THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD

february 2009 / NO. 1

A new role for the Swiss army

Marc Forster: ’s man in Hollywood

Ordering “Swiss Review” electronically

EDITORIAL c o n te n t s 3

Policy on Swiss abroad needs a legal framework ithin the space of a few months, Switzerland’s councils have managed to approve a proposal to examine direct representation for Swiss people abroad W in Parliament, to drastically cut the budget for providing information to Swiss expatriates and, just days later, to establish “Swiss Review” in law. Two steps forward, one step back. Yes to the objective, but no to the cost. Inconsistency in the extreme. The reduction in the budget for “Swiss Review” on the initiative of the FDFA is pain- ful. Not just because the publisher, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), is sud- denly faced with a budgetary shortfall of half a million francs, but even more so because Illustration by Hannes Binder from the new Heidi book this severe course of action raises doubts about awareness in the federal capital Berne of the role played by “Swiss Review” and about how serious people are about recognising 4 the Fifth Switzerland. Discovering Switzerland: city breaks “Swiss Review” is the only publication to reach all Swiss citizens registered with rep- resentations abroad. It keeps you, the reader, up to date with news about your rights and 5 obligations. “Swiss Review” is your Official Journal. It also has the task of providing you Mailbag with information to make it easier for you to exercise your political rights in Switzerland. “Swiss Review” also seeks to convey a current and diverse impression of Switzerland. And 5 it serves as an information channel for embassies, consulates and Swiss associations. Books: So Sweet Zerland OSA is a fierce proponent of the principle that everyone registered with a represen- tation should continue to receive this basic information in future. However, the budget 6 cuts are forcing us to take drastic measures. Postal costs make up the largest item of ex- Politics penditure. From this moment onwards, you will find a new online version at www.revue.ch that 7 Images: the new Heidi book is the same as the printed copy. We would really appreciate it if Internet users could start using the online version and waive their right to a postal copy of “Swiss Review” from now on. On page 12, we explain how you can register to do this. We are also making a 8 Army renewed appeal to families who receive several copies of “Swiss Review” to cancel super- fluous issues by notifying their consular representation. This should result in a significant fall in postal costs in the me- Regional news dium term. Unfortunately, though, in 2009, this will not be suffi- cient to offset the reduction in the budget. It therefore seems in- 12 evitable that “Swiss Review” will have to be published at less Notes from Parliament regular intervals. Despite this major setback, Switzerland still does more for its 14 citizens abroad than most other countries. In typically Swiss fash- : Switzerland’s man ion, this support is distributed among government and non-gov- in Hollywood Rudolf Wyder ernment organisations, but with no overall strategy. It is based on practical cooperation between the authorities and private organisations, principally OSA. 16 Even though there is a constitutional obligation to foster relations between Swiss people OSA news abroad and promote an affiliation with Switzerland, there is no legal framework to de- fine the principles of policy on Swiss citizens abroad, the status of the institutions of the 19 Fifth Switzerland or the corresponding resources. It is high time a federal law was cre- Echo ated relating to the Swiss abroad. Rudolf Wyder, OSA Director, PUBLISHER OF “SWISS REVIEW” Cover photo: Armoured infantry in the Swiss army (photo: Keystone)

IMPRint: “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss abroad, is in its 36th year of publication and is published in German, French, Italian, English and Spanish in 14 regional editions. It has a total circulation of 408 000. Regional news appears four times a year. n editors: Heinz Eckert (EC), Editor-in-Chief; Rolf Ribi (RR); René Lenzin (RL); Alain Wey (AW); Rahel Schweizer (RS), responsible for “Notes from Parliament”, Service for the February 1 2009 / No. Swiss Abroad, DFA, CH-3003 Berne Translation: CLS Communication AG n Postal address: Publisher, editorial office, advertising: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne, Tel.: +4131356 6110, Fax: +4131356 61 01, Postal account (Swiss National Giro): 30-6768-9. Internet: www.revue.ch n e-mail: [email protected] n print: Zollikofer AG, eview 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 R the magazine free of charge. Anyone else can subscribe to the magazine for an annual fee (Switzerland: CHF 25 / abroad: CHF 40). Subscribers are sent the magazine direct from Berne.

swiss Copy deadline for this edition: 8.12.2008 Discovering X X X X X S w i t z e r l a n d

City breaks in Switzerland

Visitors to Switzerland’s cities will not just paradise, whether you are in Montreux, St. Gallen or . Spe- cialist shops for the latest trends and smart designs or mouth- travel from one beautiful place to another, watering delicacies can be found in Locarno’s historical centre, they will also discover the finest achievements Berne’s Zibelemärit onion market, Winterthur’s Markgasse and in art, architecture and design. picturesque downtown Thun. With an incredible choice of goods, you will find everything the heart desires wher- A stroll through the cities of Switzerland will ever you go. A shopping expedition is a great way to dis- always provide an opportunity to discover new cover the character of cities both large and small, which horizons as well as plenty to stimulate the mind provide a memorable experience with their quaint, pe- and senses. Whether it’s the museum of art in destrian shopping centres. Winterthur, a chic sushi bar in Zurich, an open-air Many of us want to escape man-made surroundings, event in Ticino or a wine festival in . Authen- to seek out nature and enjoy peace and quiet in an un- tic aspects of Swiss culture abound in every city. spoilt environment. You will certainly find what you are With an alert mind and keen eyes, you will dis- looking for in Swiss cities. There is the River Aare in cover a wealth of cultural treasures in Switzer- Berne, the botanical land’s cities. These cultural riches are unique and garden in Zurich and the make a great contribution to the extraordinary “Pfalz” palatial terrace quality of life. Who could ever complain of boredom? high above the Rhine in Basel. Balmy evenings in a restau- An extensive public transport rant on the banks of the lake, system ensures that any leafy enjoying culinary delights with destination can be reached the sound of grasshoppers and quickly and easily from all city the hustle and bustle of the city centres. Lausanne in the background – what could Life is not particularly hectic in Switzerland. Everyone can be better in summertime? The do things at their own pace and take it easy. You are also sure to mundane routine of everyday find plenty of natural Lugano life is forgotten. There is a real inspiration. joie de vivre in quiet street-side cafés, at trendy live concert Download more venues, chic bars and hip clubs. Switzerland’s beautifully laid-out information at www. cities have plenty to offer in terms of both relaxation and excite- MySwitzerland.com ment. There is always something new to see just around the cor- or order a brochure ner. Finding the heartbeat of the city means discovering all as- by calling 00800 100 pects of life. All Swiss cities, large and small, are also a shopper’s 200 30. Lucerne

Tips from Switzerland Tourism: At www.MySwitzerland.com/aso you will find A collaboration between Switzerland Tourism and the Organisation of the Swiss February 1 2009 / No.

