Please visit the site www.bk.admin.ch/aktuell/abstimmung. This con- cluding its role of providing services for Swiss citizens. JFL. tains a list of pending referendum proposals and popular initiatives in addition to the signature forms, if available. Please complete, sign and send the forms directly to the relevant initiative committee.

FDFA OFFiCiAL COMMUNiCATiONs OFFiCeR: JeAN-FRANCOis LiCHTeNsTeRN, ReLATiONs wiTH THe swiss ABROAD BUNDesGAsse 32, CH-3003 BeRNe TeL: +41 800 247 365 www.eDA.ADMiN.CH/AsD, [email protected]

Where most swiss abroad live

Germany 77 827 Canada Austria 39186 UK 29505 14 343 France israel 181 462 14 672 UsA 75 252 spain 23886 italy 49187

Global distribution of swiss abroad

%Oceania4% 6% Asia Brazil 14 794 . 3 No

/ 25% Americas europe 62%

11 Australia 23076 June 20 Herzogdesign, Zurich t:

ar Argentinia south Africa ch 15 690 9071 3% Africa iss Review sw Map and 20 Music Festivals

The Swiss summer of sound A whole host of music festivals are held throughout Switzerland during the summer months. Rock, pop and hip-hop concerts take place at sometimes extraordinary venues, such as Roman arenas and the shores of lakes. we take a look at this growing phenomenon. By Alain wey

With magnificent views of the mountains, goers climb the Gurten hill each evening to Volunteers and professionals lake or sunset and with the music and atmos- enjoy the music and picture-postcard sun- The success of these events depends phere created by inspirational bands, festi- sets or, if the weather turns inclement, to heavily on the commitment of volunteers. vals certainly provide some memorable mo- endure driving rain. Historic town centres There are no paid workers at the small- ments. Switzerland has a vast array to choose are also used as venues with Locarno’s mag- scale festivals as the budget predomi- from, which attract hordes of festival-goers nificent Piazza Grande hosting the Moon nantly goes towards the fees of the bands each year. The Swiss have been moving to and Stars festival, while performances take and infrastructure. However, where the sounds from all over the world since the place on the cobblestoned streets during scale of the event requires organisa- 1970s. The same pattern emerges each time. Winterthur’s music weeks. Rock’Oz Arènes tion throughout the year, professionals A group of friends with a passion for a par- prides itself on taking place in the legendary are employed. The Paléo Festival, for ticular type of music start a small festival Roman arenas of Avenches, a magical venue example, has 55 employees and 4400 volun- which, over the years, turns into a major that comes to life each summer. teers. event, such as the Paléo Festival in Nyon, to rival the best in Europe. We take a closer look at these temporary spectacles.

Nature as a backdrop The appeal and the convivial atmosphere found at festivals are largely explained by the idyllic settings in which they take place. The shores of Lake Neuchâtel, for instance, play host to the Festi’neuch (2 to 5June 2011) and the Estivale d’Estavayer-le-lac. Lake Geneva is home to the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Caribana Festival at Crans- sur-Nyon (8 to 12 June 2011), where the mu- sic is performed virtually on the water’s edge. Nature is the backdrop to these events. Woodrock is held in the middle of a forest in Emmental amidst ancient trees, as is the OpenAir in St.Gallen, which takes place in a clearing in the woods. In Berne, festival- Pink at the Heitere Open air festival, Zofingen Sittertobel, Openair St. gallen

Key daTeS aNd figureS Herbie Hancock, Sting, Deep n gurten festival Roxette, Zucchero, Joe Cocker, n Openair St.gallen Purple, etc. 14 to 17 July 2011, Berne, Jack Johnson. 30 June to 3 July 2011, 35th www.montreuxjazz.com 28th event, established in 1977 www.moonandstarslocarno.ch event, established in 1977, n Openair frauenfeld around 32 000 visitors. Headline n Paléo festival around 30 000 visitors. Headline 8 to 10 July 2011, 17th event, acts: Arctic Monkeys, Jamiroquai, 19 to 24 July 2011, Nyon, acts: Queens of the Stone Age, established in 1987, festival now Kasabian, Sophie Hunger, 36th event, established in 1976, Linkin Park, Die Fantastischen entirely dedicated to hip-hop Jamie Cullum, Kaiser Chiefs. around 230 000 visitors. vier, The Young Gods. and the largest of its kind in www.gurtenfestival.ch Headline acts: Amy winehouse,

. 3 www.openairsg.ch europe around 150000 visitors. n Moon and Stars The Strokes, PJ Harvey, Robert No /

11 n Montreux Jazz festival Headline acts: Snoop Dogg, 8 to 17 July 2011, Piazza Grande, Plant, Jack Johnson, Portishead, 1 to 16 July 2011, 45th event, Cypress Hill, wu-Tang Clan, Locarno, 8th event, established eddy Mitchell. www.paleo.ch June 20

one established in 1967, around The Roots, ice Cube, Public in 2004, around 85 000 visitors. n Blue Balls festival yst

Ke 230,000 visitors. Headline acts: enemy, Sens Unik. Headline acts: Sting, Santana, 22 to 30 July 2011, Lucerne, s: to iSS Review Santana, B.B. King, Quincy Jones, www.openair-frauenfeld.ch Amy winehouse, Bryan Adams, 7th event, established in 2005, Sw Pho 21