the package offer of the month as well as the registration form for “Network Abroad (OSA)

iew Switzerland”. If you register by 31 March 2009, you will automatically be entered v in the prize draw for a wellness weekend in Switzerland. Other interesting Re

ss information and attractive offers from Switzerland Tourism can be found in our wi

s newsletter. Register at www.MySwitzerland.com/aso m a i l b a g b o o k s 

Congratulations Electronic Review So Sweet Zerland. Amusing, well researched and richly My wife and I greatly As a loyal reader of the illustrated, this book, “So Sweet Zerland”, pays tribute appreciate receiving “Swiss Review, which I like very to emblematic Swiss brands, symbols, legendary places ­Review”. Congratulations! much, I am convinced that and the great figures of our nation. This first volume -re Keep up the good work – and we have nothing to lose in veals fifty Swiss stories that are part of the country’s do urge the FDFA to con- viewing the magazine in collective memory. It is a mine of information. We tinue funding you sufficiently! electronic format, even learn, for instance, that the pens and stationery of The FDFA first got rid of though we can access large Caran d’Ache take their name from a French caricatur- swissinfo and the short-wave quantities of information ist of Russian origin (1859–1909) who was admired by radio programme. Now they about Switzerland online the businessman Arnold Schweitzer. We also discover want to deprive their most and on TSR. We only stand that velcro was invented by an engineer from the Can- loyal Swiss subjects abroad of to benefit from this because, ton of Vaud in 1941 and patented in Switzerland in the quarterly “Swiss Review”. as well as saving conside­ 1951. Did you know that Biella’s “classeur federal” of- The Swiss abroad are Swit- rable amounts of paper, the fice stationery is celebrating its 100th birthday this

zerland’s best ambassadors in- use of which is harmful to Zerland” “So Sweet year? Or that it took the name “federal” because it has ternationally, but they need to the environment, and ink, been supplying the departments of the Swiss administration be kept informed in order to which is more harmful still, since 1908? This publication is full of anecdotes. We learn act accordingly! Switzerland’s readers can view “Swiss about the origins and history of the Bally shoe company, the unique historic political cul- ­Review” on the day that it yellow post buses, Cardinal beer, Cenovis pâte, Cremo dairy ture (including its model fis- is published. products, Freitag bags, Gerber fondue, Gruyère cheese, Mary- cal system) needs to be con- J.-P. COSTATINI, SPAIN long cigarettes and Logitech IT accessories. Not to mention tinuously “explained”, Mövenpick ice cream, Nestlé, Rivella soft drinks, Ovomaltine, especially in Brussels and Don’t take away Swatch watches, Ricola and Sugus sweets, Victorinox Swiss Strasbourg. “Swiss Review” knives, Voltaren anti-inflammatory ointment, Toblerone D. SCHAUBACHER, BELGIUM I was very sorry to learn chocolate and Rolex watches. that we may no longer re- The book also covers prominent Swiss figures, such as Online version is enough ceive “Swiss Review” in the Roger Federer, Stephan Eicher, the furniture designer Teo In the October edition we post. I’m 31 years old, I’m Jacob and, of course, William Tell. It takes a look at the Saint read that the FDFA suggested married, I’m a mother and Bernard, the bears of Berne, Lucerne’s Pont de la Chapelle only delivering the printed I’ve been self-employed in (XIV century), the Pilatus aircraft, the station clocks of the “Swiss Review” to Swiss expa- the south of France for 5 Swiss Railways (SBB) created in 1951, the Knie circus, Gene- triates who really want to years, having lived in France va’s water jet, which has been flowing since 1891, the Grande ­receive the magazine. This for 11 years. Apart from a Dixence dam, the Swiss flag, which took on its definitive -de ­request seems justifiable to us holiday each year to Swit- sign in 1889, Cervin and Alinghi. The book has already been given the tight funds because zerland and phone calls with published in English and will be available in German by Easter in most cases the information family members, the paper 2009. A second volume in French is due to come out at the is two or three months old. version of “Swiss Review” is end of 2009. Of course, choosing fifty Swiss stories meant In any case, many Swiss expa- my only link with Swiss cur- taking a selective approach and, according to the Franco- triates read the “NZZ” or the rent affairs. I find this very Swiss author Xavier Casile, avoiding direct competition for “Tagesanzeiger”, either online interesting but, due to a lack brands in a particular sector. The book, which is a hundred or as a foreign edition. of time, it’s much easier for pages long, is an excellent way of quickly discovering what As far as we are concerned, me to read “Swiss Review” Switzerland has to offer in terms of creativity. As a foretaste, we could easily do without at home while I’m having a an interview with the singer Stephan Eicher gets to the heart the printed version of “Swiss break. Although I work on of the matter. A fondue lover, the artist recalls the sweet Review”; an Internet edition the Internet, I do not like tastes of his childhood, such as Tam Tam desserts, Ragusa would be more than enough reading about current affairs chocolate and the famous Sugus sweets. Finally, he also for us. online and I never do it. The touches on Switzerland’s image abroad based on his travels H. MANO SOLINSKI, USA reception for radio stations with humour and a sense of irony. is poor and the TV news on He says: “It’s like someone who is Outstanding TV5 is broadcast too late. top of the class, but is then discov- I would just like to thank Don’t take away “Swiss ered to have cheated in their ex- you for publishing “Swiss Re- ­Review”. I’m not old, and I ams like everyone else.” AW view”. Not only is the quality am computer-literate, but

February 1 2009 / No. of the journalism outstanding, it’s the only way for me I also find the information to follow current affairs eview “So Sweet Zerland” by Xavier Casile, R and tips very useful. Thank in Switzerland. Editions Good Heidi Production, Geneva, 2008. swiss you! M. VIOTTI, BY E-MAIL Y. JABBOUR, FRANCE www.goodheidiproduction.ch  POLITICS / FEDERAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Ueli Maurer succeeds In addition to the ongoing development of The Federal Assembly has elected as the successor the army, Maurer will have to deal with two important decisions right at the start of his to Defence Minister Samuel Schmid. With the election of its term of office – the appointment of a new former president, the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has returned army commander-in-chief and the choice of to the Federal Council declaring an end to its one-year period a new fighter jet. The Members of Parlia- ment who elected Maurer hope that the po- in opposition. By René Lenzin. litical debate on military issues will abate somewhat. They appear confident that the new Federal Councillor will make the tran- sition from political agitator to member of a collegial government who is willing to com- promise. Many of his opponents do not share this conviction. 58-year-old Maurer is married with six children. From 1978 to 1986, he sat on the municipal council (executive) of , the commune in which he lives. Between 1983 and 1991, he represented his party in the Zu- rich cantonal parliament and subsequently in the National Council. As President of the SVP from 1996 until the beginning of 2008, he made a significant contribution to the party’s rapid rise. In August last year, he took over the presidency of the Zurich section of the SVP, a position he had to give up after his election to the Federal Council. Ueli Mau- The swearing-in of Ueli Maurer, new Federal Councillor and Minister of the DDPS rer is the first non-academic in national gov- ernment since , Samuel Schmid’s Ueli Maurer, the official SVP candidate, was the second former SVP Federal Councillor, predecessor. elected by the tightest of margins when the later left the party of his own accord. Schmid’s As during ’s term of National Council and Council of States resignation from office opened the door for ­office, the Canton of Zurich now has two voted him into national government on 10 the SVP to return to the Federal Council. representatives in the Federal Council December 2008. He was initially one of two However, the close-run election shows that in Ueli Maurer and , official SVP candidates, the other being almost half the Members of Parliament were while the Canton of Berne has no represent- Christoph Blocher, who had been ousted as not willing to accept a candidate whom they atives in national government for only the a Federal Councillor by Parliament a year considered to be a political clone of Blocher. second time in the history of the federal earlier. However, Blocher withdrew his can- Many also saw the SVP’s tactics – elect one state. Since the SVP entered the Federal didacy after the first round of voting fa- of our candidates or we will remain in oppo- Council in 1929 through , its voured Maurer. Maurer gained an absolute sition – as blackmail. representation has traditionally come from majority in the third round of voting. With Berne. Before Samuel Schmid left the party, 122 votes, he obtained one vote more than his From critic to boss this tradition had only been broken during party and National Council colleague Maurer, who reached the rank of major in the the term of office of (1979 Hansjörg Walter. The president of the Swiss Swiss army, has taken over from Schmid at the to 1987), who was from the Canton of Farmers’ Union had been built up as an op- Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protec- . posing candidate by the Social Democrats, tion and Sport (DDPS). This is contentious as the Greens and some Civic Democrats de- the SVP and its former president have been Hans-Rudolf Merz is President of the spite declaring that he would not accept the among the harshest critics of the Federal Coun- Swiss Confederation position if elected. The SVP, most of the Free cil’s security policy. As defence minister, Mau- The Federal Assembly has elected Hans-Ru- Democrat-Liberals and around half the rer will have to represent positions that contra- dolf Merz as President of the Swiss Confed- Christian Democrats voted for Maurer. dict not only his previous statements but also eration for the coming year. The 66-year-old With Maurer joining the Federal Council, his party’s agenda. It is highly unlikely that the Free Democrat from Appenzell Ausser- the SVP has renounced its opposition strat- Federal Council or the majority of Members rhoden took up office just weeks after suffer-