Montreux Jazz Festival: the pioneering event went down in history when Deep Purple not unusual for the festival organiser himself Established in 1967 by Claude Nobs of the wrote their greatest track entitled “Smoke to take to the stage with his harmonica. Local Tourism Office, the Montreux Jazz on the Water”. Miles Davis, the pianists Ray Montreux Jazz also has the greatest collec- Festival has become a firm fixture on the Charles and Herbie Hancock as well as the tion of concert recordings in the world, summer calendar for fans of rock and jazz. blues singer B.B. King have all appeared immortalising all the performances since the Festival stands take over Lake Geneva’s rivi- many times at Montreux. The last two art- event began. era for a fortnight in July, while leading per- ists mentioned also feature on the 2011 pro- formers from all over the world come to gramme. Today, the event welcomes almost The model open-air festival: Paléo crank up the decibels in the festival venues, 230 000 visitors. The festival also stands out While the spirit of Woodstock pervades the which, since the 1990s, have been the Audi- from its peers with anthological jam sessions festivals, Paléo stands out in terms of organ- torium Stravinski and the Miles Davis Hall. which go on well into the night at the Mon- isation. In the 35 festivals held since it was In its 44-year history, many big names have treux Jazz Café long after the end of the of- established in 1976, Switzerland’s largest performed at Montreux. Queen, David ficial concerts. In 2009, Prince stunned open-air concert has welcomed 2460 per- Bowie, Santana and the greatest jazz musi- festival-goers by playing in the night-time formers and groups for 3035 concerts and cians of the golden age have all made appear- venue until three in the morning. And the events attended by almost 4.8 million fans. ances. The Rolling Stones gave their first hospitality of the festival does not stop there. In 2010, almost 230 000 descended on the performance outside the UK in Montreux. The greatest stars are sometimes put up lowlands of Asse at the edge of the forest The concerts originally took place in the Ca- by Claude Nobs himself, including the jazz where 195 performances took place on six sino de Montreux, which burned down in musician/producer Quincy Jones who comes stages. With a budget of 23 million Swiss 1971 during a Frank Zappa concert. This fire to Montreux almost every summer. It is also francs, an 84-hectare site, 8000 campers, 206 stands and 42 bars, a small town is created from nothing for the festival each year. The streets of the camping and festival sites are given the names of major world cities and a global village welcomes each country and its culture, in terms of cuisine, art and music.

Peace, love and rock’n’roll Anyone who has attended many festivals will have been left with a general impression of celebration and peace. These musical events are the place to look if you are wondering what happened to the 1960’s philosophy of peace and love. Living together in a self- governed environment and engaging with people without prejudice are part of the at- traction of another era where time stood still. These microcosmic summer events have an enduring appeal for lovers of open-air music, Jazz Festival, Montreux embracing the spirit of rock’n’roll!

100000 to 150000 visitors. n Rock Oz’Arènes n Heitere Open Air n Open Air Gampel Headline acts: Sophie 3 to 6 August 2011, Avenches, 3 to 6 August 2011, Avenches, 18 to 21 August 2011, Hunger, Macy Gray, Beverley 20th event, established in 20th event, established in 1992, 25th event, established in Knight, erykah Badu, Johnny 1992, around 30 000 visitors. around 30 000 visitors. Headline 1986, around 81 000 visitors. Lang, Heather Nova, Keziah Headline acts: Ben Harper, acts: Ben Harper, Motörhead, Headline acts: The Chemical Jones, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Motörhead, Stephan eicher. Stephan eicher. Brothers, The Offspring, Skunk Ben Harper. www.rockozarenes.com www.rockozarenes.com Anansie, NOFX, Simple Plan, www.blueballs.ch n Lake Brienz Rock Festival n Winterthur Favez. www.openairgampel.ch

. 3 n Estivale Open Air 5 to 7 August 2011, 24th event, Music Festival Weeks n Chant du Gros No /

11 29 July to 1 August 2011, established in 1988, around 17 to 28 August 2011, winterthur, 88 to 10 September 2011, estavayer-le-Lac (Fribourg), 8000 visitors. 36th event, established in 1976, Noirmont, 20th event, June 20 21st event, established in Headline acts: Steve Lukather around 38 000 visitors. Headline established in 1991, around 1990, around 15 000 visitors. (guitarist of Toto). acts: Archive, Deus. 20 000 visitors. : JFM to iSS Review www.estivale.ch www.brienzerseerockfestival.ch www.musikfestwochen.ch www.chantdugros.ch Sw Pho 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 ORGANISATION Of The SwISS AbROAd 23