February 1 2009 / No. egy. After Blocher’s deselection, it had de- of Parliament will accept fundamental changes ing a heart attack that he only just survived. w ie

v clared itself an opposition party and expelled in line with SVP policy, especially since the key Parliament has elected 45-year-old Christian

Re Blocher’s successor Eveline Widmer- elements of current army policy have been ap- Democrat from Aargau as ss i sw Photo: Keystone Schlumpf from the party. Samuel Schmid, proved with a large majority by the people. Vice-President. I m a g e s 

Heidi – Based on the Story by Johanna Spyri. The famous story of orphan girl Heidi – probably one of the most well-known Swiss figures internationally – has been rewritten by Peter Stamm, with illustrations by Hannes Binder, in a unique, artistic edition published by Nagel & Kimche. It is a jewel among the new titles out last autumn. This 42-page book has been published in German, with colour illustrations throughout, and can be ordered for CHF 29.90 from www.nagel-kimche.de February 1 2009 / No. ew i Rev iss w s Illustrations: From the book itself  Army in crisis

The Swiss army – where does its future lie? Having gone through three reforms in fifteen years, the Swiss army is looking for a solution to new threats. Some factions want to bolster the traditional defence of Switzerland, while others wish to see the military deployed for peace in the world. The Swiss people are behind their army, but there is an air of uncertainty. By Rolf Ribi

“The Swiss army is not on the brink, but it Article 58 of the Federal Constitution has lost its way”, says the “Neue Zürcher reads: “The armed forces shall serve to Zeitung”, which points the finger at a “mil- prevent war and to maintain peace; they itary policy impeded by ideology”. The fact shall defend the country and its population. that there is no common ground in Parlia- They shall support the civilian authorities ment on the analysis of the strategic position in safeguarding the country against serious or on the role of the army is “alarming”. threats to internal security and in dealing Three current bills show just how divided with exceptional situations.” The army’s “Security through cooperation” political opinion on the army is at present. general mandates are derived from this The army and military reform have been a The 2008 armaments programme concerns article: constant topic of political and public debate vehicles for the armoured transport of in- since the 1990s. Three factors explain this – fantry units and principally an upgrade of n Territorial protection operations to safe- the new global situation after the end of the the F/A-18 fighter jets, which form the guard important areas and air space in the Cold War, deficiencies in the army and an backbone of air defence. An alliance made event of a strategic threat, usually in con- increasingly restricted budget. The “Army up of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the junction with civilian authorities. 95” proposal, the 2000 security policy re- Social Democrats and the Greens defeated n Active defence against a military attack in port, the “Army XXI” proposal and, more the bill in the National Council, and it will order to stop or destroy the attacking en- recently, the 2008-2011 military reform are now go before these representatives of the emy using weapons, blockades and military all milestones. The “Army 95” document

people again after being presented to the strongholds and by means of counter- (400,000 men as opposed to 600,000, Council of States. In respect of the replace- attack. shorter periods of compulsory service) re- ment of 54 outdated Tiger fighter jets with n Army deployment in a supporting role at vealed fundamental shortcomings in the the Swedish Gripen, the French Rafale or the the request of civilian authorities, such as army, in particular with regard to training Eurofighter, the budget only stretches to 22 military disaster relief, safeguarding of air and support for senior officers. The Federal new aircraft and the left opposes the acquisi- supremacy (for international conferences, Council said at the time that the “defence tion of new fighter jets. The right, on the other for example), support for police and border situation was unsatisfactory”. hand, is strongly against military deployment control units, and protection of property The Federal Council report to Parliament for peace-keeping missions abroad. (such as foreign embassies). on Switzerland’s security policy in June 1999 n Operations to establish peace abroad and highlighted the new principle of “security

February 1 2009 / No. The role of the army prevent the outbreak of armed conflict through cooperation”. This meant greater

What is the role of the army under the Fed- based on a mandate from the UN or OSCE cooperation between the army and civilian

Review eral Constitution? What are the mandates and usually in cooperation with other coun- authorities in Switzerland and an increased ss wi s Photos: DDPS of the militia army in the present day? tries. contribution to peace-keeping abroad. The 

2008–2011 army reform fence scenarios. He said: “No army would en- The next controversial step in the reform of ter into an operational security mission with- the army came in May 2005. The army’s main out such resources.” This former senior responsibility was no longer to be the tradi- officer also believed the concept of the mili- tional task of national defence. Its main role tia army was in jeopardy as there would be would be territorial protection involving sur- very few positions of command and staff veillance of border crossings, localities and officer roles for militia officers (alongside transport axes. Federal Councillor Samuel professional officers) in a significantly scaled- Schmid said: “National defence should not be down army. restricted to defence against military attack.” Jean-Pierre Bonny, President of the Asso- He said traditional warfare in Europe was ciation of Former Members of the Swiss “unlikely in the foreseeable future even though Army (Pro Militia), was critical of the “Fed- it cannot be ruled out altogether”. On the eral Council’s hasty move just 14 months other hand, he said, the threat of terrorism ­after the entry into force of the XXI Army was very real and it was now a matter of “pro- reform approved by the people”. He said tecting a high-tech society”. the proposed reduction in defence forces The capacity for traditional defence was would also have a detrimental effect on ter- therefore to be reduced by half to around just ritorial protection as armoured divisions 100-page military blueprint XXI for the 18,500 personnel. The total number of peo- would be “absolutely indispensable” for this “Armada Svizra” (as the army is known in Ro- ple serving in the army was to remain un- purpose. mansch) was based on this security policy changed at 220,000 men (and women). report. Equipment was to be transferred from the ar- … and from politicians The security report and army blueprint moured units and the artillery to the infan- The restructuring of the army for the years led to the next step in the reform process – try. The infantry would assume responsibil- 2008 to 2011 caused great controversy in Par- the “Army XXI” proposal. This communi- ity for territorial protection and the armoured liament. The new role of the army came in cation from the Federal Council to Parlia- units would provide military expertise. for criticism from the left and right of the ment in October 2001 contained the political divide. The National Council following key elements - as well as defence Opposition from military circles… soundly rejected the reform in October 2006. and territorial protection, the army would The 2008–2011 development plan sparked The Swiss People’s Party said the proposals

also be deployed to “prevent and overcome strong criticism from military circles and in moved too far “away from the traditional life-threatening dangers” (together with Parliament. Former Lieutenant General Si- role of defence towards that of combating civilian authorities in Switzerland and mon Küchler said a “muddled situation” had terrorism” as it was apprehensive about a co- abroad) and to “safeguard peace and tackle emerged as the security report and army alition with NATO in an emergency situa- crises” (together with other countries and blueprint had been superseded by the new tion. The Social Democrats were wary of international organisations). The number reform proposals. According to Army XXI army operations within Switzerland and be- of army personnel would be reduced from “defence remains the army’s key responsibil- lieved its peace-keeping missions abroad 360,000 to a maximum of 140,000 with a ity”, yet it was felt that this was no longer the were in jeopardy. reserve corps of 80,000. The compulsory case in view of the proposed reduction in de- Defence Minister Samuel Schmid at- service age would be lowered to 30 and the fence forces. tempted to reach a political compromise –