Meeting of the Council of at www.aso.ch under Politik / Ausland- the “Area for the Swiss Abroad” in Brunnen. schweizerrat / Aktuelles). The ceremony in the park took place on the Swiss Abroad The conduct of the Swiss banks towards the day after the Council meeting and The Council of the Swiss Abroad held its the Swiss abroad (which include account was followed by a sightseeing excursion with spring meeting in Brunnen, rather than closures and exorbitant charges), an issue al- a boat trip, a walk along the “Swiss Path” and its usual venue of Berne, on 8 and 9 April. ready covered by “Swiss Review”, was de- a visit to the Rütli. The 200 or so participants There was a packed agenda, and some scribed as “scandalous” by the Council. from Switzerland and abroad enjoyed items produced a lively debate. The main However, the Organisation of the Swiss coming together for the excursion in causes for concern were the reorganisa- Abroad does not have any means to intervene glorious sunshine. tion of the consular service at the FDFA in this regard (see also the “OSA advice” sec- and the Swiss banks. tion on this page). OSA advice The presentation on the topic of “Switzer- Gerhard Brügger, who has been made Direc- land and Europe – an External Perspective” question: tor of the new Consular Directorate at the by Peter Winkler, correspondent for the I am a Swiss citizen abroad and I am having Federal Department of Foreign Affairs “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” (NZZ) in Brussels, difficulty opening or holding an account in (FDFA), presented the FDFA’s reorganisa- was also met with great interest by the Coun- Switzerland. Some banks levy very high bank tion of the consular service to the 100 or so cil. Winkler diagnosed a “sometimes aggres- charges to manage the accounts of people domi- Council members present in Brunnen. He did sive attitude towards the EU” in Switzerland ciled abroad. What can I do? this eloquently, but was unable to placate and said that many people in Brussels are un- answer: the anger that had built up beforehand. There der the impression that Switzerland wants to The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad re- is still great dissatisfaction with the FDFA’s reconcile two things that are incompatible: gularly receives letters of this nature. Legally, decision to close many consulates and con- access to the positive achievements of the the banks benefit from freedom of contract. sular departments at embassies. Many coun- EU while, at the same time, remaining on the They therefore have the right to decide whe- cillors were also outraged that the FDFA had outside in those areas with which Switzer- ther or not to establish a banking relationship made its decisions without consulting the land does not agree. Winkler described this with a client for their own reasons. The Or- Swiss abroad or the Organisation of the Swiss as “à la carte membership”. Winkler added ganisation of the Swiss Abroad advises per- Abroad (OSA). The Swiss abroad will, in that objectivity is lacking in the debate. It is, sons concerned to contact small banks or some cases, be forced to make long journeys he said, quite simply a question of what Swit- banks with a more restricted geographical if they wish to use consular services as a result zerland must bring to the table to be able to area of activity, such as the cantonal banks or of the closures. To give just one example, the participate. He said that he often hears the branches of Raiffeisen, etc. Some Swiss Swiss in Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, the term “cherry-picking” in relation to Switzer- abroad seem to have found solutions in this Czech Republic and Slovakia will, in future, land in Brussels and that many EU Member way. However, responses can vary from one only be looked after in Vienna (Austria). States are increasingly becoming less inclined branch to the next and it is therefore Brügger explained to the Council that this to grant Switzerland exemptions. worthwhile enquiring with different bran- step had already been decided and was non- In addition to the resolution on the con- ches of the same bank. We also recommend negotiable, but that the FDFA would endeav- sular service, the Council of the Swiss asking the banks concerned if there are alter- our to accommodate the Swiss abroad Abroad also approved an election manifesto natives to make account management easier through “support measures”, such as mobile concerning the national electionson (for instance, by nominating a person of trust consulates and new regulations on the record- 23 October 2011 (the text can be found in in Switzerland to receive mail). Other peo- ing of biometric data for passports (see German at www.aso.ch under Politik / Aus- ple seem to have resolved their problems by box below). The Council of the Swiss landschweizerrat / Aktuelles). contacting Postfinance. However, it should Abroad passed a resolution on this matter The reason for holding the meeting of the be noted that this situation is constantly in Brunnen (text can be found in German CSA in Brunnen was the 20th anniversary of evolving and these options are subject to

OrDering A SwiSS PASSPOrT Passport offices can reject applications (due to insufficient capacity swiss citizens abroad who are registered with a swiss representation or on other grounds). in such cases, the applicant must select an- abroad can also record their biometric data for a new passport in other passport office in switzerland or visit the representation abroad. switzerland or at a swiss representation in another country. n if approval is granted by a passport office in switzerland, the re- The following procedure applies: presentation abroad forwards the application and informs the applicant. n Applicants can then agree a date directly with the passport office

. 3 n The passport application must be made with the representation ab- in switzerland. no

/ road (consulate/embassy) via the website www.schweizerpass.ch or n once the data has been recorded, the passport is sent by post to an 11 by telephone. Applicants must indicate at this stage which data cap- address in switzerland or to the representation abroad, from where it ture centre they wish to use to record their biometric data. has to be collected. it cannot be delivered by post to applicants abroad. n The representation informs the passport office or the representa- Further information is available from the FDFA’s helpline tion chosen. +41 (0)800 24-7-365 iss Review June 20 sw 24 ORGANISATION Of The SwISS AbROAd