February 1 2009 / No. training of recruits extended to 21 weeks. Former Major General Paul Müller also the abolition of just two instead of four

In May 2003, the Swiss people approved voiced criticism, arguing that warfare involv- ­armoured divisions and no increase in mili-

Review the “Army XXI” proposal by a majority of ing the use of heavy weaponry was called tary peace-keeping operations. The slightly ss wi s Photos: DDPS 76%. for in territorial protection as well as in de- toned-down army reform was unanimously 10 Army in crisis

approved by the Council of States in March Social Democrats (unlike the Swiss People’s army be in future? Is general compulsory mil- 2007. But there was still criticism from Party and the Greens) also supported the itary service still appropriate or do we want some quarters. The “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” proposal. However, a key issue remained un- an army of volunteers? highlighted “concessions made to the resolved – the number of armoured battal- The militia army is as deeply engrained in ­supporters of an outdated traditional de- ions to defend the nation. By law, this deci- the Swiss mindset as direct democracy and fence-oriented army” and “lost opportu­ sion lies with the Federal Council and not federalism. It is the traditional means of de- nities to develop expertise and gain expe­ Parliament … fence for Switzerland as a small, armed and rience” owing to reduced international neutral nation. And it is also part of the Fed- operations. A militia army? eral Constitution: “Switzerland shall have The 2008–2011 reform bill was then re- The militia army has been a key issue in every armed forces. In principle, the armed forces turned to the National Council. The repre- step in the reform process in recent years. shall be organised as a militia” (Article 58). sentatives of the people also gave the reform Does Switzerland need a militia army or a Prominent critics nevertheless fear the clan- their resounding approval in June 2007 as the professional army? What size should the destine abolition of the militia army by the

“WE NEED THE ARMY” Interview with Kurt R. Spillmann, former Professor of Security Policy and Conflict Research at ETH Zurich

How do you see the security situation in Europe? Should Switzerland have I cannot envisage any military threat to Switzerland today or in the its own air force? foreseeable future. I believe the threat comes instead from terrorist Yes, but this air force and criminal organisations. This type of threat cannot be combated by should not just operate in its military means. However, today’s threats and risks are often indirectly own air space. Our fighter linked to violent conflicts sometimes in distant parts of the world. The jets can make a contribution key task of the armed forces is to secure peace and stability in these towards securing European conflict regions. air space. Incidentally, au- tonomous national defence Could Russia become an aggressive major power in Europe? means having to secure your I don’t believe that is likely in the foreseeable future. Russia only own air space, but to achieve possesses around 10% of America’s military strength excluding air supremacy you need nuclear potential, which can hardly be used for military purposes. to have your own satellite, Unfortunately, under President Bush the USA failed to integrate which Switzerland doesn’t Russia more into the international system. The new American have. President Obama now wants to open fresh dialogue with Russia. This may improve global security. How do senior officers and soldiers in the Swiss army motivate themselves when there is no evil enemy in sight? What if, for the sake of argument, Switzerland were to come Switzerland needs to hold a major debate on whether it should under military attack? increase its cooperation on peace-keeping operations in view Before launching a military attack on Switzerland, the foreign army of the current threat situation. I am thinking primarily of the would have to have overcome the defence forces of NATO and the European Union, which is developing civilian and military peace-

February 1 2009 / No. European Union. That being the case, Swiss militia officers and keeping forces as part of its security and defence policy. To say

soldiers would face a very battle-hardened army. This would be a war to our soldiers that they have the task of ensuring security on the

Review of self-destruction that we would have to prevent by using all of periphery of Europe would provide great purpose. ss wi s Photos: Keystone/DDPS our political guile. Interview by Rolf Ribi 11

department of defence and senior military tary expert Barbara Haering of the Social battle tanks in densely populated areas staff. They argue: Democratic Party. She believes 10,000 sol- (former National Councillor Ulrich Schlüer). n Switzerland now has a regular army. Sin- diers with high availability and 40,000 with On the left, the Social Democrats and Greens gle-term conscripts carry out their entire lower availability are sufficient and that would like to see the army’s operations within compulsory service of around nine months peace-keeping missions with the interna- Switzerland restricted and instead to increase in one go. They are now trained by profes- tional community are the most important peace-keeping missions abroad. Josef Lang, sional soldiers instead of militia officers. task. She also says that increasing the use of the Green Alternative National Councillor, They say: “the gradual professionalisation of the army to ensure internal security is the said: “The real challenges facing our country the army is alienating it from the people.” wrong approach. are no longer military ones. They concern n Compulsory military service provided for Former Brigadier General Hans-Ulrich protection of the environment, natural catas- by the Constitution is being avoided. Only Ernst would like to see a militia army of just trophes and global poverty.” 60% of men now discharge their compulsory 30,000 men. He says: “The army is too big. However, official military policy also service as set out in the Constitution. The We have 140,000 soldiers who have to serve comes in for criticism. The “security through

remainder perform civil defence or are re- for ten years. We don’t need a huge army.” cooperation” principle remains a controver- jected as unfit for service. They say: “This Ernst recommends that in future 90% of re- sial issue. The army’s new mandate for ter- contradicts the spirit of equity in the appli- cruits carry out military service of seven ritorial protection, the decline in impor- cation of the draft and undermines the con- months’ duration in one go. This means that tance of traditional defence and the threat cept of the militia.” 9,000 soldiers would be available constantly. situation in general do not seem to have been A militia army or a professional army? A These single-term conscripts would be fully thought through. One thing is clear, professional army “going it alone” without trained and led by professional officers and and that is that in the foreseeable future any dependence on an international alliance is senior militia personnel in permanent posi- threat to Switzerland comes not from for- not a cheaper option than a militia army. An tions. Such a move would reduce the army in eign armies, but from global terrorism (see army with professional soldiers only makes active service to around 30,000 soldiers in the interview with security expert Kurt sense if military operations abroad are re- addition to 80,000 reservists as before. Spillmann). quired, but not if the army has a purely de- Karl Haltiner, a military expert from the Both opponents and advocates of the army fensive role. The Federal Constitution would Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), reforms can find support among the people. also have to be amended to provide for such proposes a militia army made up of 30,000 Almost 70% of Swiss people believe the army a change and there is no majority support men – a core armed force of 25,000 volun- is necessary. Around 80% want to see a “well- among the people or the cantons for a pro- teer soldiers and 5,000 professional soldiers. equipped and well-trained army”. 51% are in fessional army. His recommendation is modelled on the Na- favour of the militia army, while 42% support tional Guard, the American voluntary mili- the abolition of general compulsory military “We don’t need a huge army” tia who are well-equipped and led by militia service. The authors of the Swiss Federal In- The Federal Council and the army leader- officers. His idea would provide a financially stitute of Technology study on security say: ship agree that the size of the army has to be attractive solution. “The army still has the backing of the people. reduced. The Swiss army currently numbers Support for general compulsory military around 220,000 active soldiers (77,000 of Rigid military policy service is declining. There is definitely an air whom are reserves). The size of the army, The opposing sides in the debate about a of uncertainty.” which is large by international standards, is modern Swiss army are fairly uncompromis- primarily due to general compulsory military ing. On the right, there is the Swiss People’s Documentation The Federal Council’s report to the Federal Assembly February 1 2009 / No. service. “Having an army based on the com- Party and Pro Militia, the association of on Switzerland’s security policy of 7 June 1999 pulsory military service system makes no former army members. They support tradi- XXI Army blueprint of 24 October 2001

Review sense from a security or military perspective tional national defence using tanks, infantry- Documentation centre doku-zug.ch ss (www.doku-zug.ch) wi s Photos: DDPS and is financially unsustainable”, says mili- men and artillery and talk about positioning 12 Notes from Parliame n t

Change of address now possible A few easy steps to register: via the Internet 1. The link www.swissabroad.ch will take you to the welcome page Have you moved recently or are you about to? You must inform of the registration homepage. After the introduction, click on the the representation (embassy or general consulate) where you are link: online registration registered of any change of address. You can now easily register 2. Please complete at least all the mandatory fields marked with * a change of address via the website of your representation. The based on an official document (Swiss passport, identity card or websites of the Swiss embassies and general consulates are listed birth certificate). Your personal details will be compared with the at www.eda.admin.ch (Representations). information in the representation’s database to check identifica- tion. Electronic delivery of “Swiss Review” 3. When you click on the button after completing all the fields, the system will check your details. If not all the fields and other publications marked * have been completed correctly or in full, you will The Swiss Parliament has adopted the 2009 Federal Budget, receive an error message. Complete the missing details and try which provides for cuts in funding for “Swiss Review” on a scale again. When all the fields have been completed correctly, you will of CHF 500,000. The largest item of expenditure for “Swiss move on to another page. Review” are printing and postal costs. The use of the Internet 4. On this page, you can order publications by clicking on the enables postal costs to be reduced thanks to electronic delivery. fields: Electronic delivery of “Swiss Review” also has other benefits: n The online version of “Swiss Review” and official information n Quicker, more reliable delivery to many countries irrespective of location. You receive “Swiss Review” immediately after publica- from your Swiss representation and the Federal Department of tion, which means the articles are more current. ­Foreign Affairs n Free choice of language: you can now choose for yourself the n Other cultural and economic information or your representa- ­language in which you would like to read “Swiss Review” (not tion’s events calendar if available. ­applicable to regional sections). You will also provide us with your e-mail address on this page. “Swiss Review” has a new and modern Internet design. The 5. Click on the button if you want to change your electronic and paper versions of “Swiss Review” are identical. personal data. You can easily flick through the individual pages on screen 6. Click on the button to send your registration to the at the click of a mouse just like with the paper version (flash page flip). FDFA for processing. Please note the message on the next page. 7. After internal processing you will receive an e-mail containing a link. Click on this link to confirm your registration. This step A more efficient way of providing information, particularly prevents a third person registering in your name and ensures in emergency situations data protection. Registering for electronic delivery of information helps the 8. After completing your registration, you will receive e-mail con- FDFA to keep its database updated with your e-mail address firmation. The publications you have ordered will be sent to you and enables the FDFA and the representations to provide infor- by e-mail in future. mation more efficiently about important topics or in an emer- gency situation. If you wish to change or cancel the order for the publications at a later date, you can do so at any time on the same homepage at www.swissabroad.ch How do I register for electronic delivery The data you enter will be subject to the Federal Law on Data of “Swiss Review”? Protection (DSG, SR 235.1) and will not be passed on to third par- All Swiss citizens abroad of full legal age registered with a Swiss ties. representation (embassy or general consulate) as a head of a You may still receive the next edition of “Swiss Review” household* can register for electronic delivery of “Swiss Review” in paper form despite registering at www.swissabroad.ch. on the website www.swissabroad.ch, i.e. everyone who currently The addresses for postal delivery have to be processed several receives “Swiss Review”. Only one type of publication (electronic weeks before “Swiss Review” is printed and this may result in or paper) and one registration is permitted per registered head of overlaps. Sandra Martin, FDFA, project manager a household.

* One person of full legal age is indicated in the representation’s registration list Electronic delivery takes account of changes in the reading

February 1 2009 / No. as a head of a household to avoid duplication of delivery. If children of full legal ­habits of many Swiss people abroad. Make the most of the benefits

age live at the same address, these are considered as independent heads of a of this efficient, modern service. Register to receive “Swiss Review” household and must register for the electronic version themselves if they wish to receive it. electronically and be amongst the first to obtain information from

swiss Review Switzerland. 13

www.swissabroad.ch

The ABC of Diplomacy New popular initiatives and referenda No new popular initiatives had been launched since the last edi- What does it mean when an ambassador presents a tion at the time of going to press. letter of credentials? What rules govern the diplomatic bag At www.bk.admin.ch/aktuell/abstimmung you will find a list of and what is a diplomatic note? Who do the Geneva pending referenda and popular initiatives and the corresponding Conventions protect and what is meant by preventive signature forms if available. Please complete, sign and send the diplomacy? forms directly to the relevant committee which is responsible for the authentication of your signature. The “ABC of Diplomacy” brochure produced by the FDFA clearly explains these and other terms. Historical photographs provide a look back at key RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICIAL FDFA INFORMATION PAGES: RAHEL SCHWEIZER, Service for the Swiss Abroad/FDFA, Bundes- ­moments in diplomacy. gasse 32, CH-3003 Berne, Tel. +41 31 324 23 98, fax: +41 31 324 23 60 The “ABC of Diplomacy” www.eda.admin.ch/asd, [email protected] brochure can be downloaded in English, German, French or Advertisement Italian from the FDFA’s website at www.eda.admin.ch (Docu- mentation – Publications – Di-

February 1 2009 / No. plomacy) or obtained from the

following address: Information EDA, Bundeshaus West,

swiss Review CH-3003 Berne 14 glamourworld

Love and kisses from Hollywood Marc Forster from the Canton of Grisons is flying high. The chameleon director of the 22nd Bond movie, , became a naturalised Swiss citizen in June 2008. Switzerland’s man in Hollywood has managed the third-largest budget in the history of cinema. A profile of one of the most gifted moviemakers of his generation. By Alain Wey