change at any time. The Organisation of the basic marketing and communication strategy drafting of petitions. You will then be able Swiss Abroad also wishes to point out that as part of the project. to discuss issues with experts and parliamen- having a bank account in Switzerland does The project group believes that “people tarians. not constitute an exemption from declaring should leave their mark on the site”. This it in the account holder’s country of resi- could be achieved very simply and at mini- October elections dence. mal cost with a virtual guest book, for exam- A new Swiss parliament will be elected on We also advise anyone who contacts us ple, which people from all over the world 23 October 2011. The campaigning has al- about this matter to follow the discussions could use interactively. Morgenthaler adds ready started. OSA encourages all Swiss on the Swisscommunity.org website where that the concept will also set out proposals abroad to take part in the elections. We are the Swiss abroad exchange their experiences for events, initially perhaps only for people organising a seminar for young people in the and provide each other with advice, in par- from the surrounding area or from Switzer- week prior to the election weekend where we ticular concerning the solutions they have land and neighbouring countries. The will take a look behind the scenes of the elec- found. project group will present the detailed tion. OSA will firstly provide an introduc- Link: www.swisscommunity.org proposals to both the Foundation and the tion to the Swiss political system. You will Organisation over the summer. then become familiar with the candidates. “Area for the Swiss Abroad” We will examine the media coverage and ex- Offers for young Swiss perience live TV and radio reporting. Fi- to be made more attractive nally, we will share the election-day excite- abroad covering activities, ment with the parties and then analyse the politics and sport results together with experts. The offers that the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) provides for young people Information on the offers for young people give Swiss youngsters abroad fascinating and can be found under “Offers” at www.aso.ch. topical insights into Switzerland. We offer unforgettable holiday experiences with Circus performers sought young people of the same age from all over the world as well as educational visits that al- Every year, the Foundation for Young Swiss The 20th anniversary of the “Area for the low Swiss youngsters from abroad to dis- Abroad organises various two-week camps Swiss Abroad” in Brunnen will be celebrated cover their own roots. for 8 to 14-year-old Swiss children living this year on 1 August. This park, which was “Direct Democracy in an International abroad. This year, the foundation is offering purchased from a private owner thanks to Context” is the theme of the 2011 Congress a unique circus project week in Rapperswil- generous donations from numerous Swiss of the Swiss Abroad, which will take place in Jona in cooperation with the Pipistrello in- abroad in 1991 on the 700th anniversary of Lugano from 26 to 28 August. Young people teractive circus. Forty Swiss children abroad the Swiss confederation, is seen as the “Rütli are also welcome to attend this congress. will have the chance to take part in the of the Swiss abroad” and symbolises the sol- Anyone who would like to gain a better circus together with 40 children from Rap- idarity of Swiss people abroad. understanding of the Swiss political system perswil-Jona and the surrounding area as However, this wonderful meadow in can take part in an exciting project week in jugglers, tightrope walkers and clowns, etc. – Brunnen Bay has been very underused to Ticino. The first few days will be spent at a anything’s possible! And participants will, of date. That is now set to change. The Foun- camp. You will be introduced to the congress course, also have the opportunity to discover dation for the Area for the Swiss Abroad topics in workshops and will have the oppor- and the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad tunity to speak with Swiss politicians. have given a group of students from the The week will also include an enjoyable TrAining CAmp fOr TAlenTed SwiSS University of Applied Sciences Northwest- fringe programme and sporting activities fOOTbAllerS AbrOAd ern Switzerland the task of producing a con- in Ticino. At the end of the week, we will The Swiss Football Association (SFV) at- cept for new possible uses and improved move into the youth hostel in Lugano as taches great importance to developing marketing. the voice of young people must also be heard talented footballers, among the Swiss “This location urgently needs a feature at the congress. Federal councillor Doris abroad as well. In cooperation with Swiss that is instantly recognisable and which peo- Leuthard will be available to answer your Olympic, the association is organising a ple will remember and associate with it”, says questions. training camp to scout for talent at the Aileen Morgenthaler, one of the students in- Immediately after the congress, OSA will Tenero sports centre from 25 September to volved in the project. However, it is not an organise a seminar on the 20th Federal 1 October 2011. n Anyone born between 1994 and 1997 . 3 easy task as there is insufficient funding for Youth Session. You will be prepared for this No

/ who believes they have the talent, moti- 11 a building, a monument or a “Botta tent”, like event in Berne and will receive an introduc- the one Brunnen had in 1991. They have tion to various political topics on the agenda vation and ability to be among the best in June 20 therefore, Morgenthaler explains, set them- of the Youth Session. On the Friday, you their age group should not hesitate to selves the task of identifying sponsorship and will have the opportunity to meet all the register at www.football.ch. All further : OSA to ISS ReVIew partnership opportunities and drawing up a other young politicians and to help with the details can be found there. Sw Pho 25

Switzerland (Swiss National Day celebra- (EFZ) is needed to move on to the What is the apprenticeship market like tion, trip to Zurich, and so on). next stage, advanced vocational at the moment? A gala show will take place at the end of training, where basic training is For a long time, people com- the week, on Saturday, 6 August 2011. Any- complemented with the federal plained that there were too few ap- one who would like to attend is more than vocational school-leaving certifi- prenticeships. Then, in August 2010, welcome to do so. cate. The focus for this is on fur- there were suddenly 7,000 vacan- No prior circus knowledge is required to thering the young person’s general cies. One reason for this is that more take part in the circus camp. Any child can education. The vocational school- apprenticeships were created; an- make his or her circus dreams come true leaving certificate gives young peo- HeiNRicH Klaus is an other is that more and more young without already being a master performer. ple access to universities. Anyone executive Board member people are attending grammar of the swiss conference with a commercial qualification of Directors of vocational schools. There are currently enough Information and registration at and a vocational school-leaving Training colleges (sDK). apprenticeships in quite a number of in this role, he is also a www.sjas.ch or www.pipistrello.ch. certificate can study business at member of aJas. professions. Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad, university, for example, or attend Simone Riner, Project Manager, Alpenstrasse 26, a teacher training college. The What is the youth unemployment sit- CH-3006 Berne, Tel. +41 (0)31 356 61 19; apprenticeship route is therefore a genuine uation like in Switzerland? Mobile +41 (0)79 705 67 35; E-mail: [email protected] alternative today to entering higher educa- Most apprentices find a job immediately. tion via a grammar school. The direct relationship with the world of Vocational training in work is clearly a key factor. We have a low rate Most young Swiss people abroad who contact of youth unemployment in Switzer-land in Switzerland AJAS are interested in university study in comparison to other European countries. Many young people in Switzerland enter Switzerland. Very few plan to take the appren- vocational training after completing their ticeship route. Why is that? The vocational training system is a success then compulsory education. Heinrich Klaus, Very few people abroad are aware of our in that respect? Rector of Fricktal Vocational Training Cen- vocational training system, particularly our Absolutely. In his recently published book tre in Rheinfelden, explains why this apprenticeships. “Warum wir so reich sind” (Why we are so path also offers a promising route into a rich), the former price regulator and national career for Swiss abroad. This interview How expensive is the training? councillor Rudolf Strahm writes that, in was conducted by Lauranne Zellweger and There are no costs for the apprentices ex- his view, our vocational training system is Silvia Hirsig from the Association for the cept for the teaching materials. They receive and will continue to be a decisive factor in Promotion of Education for Young Swiss a decent wage of around 500 Swiss francs Switzerland’s prosperity and its strong Abroad (AJAS). in the first year and between 1000 and position on the global market – thanks to 1400 Swiss francs in the third, depending on better quality, greater precision and niche ajas: Around two-thirds of young people in the sector. products. I agree with him entirely. Basic Switzerland complete basic vocational training vocational training in Switzerland is therefore after nine years of compulsory education. What What is the situation in terms of recognition of also an option that offers good prospects for is so special about this training? the apprenticeships in other countries? our Swiss abroad as well. heinrich klaus: It’s the dual system, which The Organisation for Economic Co- combines practical training as an appren- operation and Development (OECD) was Swiss abroad can obtain further information tice in a company with theoretical study sceptical about our apprenticeships for from the AJAS advisory centre. at the vocational training college. There a long time. That has changed in recent AJAS, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne, are over 200 types of apprenticeship to years because other countries have Tel. +41 31 353 61 22, Fax + 41 31 365 61 01, choose from. recognised how skilled our graduates are. [email protected] , www.ajas.ch However, reciprocal recognition is very What opportunities are available to young complicated because the Greek certifi- people afterwards? cate of professional training, for instance, A three or four-year apprenticeship result- is very different to that in Portugal or ing in a federal certificate of proficiency France.