“Everyone told me it was im- possible to get into movie- making. But I’m doing it and I’m living my dream”, says Forster. Switzerland’s man in Hollywood has already directed stars as celebrated as Dustin Hoffman, Johnny Depp, , Kate Winslet, and Emma Thompson. Natural- ised as a Swiss citizen in June 2008, at 39 Marc For- ster has become the young- est director of a Bond movie. With some surprise he re- veals: “I used to only be in- terested in art house cinema, but I now find myself in charge of extremely com- mercial films.” He has now mastered the mechanics of producing a blockbuster and is sure to make other ac- tion movies. Forster, from the Canton of Grisons, ex- cels in comedy and drama, Our man from : Marc Forster but has also made thrillers and horror movies. His work reflects a blend he was educated at the Institut Montana in the moment I set foot there.” He lived in a of genres while retaining a very distinctive Zugerberg, a boarding school for boys from basement apartment that was cold and individual style. This chameleon filmmaker, Zug which includes John Kerry and Nico- damp, but he felt “incredibly happy and a the only director of a Bond movie not to las Hayek Jr. amongst its alumnae. His fa- great sense of freedom”. They were diffi- come from the Commonwealth, is from ther, who was a doctor, was to lose his en- cult times. His family was concerned by his Switzerland like the spy himself who is half tire fortune following high-risk investments. stubbornness, but he refused to allow his Swiss through his mother (Ian Fleming men- In 1990, the young man from Grisons reputation to be damaged. He now lives in tions this in the novel “You Only Live moved to New York to study cinema at Los Angeles. In 1998, the Forster family was Twice”). Also a scriptwriter and a producer, ’s Film School until hit by tragedy. His father died of cancer and Marc Forster has his own production team 1993. He says: “I can see myself now in Zu- his elder brother, who suffered from schiz- which he used on the latest Bond film. The rich sitting on an aeroplane. I looked out of ophrenia, committed suicide. Forster says: spotlight on an American dream. the window and saw that it had started to “These ordeals caused me great distress but rain. I said to myself: “Have I really just said did not break me. I was more determined From Davos to Hollywood goodbye to my whole life?” I didn’t speak than ever to pursue my dream.”

February 1 2009 / No. Marc Forster is the youngest of three chil- English very well and I didn’t know any

dren and comes from a wealthy family. He filmmakers. Generation after generation, Recognition left with his parents to live in everyone in my family had either been a Forster’s breakthrough finally came in 2000

swiss Review Photo: Keystone at a young age. From 1982 to 1990, doctor or a butcher. New York changed me with “”, which at- 15

tracted attention at the major independent Marc forster Do you think mankind is Filmography and awards film festivals in America. But it was with “officially swiss” making progress? Mankind n “Lounger”. 1995, musical “Monster’s Ball” that Marc Forster really Background. Born on 27 Jan- is constantly regressing and comedy, budget: $100,000. conquered Hollywood. He explains: “This uary 1969 in Ulm, Germany. progressing. I believe that n “Everything Put Together”. film changed my life.” Halle Berry was His father was a German doc- we are currently going 2000, box office: $3 million. awarded the Oscar for best actress and the tor and his mother a Swiss through a progressive stage n “Monster’s Ball”. 2002, full-length version was a box-office hit. The architect. The family moved and that the resonance of drama, budget: $4 million, director has made seven films in just ten to Klosters in Grisons. mankind is soaring again. box office: $44 million. With years. He says: “I have fulfilled my dreams, German-Swiss. On 28 June People are more aware of what , Halle but I have discovered that each of them 2008, he obtained Swiss citi- is happening around them Berry (Oscar for best actress), comes at a price. It is not by chance that all zenship in Davos. To mark and I hope that future genera- Heath Ledger. the characters in my films are locked within the occasion, a party was tions will have the resources n “Finding Neverland”. 2004, themselves and suffer emotional issues. organised in the municipality and opportunities to intro- comedy drama, budget: $25 Over the next decade, I would like to pro- in Grisons attended by Fed- duce new ideas and really million, box office: $116 mil- duce impassioned, extrovert films with eral Councillor Moritz Leuen- change things. lion, 7 Oscar nominations, characters daring to step forth and embrace berger. Despite considering Next film. Marc Forster is won the Oscar for best film the world.” himself Swiss, speaking the making a horror thriller, music. Laterna Magica Prize Marc Forster completed the shooting of Grisons dialect fluently and adapting a novel by Max at the Venice Film Festival “Quantum of Solace” in under a year. The legally living in Davos, Marc Brooks (son of Mel Brooks), (2004). With Johnny Depp, director was exhausted by the Bond adven- Forster was officially still World War Z. The screenplay Kate Winslet, Dustin Hoffman. ture and will not be back immediately for a German. He says: “I love Swit- conveys the accounts of the n “Stay”. 2005, thriller, box second film. If you look at the careers of the zerland. It is my country. survivors of an invasion of office: $8 million. With Ewan Bond directors, the risk is worth taking. I grew up there. It shaped zombies throughout the McGregor, . While the producers already had him in my qualities and my faults. world. While no actors have n “Stranger Than Fiction”. mind for “Casino Royale”, Marc Forster I was excited at the prospect been approached yet, it is un- 2006, comedy, budget: $30 agreed to make the 22nd Bond movie after of getting the passport. derstood that ’s pro- million, box office: $54 mil- protracted negotiations. He even used his I am now officially Swiss and duction company will finance lion. With , Dustin entire production team on the film and I am delighted as I believe the film. The director was Hoffman, Emma Thompson. modified the screenplay to deepen the in- the country has progressed enthused by the project. He n “The Kite Runner”. 2007, trospection of the character introduced in in the right direction over says: “I’ve always been fasci- drama, box office: $73 million. the previous film. There was also twice as the last decade.” nated by this kind of film. Director of the Year at the much action, as the budget reached $230 (Le Temps, 9.11.2008) When they told me about the Hollywood Film Awards. million this time compared to $160 for the First film seen at the storyline, it reminded me of n “B22: Quantum of Solace”. first film with Daniel Craig. It is the most cinema. Apocalypse Now by the films from the 1970s with 2008, budget: $230 million, expensive Bond film ever and the third Francis Ford Coppola at the their paranoid conspiracies, box office: more than $500 most expensive film of all time behind Pi- age of 12. like ‘All the President’s Men’.” million. With Daniel Craig. rates of the Caribbean 3 and Spiderman 3. Was Forster’s film a success? In less than a month, the film has brought in more than $500 million worldwide and is on course to set a new record in box-office takings for a Bond movie. One day Forster would like to return to Switzerland and to Davos. He says: “It is just a question of when.” When reflecting on the next ten years, he speaks with the kind of profoundness often found in his films and also a hint of irony. He says: “I hope to be able to really open my heart to enhance my stories and my life. To do so, I will have to fight against my own reserved nature. It won’t be easy, I am after all Swiss!” February 1 2009 / No.

Figures in US dollars. Source: box-office mondial, British actor Daniel Craig, left, Ukrainian actress and model , second from left, German-Swiss www.boxofficemojo.com film director Marc Forster, second from right, and Swiss actor Anatole Taubman, right, pose during a photo Source for quotations: Le Temps, 8.11.2008. Le Matin, call for the upcoming film, Quantum of Solace, in Moscow, Monday, 13 October 2008. (AP Photo/ swiss Review Photo: AP S ergey Ponomarev May 2008. Sergey Ponomarev) 16 organisation of the swiss abroad