advertisement . 3 No / 11 June 20 iss Review sw 26 Fabian CanCellara

The man they call “Spartacus” was victorious at the Vélodrome de Roubaix The four-time world time-trial champion Fabian Cancellara has in April 2006. The native of Berne won the Paris to Roubaix race, known as the “Queen got 2011 off to a flying start with a biography, four podium of the Classics*” or the “Hell of the North”. finishes and a new cycling team. A profile of a star name in one- That autumn, he became world time-trial day cycling races. By Alain Wey champion and, in his private life, he married Stefanie, who gave birth to his daughter Giuliana in October.

Gold medal at the Olympics The 2008 season marked a turning point. By winning the Tirreno - Adriatico stage race Fabian Cancellara’s cycling performance is his manager and trainer with the support of and Milan - San Remo (the longest of the reaching perfection and the cyclist has made the Ciclo International Ostermundigen classics), Cancellara clearly demonstrated a very strong start to the year, winning the (canton of Berne) team. In spring 1998, he the calibre of competition he was capable of E3 Harelbeke in Belgium, finishing second tried a time-trial cycle for the first time and winning. That August, he won the Olympic in the Milan to San Remo road race, third in became junior world champion that Octo- gold medal in the time-trial event in Beijing: the Tour of Flanders (Belgium) and second ber. The following year, he rode for the Ital- “I was hungry for it. I was like a tiger. I trained in the Paris to Roubaix race. The four-time ian team Mapei, one of the most successful like a man possessed. I really wanted that ti- world champion in time trial is clearly on a at the time, whose colours were worn by tle.”** That October, he was suspected of roll, although he has not reproduced his 2010 Tony Rominger from Zug. He reluctantly doping but was cleared two weeks later. The achievement of winning the Tour of Flan- had to give up his apprenticeship owing to Bernese athlete can undergo between 50 and ders as well as the Paris to Roubaix race. A the travel involved in racing. This proved a 60 anti-doping tests a year and has to send member of the Luxembourg Leopard-Trek wise decision as in 2000 he won the silver details of all his movements to the anti-dop- team since the start of the year, the Olym- medal in the time trial at the under-23 world ing authorities, which can turn up at his pic champion has a colossal physique (1m 86 championships. He was officially part of the home in Ittigen unannounced. and 80 kg) that has earned him the nickname Mapei team from that September and The suspicions of cheating grow each time “Spartacus”. Fourteenth in the UCI world trained in northern Italy in Castellanza. He Cancellara wins. In April 2010, he pulled off rankings, the native of Berne was voted win- was touted as the new Miguel Indurain. the double, winning the Tour of Flanders ner of the “Vélo d’or” in 2010 by the French From 2003, he rode for the Italian team and the Paris - Roubaix race with stretches publication “Vélo Magazine”. In many re- Fassa Bortolo, where his teammate Roberto alone of 14 km and 49 km , respectively. That spects, a champion has to contend with se- Petito, amazed at the width of the Swiss rid- May, critics in the sports press claimed that vere criticism as well as plenty of adulation. er’s shoulders, gave him the nickname Cancellara had only won the two races This perhaps applies to cycling in particular “Spartacus”. thanks to an electric device. Nothing was where the spectre of doping is omnipresent. proven and it finally emerged that he had Fabian Cancellara has repeatedly come un- In the limelight used a revolutionary new pedal and gear sys- der suspicion (after his gold medal in Beijing Fabian Cancellara took part in his first Tour tem authorised by the UCI. The Bernese cy- in 2008 and his classic double in 2010) but de France at the age of 23 where his immedi- clist again won the prologue stages of the has always emerged clean. ate win over favourite Lance Armstrong dur- Tour de Suisse and Tour de France, during ing the prologue stage thrust the unknown which he wore the yellow jersey for six days. The taste of victory Swiss into the limelight. In In the autumn, he set a record Born on 18 March 1981, Fabian Cancellara 2005, he won bronze at the “I was hungry in Australia with a fourth vic- grew up in the Bernese countryside in time-trial world champion- for it. I was like tory in the world time-trial Wohlen. He began racing and winning com- ships. His time in Italy championships. He exclaimed: petitions at the age of 12. His father Donato, came to an end and he a tiger. I trained “I want to make history, that’s an Italian immigrant, and his mother, Rosa, joined the Danish team like a man pos- what motivates me.”** would take him to cycling competitions in CSC. The tailored training sessed. I really wan- Switzerland every Sunday, setting off at he received helped him to ted that title.” A new departure dawn to get to Basel, Fislisbach, Siglistorf, become a specialist in one- Fabian Cancellara left Schleitheim, Lucerne, Hochdorf, Fully and day races and to improve Saxobank at the end of 2010 to Bussigny. Cancellara raced all over the coun- his performance as a time-trial cyclist. He join the newly formed Luxembourg team,

. 3 try, almost always finishing first. He re- acquired new cycling techniques with each Leopard-Trek, which incorporated some of No /

11 vealed: “My idol was the Spaniard Miguel change of team: the work on team structure the Danish team, including the brothers Indurain”, the five-time winner of the Tour at Mapei, intelligent season planning at Fassa Andy and Fränk Schleck. Cancellara said: June 20 de France. In 1997, he began an apprentice- Bortolo, and preparation for specific races “It’s a great opportunity for me to work with ship as an electrician and trained every even- and maintenance of motivation levels at lots of the members of my former team who iss RevieW ing in all weathers. At the time, his father was CSC and Saxobank (2006-2010). Finally, he are friends. It also gives me the chance to sW 27

make the most of my experience. I made DestineD for greatness great progress with Saxobank, but I needed n World time-trial champion and 4th stage in 2007, 20th Tour de Suisse in 2007, 7 th a fresh start and things are going well at the in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. stage in 2008, 1st stage in and 9th stages in 2008, 9th moment.” Fabian Cancellara sidesteps the Gold medal winner in the time 2009, prologue stage and 19th stage and winner in the over- question when asked about his childhood trial at the Beijing Olympic stage in 2010. Having taken all rankings in 2009, prologue dream of winning the Tour de France. He Games in 2008. part in the Tour six times, he stage in 2010. says: “It’s a dream but not a goal. I keep it n The classics. Paris – Rou- has worn the yellow jersey for n Other competitions: winner deep within.” His main ambition for 2011 is baix: winner in 2006 and 2010, 21 days. Although this is a re- of the Tour of Denmark in now to be the best on the big stage at the 2nd in 2008 and 2011. Milan – cord for a Swiss cyclist, Can- 2006, Tirreno – Adriatico in world championships in Copenhagen in Sep- San Remo: winner in 2008, 2nd cellara has never finished 2008, Tour of Oman in 2010, tember. He says: “I don’t know yet whether in 2011. Tour of Flanders: win- higher than 64th in the over- and the Grand Prix E3 in 2010 I’ll focus on the time trial or the road race, ner in 2010, 3rd in 2011. all rankings. and 2011. which I haven’t won yet.” His talent, work n Tour de France: prologue n Tour de Suisse: prologue ethic and complete dedication to his family stage in 2004, prologue stage stage and 9th stage of the and country make “Sparta- cus” an exceptional cyclist. As for the final classic missing from his list of achievements, “Liège - Bastogne - Liège”, Fabian Cancellara vows: “One day, I’ll try to break the hour record on the course.”

*The classics are the most prestig- ious one-day races. The five greatest are known as the “five monuments”: Milan – San Remo (since 1907), Paris – Roubaix (1896), Liège – Bas- togne – Liège (1892), the Tour of Flanders (1913) and the Tour of Lombardy (1905). ** “Fabian Cancellaras Welt. Die Ge- schischte eines Radrennfahrers”, by Benjamin Steffen and Christof Gertsch, Verlag Neue Zürcher Zei- tung, Zurich, 2011. . 3 No / 11 June 20 ck ri Yo : EPA / to iSS REViEW SW Pho Bilateral Treaties Yes – Joining the EU No

Vote For the love of Switzerland. iberals. TheL FDP. eof The Bilateral Treaties are the fundament for Switzerland‘s FDP.The Liberals International fight rthe lov Fo nd independence and economic strength. Additional free trade › for a systematic continuation of the bilateral approach Switzerla agreements secure our country‘s access to new and growing › against joining the European Union markets. This creates jobs at home and sustains public › for additional free trade agreements welfare. www.fdp-international.com

Meine Schweiz, meine Familie, unser Erfolg.

Keine Schweiz ohne uns. www.cvp.ch

SVPInternational informs: Elections2011

ster on To vote regi .ch nternational www.svp-i

TheSwiss vote SVP! To maintain Swissvalues, foraneutraland independentcountry. Vote ourlistofexpatriates. Supportour strugglefor aself-determining andself-confidentSwitzerlandwith adonation: PC 30-28639-7,IBAN:CH2409000000 3002 8639 7, BIC:POFICHBEXXX Thankyou foryour support!

Iwant to become member of SVP International

Surname: Home is where the mountains are. First name:

Address: With a donation to the Swiss Mountain Aid you give our mountain population a future. Thank you very much. Country: Phone: Visit our information booth at the Congress of the Swiss abroad in Lugano. www.berghilfe.ch Email: Further informationcan be found at www.svp-international.ch. Contactusvia e-mail:[email protected] THE SWISS ABROAD VOTE 29

I vote! Of the 700,000 or so Swiss abroad, just under 136,000 are entered in electoral registers in Switzerland, enabling them to participate in elections and referenda in their homeland. We are featuring some of them in this election year and asking what their reasons are for taking part in politics from afar.

First name: Cornelia First name: Dario Last name: Tschichold Surname: Cavegn Age: 48 Age: 29 Place of residence: Place of residence: Tallinn, Estonia Swansea, Wales, UK Since: 2006 Since: 2006

Will you take part in the elections on 23 October? Do you vote regularly? cornelia tschichold: Yes. dario cavegn: I’ve always taken part in elections, but with federal referenda it depends on the proposal.

What are your memories of the first election or referendum you took part in? The issue was not that interesting; I can’t even remember whether I It was a great moment. I voted in a referendum for the first time in ended up on the “winning side” or not. I went to the village hall with 2000. It involved several proposals that were important to me. my parents, had our papers stamped, put them in the ballot box and left again.