87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad in Lucerne, 7 to 9 August 2009 Be our guest The Swiss abroad – a great asset for our country? in Switzerland! Young Swiss people abroad In what ways are Swiss people abroad, aware of this potential? And what are the views ­enjoy rewarding study trips who make up 10% of the Swiss population, of our compatriots abroad? and holidays in Switzerland. an asset for our nation? Do they offer Swit- This congress aims to highlight and illustrate The Organisation of the zerland added value in terms of image, kudos the ways in which the Swiss Diaspora provides Swiss Abroad (OSA) offers and global networking? And do our compat- added value for Switzerland and why this po- attractive and affordable riots abroad see themselves as ambassadors tential should receive more recognition and be programmes for young for Switzerland and its values? All these harnessed to greater effect by public authorities people from all over the questions will be addressed at the 87th and companies. Experts – Swiss people living in world. Contact us for advice Congress of the Swiss Abroad taking place at Switzerland and abroad – will share their and book your place now. the congress centre of the Swiss Museum of knowledge and personal experiences relating to OSA extends a warm wel- Transport in Lucerne from 7 to 9 August 2009 this subject at the congress. come to you. under the title “The Swiss abroad – a great The 87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad will asset for our country?” take place in the beautiful city of Lucerne and A holiday in Switzerland pro- has plenty to offer the heart, mind and taste vides a great opportunity to Almost 700,000 of our fellow citizens live buds. enjoy nature. Switzerland’s abroad, and 120,000 of them are enrolled on a Prominent speakers will hold short talks, each winter sports resorts offer Swiss electoral register. While their political followed by a round table session, examining the you many different ways importance is slowly but surely being recog- reality and myths concerning the contribution of moving across the snow. nised by the political parties, the contribution made to our country by Swiss people abroad. Switzerland’s breathtaking they make economically, socially, culturally A visit to the Swiss Museum of Transport will alpine scenery also attracts and in terms of image is still largely over- allow congress participants to discover a series scores of tourists during the looked. These Swiss citizens are not just “am- of accomplishments that were achieved thanks summer. As a holiday desti- bassadors” for our values abroad, they also to Swiss people spending time abroad. Finally, nation, Switzerland provides provide extraordinary “networking” opportu- on the Sunday, there will also be an opportunity a wide range of opportunities nities. In today’s globalised world where peo- to visit the city of Lucerne and its surrounding to enjoy sport – you can try ple, their economic activities and political sys- area. your hand at trekking, moun- tems are increasingly interdependent, don’t Further information on the congress and the tain sports, mountain biking, the Swiss abroad represent a great asset for registration form will be available on our water sports, ball sports and our country? Should we not make better use homepage from the beginning of 2009 at: much more besides in our of their skills and knowledge? Are the govern- www.aso.ch/en/offers/congress-of-the-swiss- programmes. ment and the Swiss population in general abroad/2009 You will make friends with young Swiss people of the same age from all over the world and together you will 87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad from 7 to 9 August 2009 at the enjoy a sporty holiday in a Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne relaxed environment. At the OSA camps, you will also ❏ I am interested in attending the next Congress of the Swiss Abroad. Please send me the registration learn about topical and im- documents for the 87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad (7 to 9 August 2009 in Lucerne) in spring 2009 to portant aspects of Swiss cul- the following address: ture, geography, history, poli- tics and society. Make the First name / Surname: most of this opportunity. Address: Take advantage of Country / Postcode / Town: the forthcoming offers: E-mail:

Please write clearly in block capitals and send the completed form to: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), Communications Easter camp in Langwies Department, Congress Organisation, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne 5 to 13 April 2009 To save time and postage, you can also contact us directly by e-mail: [email protected] Young Swiss people from all

February 1 2009 / No. over the world will meet up The Congress of the Swiss Abroad will be held in German and French only (with simultaneous interpretation) for organisational and financial reasons. to enjoy winter sports in The latest information on the forthcoming congress will also be updated regularly at www.aso.ch/de/angebote. It is well worth . Arosa’s alpine pano- visiting our website from time to time! swiss Review rama invites us to spend sun- 17

filled days on snow-covered their utmost to fulfil your The National The Organisation of the mountains. OSA’s skiing and wishes. Council says yes Swiss Abroad (OSA) wel- snowboard instructors are comes the decision, which ex- looking forward to teaching Youth seminar to representation presses Parliament’s acknowl- you the latest winter sports OSA is organising a youth of the Swiss abroad edgement of the contribution techniques. OSA also pro- seminar in Lucerne before in Parliament that Swiss citizens abroad vides lots of alternatives to the Congress of the Swiss make in helping the country snow sports at the residence Abroad. Enjoy a fascinating, The National Council has to thrive. The decision also in Langwies. educational week at one of approved the Sommaruga underlines the National the world’s most famous parliamentary initiative, Council’s recognition of the Summer camp 2009 tourist destinations. which calls for direct repre- growing political importance in Leukerbad OSA Youth Service sentation of the Swiss of the Fifth Switzerland. OSA 19 to 31 July 2009 and Tel.: +41 31 356 61 00 abroad in the Federal Assem- understands that a solution 2 to 14 August 2009 E-mail: [email protected] bly. The Organisation of may involve the creation of an We offer two 13-day camps the Swiss Abroad (OSA) implementation law for Arti- both for 60 participants dur- Summer camp 2009 welcomes this decision as a cle 40 of the Federal Consti- ing the summer. We help you clear indication of recogni- tution. This could establish practise a sport of your Swiss children abroad aged tion for the important the framework for the Swiss choice at these OSA camps. between 8 and 14 can attend contribution made by Swiss Confederation’s policy on the Fully trained and experienced our two-week holiday camps citizens abroad to Switzer- Swiss abroad and govern po- instructors are there to assist in July and August 2009. land’s interests. litical representation, includ- you. Fun and adventure are ing the role of the Council of guaranteed. In addition to A few places are still available The parliamentary initiative the Swiss Abroad as the repre- sport, we also take a close on our summer camps. The put forward by National sentative body of the Fifth look at a typically Swiss topic. same as every year, there will Councillor Carlo Sommaruga Switzerland. Come and join us for an ac- be between 30 and 50 chil- (SP/GE) in June 2007 calls for OSA is keen to emphasise tive and creative way to dis- dren from all over the world the creation of a legal basis for the fact that Switzerland has a cover Switzerland! at each camp. direct representation of the strong interest in improving The parental contribution Swiss abroad, initially in the its relationship with its citi- Educational programmes of CHF 900 covers all the Council of States and then zens abroad. Strengthening Take advantage of OSA’s costs of the stay. also in the National Council. communication is vital for en- educational programmes The Foundation for Young The National Council has ap- abling Switzerland to reap to develop your knowledge Swiss Abroad would like all proved the initiative and has more benefits from the expe- of Switzerland. Swiss children abroad to have instructed its Political Institu- riences and networks of its na- Our “Training in Switzer- at least one opportunity to tions Committee to draw tionals abroad. The “Swiss land” programme aims to enjoy our programme. This is up a bill. The almost 700,000 abroad” parliamentary group provide you with an insight why a fund for reduced con- Swiss expatriates are a great now led by Council of States into educational opportuni- tributions has been set up. An asset for Switzerland. Around member Filippo Lombardi ties in Switzerland. You will application form can be re- 120,000 of them are enrolled (CVP/TI) will have a key role visit Swiss universities and quested with your registra- on a Swiss electoral register to play in this. It already has we will advise you on your tion. and therefore take an active more than 100 members from options for studying or train- Further details on the indi- part in political life in their the National Council and ing in Switzerland. vidual holiday camps and the country of origin. Council of States. registration form can be Language courses found at www.aso.ch (under OSA’s language courses are “Offers for Children and Organisation of the Swiss Abroad aimed at young people who Young People”). Registra- Our services: have little or no knowledge of tions are processed in the or- n Legal Department a Swiss national language. der in which they arrive. n Youth Service The two-week courses focus Please register your child as n Association for the Promotion of Education for Young Swiss heavily on developing con- quickly as possible. And do Abroad (AJAS) versational skills. We aim to not hesitate to contact us if n Committee for Swiss Schools Abroad (CSSA) increase your motivation to you have any questions. n Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad (FYSA)

February 1 2009 / No. tackle a new language and Foundation for Young Swiss develop in-depth knowledge. Abroad Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH–3006 Berne Studying a language should Tel: +41 31 356 61 16 Phone +41 31 356 6100, Fax +41 31 356 6101 swiss Review be fun. The teachers will do [email protected] www.aso.ch 18 organisation of the swiss abroad

Re-election of the CSA for the How long does a term of office last?Members are elected for 2009–2013 term of office four years. Re-election is possible.

The Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA) is the representative Who elects the members of the CSA? The specialised organi- body for Swiss people living abroad. It represents the inter- sations of the Swiss associations and institutions (in a country ests of all Swiss expatriates in political circles in Switzerland. or group of countries) recognised by OSA are responsible for The CSA therefore plays a key role in protecting the inter- the election of the members of the CSA based abroad. ests of the 700,000 Swiss citizens abroad. The delegates of Where there is no recognised specialised organisation, the the CSA are to be newly elected for the 2009 to 2013 term of CSA can assign this responsibility to one or more associa- office. An international appeal is being made to any Swiss tions abroad or assume responsibility itself. abroad who would like to sit as a delegate on the CSA. This body is made up of representatives from the Swiss communi- Who organises the elections? The Organisation of the Swiss ties abroad and Swiss people living at home. Recognised by Abroad (OSA) provides Swiss people all over the world with the authorities as the official mouthpiece of the Swiss abroad, information about forthcoming elections. However, it is the the CSA represents the interests of our compatriots abroad specialised organisations and the associations of the Swiss and adopts positions on political issues that are of impor- abroad recognised by OSA in each country that are responsi- tance to them. It is the “Parliament of the Fifth Switzerland”, ble for actually organising the elections. The specialised or- the legislative body of OSA and it meets twice a year in Swit- ganisations and the associations of the Swiss abroad recog- zerland. nised by OSA receive information direct from OSA concerning the organisation of elections. Who can be elected to the CSA? All registered Swiss citizens abroad who submit their candidacy to the specialised organi- When will the elections take place? Between October 2008 sation or a Swiss association in their country of residence. and summer 2009. The newly elected council will hold its constitutive meeting on 7 August 2009 in Lucerne. Where do candidacies have to be submitted? Candidacies must be submitted to the specialised organisation of the Further information is available at www.aso.ch. country of residence or to a Swiss association recognised by OSA.

What must a candidacy contain? Each candidate must send a curriculum vitae to the organisation responsible (see below).

Advertisement February 1 2009 / No. swiss Review ECHO 19

n Recession in Switzerland? “I personally do not understand the problems some Swiss people have those aged 25 to 39 use it, All the specialist institutes’ with German immigrants. Many of them have integrated very well into compared to 29% of those forecasts have been drasti- Swiss life.” Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Federal Councillor aged over 55. cally revised downwards. The n After dinosaur remains and collapse of the financial mar- “If you go around randomly firing an assault rifle, you go straight to the shells of sea turtles, pal- kets and recession in the prison even if you don’t hit anyone. I don’t see why it should be any aeontologists have now dis- three major economies - different with speeding.” covered the skeleton of an Moritz Leuenberger, Federal Councillor and Transport Minister USA, Europe and Japan - will estuarine crocodile at hit Switzerland hard. The “The free movement of persons with the European Union has been a great Courtedoux in the Canton of Swiss National Bank antici- success. It has improved economic output by four to five billion francs Jura. This reptile lived some pates a decline in real GDP a year.” Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor 152 million years ago. It is the of between 0.5% and 1% next first time that an animal of year. Within the next 12 “Swiss people are often too pessimistic and no longer truly appreciate this kind has been found in months, unemployment is achievements such as federalism, direct democracy, consociationalism Switzerland. Chiara Simoneschi, President of the National Council expected to increase from and multiculturalism.” n Hans-Rudolf Merz has 2.7% (November 2008) to “There will be increasing political pressure from the USA and the Euro- been elected President of the 3.5%, 3.7% or even 4%. How- pean Union regarding banking confidentiality. But Switzerland as a Swiss Confederation, suc- ever, the Swiss National Bank financial centre has more to offer than just banking confidentiality.” ceeding . is not predicting a significant Josef Ackermann, Swiss national, Head of Deutsche Bank Despite suffering a heart at- drop in consumption levels in tack in the autumn, the 66- Switzerland. The property “The revenues of the financial sector are 700 times greater than gross year-old finance minister is sector remains in good shape. national product in Switzerland, but only 80 times greater in the USA. ready to take up office. As for inflation, which peaked This has benefited us for many years, but these days it is a disadvantage.” n In ski jumping, Simon at 3.1% in July 2008, this is Pierre Mirabaud, Chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association Ammann got the season off expected to be around 0.9% to a flying start with two vic- “People in Switzerland are basically very friendly and dependable. It is in 2009 and 0.5% in 2010. tories in the World Cup. He my impression that here the state belongs to the citizens and not the other n Switzerland’s skiers have even equalled the hill record way round.” started the season with a bang at Trondheim in Norway Gertrud Höhler, German national, literary scholar and political advisor following Daniel Albrecht’s with a leap of 140 metres. victory and Didier Cuche’s “I think we should welcome Germans into Switzerland. Granted, they are n Double Olympic medallist second place finish at Sölden not Swiss, but that is their only shortcoming.” Peter Stamm, author and winner of the Milan-San in Austria as well as Carlo Remo race, cyclist Fabian Janka’s second place at Lake Cancellara was named “Best Louise in Canada and Silvan Swiss Sportsperson” at the Zurbriggen’s fourth place in Sports Awards. Finland. In women’s skiing, n The former senior man- Dominique Gisin, Fabienne agement of UBS gave back Suter and the young Lara CHF 70 million in bonus Gut have achieved some good payments in November. But results (2 podium places). this is a mere drop in the n Less badly hit by the finan- ocean as they received more cial crisis than UBS, Credit than CHF 800 million in re- Suisse refused government cent years according to infor- aid. It has however an- mation published in the nounced losses of CHF 3 bil- press. In December, the lion in the fourth quarter of “SonntagsZeitung” revealed 2008 which is likely to result that Switzerland’s largest in 5,300 job cuts between now bank will have to make an- and the first quarter of 2009. “Swiss Personality of the Year 2008”: Pulling in 69.62 percent of votes, Federal other 3,000 to 4,500 job cuts, This amounts to 11% of the Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf was chosen by television viewers as their per- including 750 in Switzerland. sonality of the year 2008 during a live broadcast of the SF show “SwissAward”.

o. 1 workforce. According to the Zurich- n The cantons of Fribourg, based weekly newspaper, Valais and Vaud are banning n According to a survey car- Swiss bank customers now more than 11% of jobs in the

February 2009 / N smoking in public places. ried out by UBS, the number make these payments via the banking sector in Switzer-

Almost half of the Swiss can- of Swiss people using e-bills Internet. This method is par- land are under threat, which

Review tons have now adopted a passed the 300,000 mark in ticularly popular amongst the equates to 12,000 jobs. ss wi s Photo: Keystone “no smoking” law. November 2008, and 40% of younger generation. 50% of alain wey