And why do you take part in elections and referenda? I’d have no right to complain about the government if I didn’t! Seri- I think not taking part in elections and referenda is inexcusable, par- ously, I believe that change from below is the only real change. De- ticularly if you have an opinion on things. Political participation is mocracy only works well if people take their vote seriously. the purest expression of responsibility and patriotism in our country.

How do you decide who to vote for? Through a mix of my general political outlook, looking at the parties’ A society has to be able to function. This means the state and the law and politicians’ statements, following the discussions in the media, must ensure balance between different interests. I vote for parties and a general tendency to vote for women. and politicians who stand up for this principle.

Swiss abroad can vote even though they do not pay taxes. This is often met with criticism. What is your opinion? I pay taxes in my country of residence, but cannot vote here. The Most Swiss abroad contribute through social agreements or volun- right to vote is a human right that we shouldn’t lose just because we tary payments, for example, to Old Age and Survivors’ Insurance live abroad. I can also imagine returning to Switzerland, still my home (AHV). The notion that paying taxes equates to assuming responsi- country, one day. So I take great interest in what goes on there. bility is not very well thought through. Responsibility is not deter- mined by taxes, but rather by the entitlement to have a say. What are the key issues that Swiss politicians have to resolve? . 3 No /

11 The unjust taxation system which privileges the very rich, the absurdly The privatisation and deregulation trend has to come to an end. Swit- overblown banking sector and its grip on politicians, the growing en- zerland needs a uniform health insurance system. Switzerland should June 20 vironmental problems caused by climate change, and the increasing show greater self-assurance towards the EU, but it should not join. xenophobia in some parts of Switzerland, and the way this is exploited That would be the end of our political system. s: donated to iSS RevieW by some groups. SW Pho 30 Exhibition on singEr-songwritEr Mani MattEr

“Värslischmied” at the National Museum nating personality as possible. The tour be- Mani Matter, the Bernese singer-songwriter, remains extremely gins with a stage presenting Mani Matter the performer, before going on to an office popular 40 years after his death. The National Museum in where visitors find out more about his work Zurich is now dedicating an exhibition to him where parts of as a lawyer. The various scenes that visitors his estate will go on public display for the first time. pass through are all taken from the content of famous Matter songs. A different aspect The exhibition will run until 18 september. By Miriam Hutter is highlighted in each staged setting. The train compartment (from “Ir Ysebahn”) fo- cuses on Mani Matter as a writer and poet, the barber’s chair (from “Bim Coiffeur”) re- He was a philosopher, a lawyer, an intellec- flects his philosophical side, and the parking tual, a literary talent and an extremely polit- meter (“Ds Parkingmeter”) explores his po- ical figure. Mani Matter combined all of litical motivations. these facets in his songs, or “Liedli” as he “Mani Matter felt responsible for society called them. He has been revered in Ger- as a whole during his lifetime”, writes man-speaking Switzerland for generations. Wilfried Meichtry in the special publication His songs are part of Swiss cultural heritage that accompanies the exhibition. Matter de- and unite people from wide-ranging back- bated philosophical, ethical, political and grounds. Anyone born after 1970 will be fa- social issues while still a student. Even after miliar with Mani Matter’s songs from their taking up the newly created position of childhood and will have loved them long be- Legal Counsel to the City of Berne, he did fore being able to really understand them. not refrain from criticising Switzerland’s Schoolchildren still sing about the Eskimo paralysis. But instead of becoming a full-time whose love of music proved to be his down- politician or publishing intellectual works for fall and the “Zündhölzli” (matchstick), like-minded people, Mani Matter sought to which almost started a world war. New in- reach those who might not have approved of terpretations of Mani Matter’s songs have him immediately through his chansons. been performed by leading artists such as Polo Hofer, Dodo Hug and Züri West. Multimedia-based exhibition Mani Matter on the little train to Worb, berne 1972 The exhibition at the National Museum in Mani who? Zurich takes up little space at just under 400 Mani Matter is virtually unknown in Ticino mainly as a solo artist. Between 1969 and square metres. However, it is worth taking and French-speaking Switzerland despite 1972, he filled concert halls in German- time to appreciate it, as the subtle nuances the fact that it was his love of the French speaking Switzerland, performing between and little gems here and there can only be chanson of the 1950s that inspired him to 90 and 100 times a year. At the end of 1972, discovered by listening carefully. In addition sing and compose music. The legendary he had a fatal car accident on the way to one to previously unseen exhibits from his estate, French chansonnier, Georges Brassens, for of his concerts at just 36 years of age. all his published songs and a lot of film example, was an important source of inspi- footage are also on display. This has been ration for Mani Matter. He actually used the Songwriter, philosopher and poet made possible thanks to the iPads that the melody of Brassens’ “Ballade des dames du How can music be exhibited? Pascale Meyer, National Museum uses instead of traditional tempsjadis”forhisfirstsong“DrRägewurm”. the exhibition curator, explored this issue audio guides. All the information is available “Hemmige” – a homage to human inhibitions extensively. She has long been fascinated by not only in German, but also in French, that would one day perhaps even save the Matter’s songs, his surprising philosophical Italian and English. world – was the only one of Mani Matter’s ideas and sharp observations which initially songs to become widely known in the sound so harmless and cheerful. According French-speaking world, thanks to Stephan to Meyer, Mani Matter, the “Värslischmied” Eicher’s cover version in 1992. (master of rhyme), had a unique understand- cord “ir Ysebahn” re

e Mani Matter was born into a liberal bour- ing of how to deliver a message to an audi- th geois Bernese family in 1936 as Hans Peter ence in a humorous way using brilliantly

e sleeve of Matter. He wrote his first chansons at gram- astonishing rhymes and to make people re- Special exhibitioN publicatioN th r . 3

fo mar school and initially wanted to study lit- ceptive to often severe criticism of affluent MaNi MaTTeR (1936 – 1972), No / ken 11 ta erature. He eventually opted for law as a society and politics. wilfried Meichtry / Pascale Meyer (ed.), school of thought. Matter only began per- The exhibition does not just aim to pre- Zytglogge verlag, Oberhofen, 2011. 112 pgs, June 20

ss. Picture forming his songs from 1965 onwards, after sent the Matter who performed songs in his containing various photos and a CD, CHF 36 wy do

Ro he had completed his studies, initially with Bernese dialect. The organisers have also at- www.landesmuseum.ch : to iss Review the “Berner Troubadours” and from 1971 tempted to show as many facets of his fasci- www.manimatter.ch sw Pho ECHO 31

nWhat worries the Swiss has “We have to learn to think in the timeframe of trees.” The canton of Glarus is at changed significantly as a result Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard on a forest visit as part of the UN Year of Forests the bottom end of the scale of the Fukushima disaster. with an average life expectancy The environment has climbed “There is currently a state of hysteria over nuclear power.” of 77.7 years for men and Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer from 6th to 1st position in the list 82.5 for women. The Swiss of concerns. Over 90 % of “Aesthetics are tremendously undervalued in politics. Sitting in your pre- average is 79.9 years for men voters surveyed in a poll con- decessor’s office without rearranging the furniture is almost like sleeping and 84.4 for women. ducted at the end of April in someone else’s unmade bed.” n Too warm in winter and a thought that the most urgent Former Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger, dry spring – Switzerland has political issues were environ- who is sharing an office with three designers after stepping down not experienced such a dry mental ones. The issue of start to the year as in 2011, with immigration, which previously “I do not know Mr Grübel or his psychology.” temperatures exceeding 30°C nd Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of topped the list, was in 2 Finance, on the much-criticised CEO of UBS even in April, since 1993 and position with 33 %. A majority 1976. There was only 45 % of of those surveyed supported “The CVP and FDP have a fundamental problem: a manifesto that normal rainfall in the first third a gradual abandonment of no-one is familiar with or understands.” of the year. This has resulted in nuclear power. Georg Lutz, political scientist at the University of Berne a high risk of forest fires and n Switzerland is becoming worryingly low water levels. wealthier year by year. “Switzerland would have a problem without the CVP.” Lake Biel reached a new low However, wage inequality is Christophe Darbellay, President of the CVP point, 10cm below the previous also constantly increasing. record of 1993. This is according to a study by “We will continue on our path.” Fulvio Pelli, President of FDP.The Liberals n According to a study by the the Swiss Federation of Trade Swiss National Science Foun- Unions published at the “Immigration will be one of the major issues in the immediate future. dation, the vast majority of end of April. It shows that sala- It divides the nation, making conflict inevitable. The SP does not see, or Swiss people have a distanced ries in the top income brackets does not want to see, the issue, which is a mistake.” relationship with Christianity are rising much more than Wolf Linder, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and member of the SP and spirituality. The propor- those in the middle and lower tion of Christians has fallen in income categories: 2 to 4 % for “It’s like going to war. You sit on your horse, give it the spurs and join the Switzerland in recent years. average salaries compared fray. You don’t always question whether it would have been better if you 32 % of Swiss people are mem- to 28 % for higher incomes. hadn’t had to go.” bers of the Swiss Reformed The study, which is based on Christoph Blocher on his candidature Church, 31 % are Catholic and as National Councillor and member of the Council of States data from the Federal Statis- 12 % belong to a non-Christian tical Office, says that a massive “The safety myth also went up in smoke in Fukushima.” religion. The largest increase bottom-up redistribution is cur- Ulrich Beck, sociologist, political scientist and philosopher was among people with no reli- rently taking place. gious beliefs: 25 % belong to n The reform of corporate this group. Four types of religi- taxation, approved by 50.53 % osity were defined in the study: of Swiss people in 2008, has distanced (64 %), institutional resulted in far greater tax reve- (17 %), secular (10 %) and al- nue losses than indicated at the ternative (9 %). time by Federal Councillor n St. Moritz has officially sub- Hans-Rudolf Merz. The tax mitted its candidacy for the revenue shortfalls amount to at 2017 Alpine Ski World Cham- least CHF 7 billion, whereas pionships. In addition to the figure given then was St. Moritz, the Italian ski re- CHF 950 million. The cantonal Former ski racer Paul Accola is a leading candidate for SVP International at the sort of Cortina d’Ampezzo has government of Zurich is now elections in October. When asked why he was standing for the National Council, already put itself forward. The Accola said: “No idea.” He does, however, have an idea about what is wrong with calling on the Federal Council Swiss television. “Swiss television is full of lefties and gays. No wonder there is a decision on the venue will be to repeal the referendum and lack of balanced reporting”, he believes. made in 2012 in South Korea. to hold it again. National n The Swiss eat more than a

. 3 Councillor Margret Kiener kilogram of meat per week. No /

11 Nellen has lodged an appeal n People live for longer in pectancy record is held by Record consumption of 53.6 kg against the referendum with the canton of Zug, where the women in Ticino (85.8 years) per person was reached last June 20

one the Federal Supreme Court. average life expectancy is followed by women in Geneva year. Pork remains the most yst

Ke She too is calling for a new ref- 81.4 years, than anywhere (85.2 years), according to popular meat, followed by beef, : to iSS REViEW erendum to be held. else in Switzerland. The life ex- federal government statistics. then poultry and lamb. SW Pho Swiss quality neatly packaged in an airline. –

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