The Legislative B Found Itself Debating at the Indoor Tennis Courts for Three Weeks, the Council of States Met in the Art Nouveau Gazebo of the Waldhaus Parkhotel

Due to construction work on the Federal Palace, the third parliamentary session held outside Bern – after Geneva in 1993 and Lugano in 2001 – took place in Flims in canton Graubünden last autumn. While the National Council The Legislative B found itself debating at the indoor tennis courts for three weeks, the Council of States met in the Art Nouveau gazebo of the Waldhaus Parkhotel.

18 ve Branch: National Council and Council of States

19 The election of parliament Switzerland has a bicameral parliament at federal level: the federal chambers, which together constitute the United Federal Assembly. The National Council represents the overall population and the Council of States, the member states of the Confederation, i.e. the cantons. This system reflects the two principles on which the structure of the State is founded: the democratic principle according to which every vote carries the same weight and the federalist principle by which all cantons are treated equally.

The cantons are represented in the Council of The People are represented in the National Council States The small chamber has 46 seats: 20 can- The large chamber has 200 seats. The number of deputies tons elect two representatives each and the six from a canton (each of which is a constituency) depends former half-cantons (Obwalden and Nidwalden, on its population size. Zurich with its large population Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausser- has 34 seats, while Uri and Glarus, Obwalden and Nid- rhoden, Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft) each walden and Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell elect one representative. In all cantons – with Ausserrhoden are each entitled to just one representa- the exception of Jura – the people elect their tive. Proportional representation is used for elections in deputies by a majority voting system. cantons with more than one seat.

Seats in the Council of States Canton Seats in the National Council Inhabitants

2 Zurich 34 1 228 600

2 Bern 26 947 100

2 Vaud 18 626 200

2 Aargau 15 550 900

2 St. Gallen 12 452 600

2 Geneva 11 414 300

2 Lucerne 10 350 600

2 Ticino 8 311 900

2 Valais 7 278 200

1 Basel-Landschaft 7 261 400

2 Solothurn 7 245 500

2 Fribourg 7 239 100

2 Thurgau 6 228 200

1 Basel-Stadt 5 186 700

2 Graubünden 5 185 700

The former half-cantons 2 Neuchâtel 5 166 500 Six cantons, which had once formed 2 Schwyz 4 131 400 a single entity and then subsequently divided, used to be considered half- 2 Zug 3 100 900 cantons. These were Obwalden and Nidwalden which divided even before 2 Schaffhausen 2 73 400 1291, the two Appenzells which 2 Jura 2 69 100 divided in 1597 on religious grounds, and Basel which saw one part break 1 Appenzell Ausserrhoden 1 53 200 away from the town in 1833. 1 Nidwalden 1 38 600

2 Glarus 1 38 300

2 Uri 1 35 000

1 Obwalden 1 32 700

1 Appenzell Innerrhoden 1 15 000

20 Members of the Council of States The rules for elections to the small chamber vary from one canton to another; however, the term of office is always four years as in the National Council.

ZH 1 Trix GL 13 This AR 25 Hans VD 37 Michel Heberlein Jenny Altherr Béguelin FDP, 2003 SVP, 1998 FDP, 2004 SP, 1999 [3] [5] [10] [1] [6] [8] [12] [1] [5] [7] [2] [3] [7] ZH 2 Hans GL 14 Fritz AI 26 Carlo VD 38 Christiane Hofmann Schiesser Schmid-Sutter Langenberger SVP, 1998 FDP, 1990 CVP, 1980 FDP, 1999 [2] [6] [8] [4] [9] [11] [3] [6] [10] [4] [5] [7]

BE 3 Hans ZG 15 Peter SG 27 Eugen VS 39 Simon Lauri Bieri David Epiney SVP, 2001 CVP, 1995 CVP, 1999 CVP, 1999 [1] [9] [4] [7] [8] [4] [5] [9] [1] [6] [11] BE 4 Simonetta ZG 16 Rolf SG 28 Erika VS 40 Rolf Sommaruga Schweiger Forster-Vannini Escher SP, 2003 FDP, 1999 FDP, 1995 CVP, 1999 [3] [6] [9] [11] [1] [6] [11] [5] [6] [9] [2] [6] [8] [10]

LU 5 Helen FR 17 Alain GR 29 Christoffel NE 41 Pierre Leumann-Würsch Berset Brändli Bonhôte FDP, 1995 SP, 2003 SVP, 1995 SP, 2005 [2] [4] [7] [9] [1] [9] [11] [12] [5] [6] [8] [2] [10] [11] LU 6 Franz FR 18 Urs GR 30 Theo NE 42 Gisèle Wicki Schwaller Maissen Ory CVP, 1995 CVP, 2003 CVP, 1995 SP, 2003 [2] [9] [11] [1] [5] [7] [3] [4] [7] [12] [2] [4] [5]

UR 7 Hansheiri SO 19 Rolf AG 31 Thomas GE 43 Christiane Inderkum Büttiker Pfisterer Brunner CVP, 1995 FDP, 1991 FDP, 1999 SP, 1995 [6] [10] [11] [6] [8] [10] [1] [6] [8] [3] [5] [10] UR 8 Hansruedi SO 20 Ernst AG 32 Maximilian GE 44 Françoise Stadler Leuenberger Reimann Saudan CVP, 1999 SP, 1999 SVP, 1995 FDP, 1995 [2] [4] [11] [1] [8] [9] [3] [7] [10] [2] [3] [10]

SZ 9 Bruno BS 21 Anita TG 33 Hermann JU 45 Madeleine Frick Fetz Bürgi Amgwerd CVP, 1991 SP, 2003 SVP, 1999 CVP, 2003 [3] [5] [9] [1] [4] [5] [4] [7] [11] [2] [4] [7] SZ 10 Alex BL 22 Hans TG 34 Philipp JU 46 Pierre-Alain Kuprecht Fünfschilling Stähelin Gentil SVP, 2003 FDP, 1999 CVP, 1999 SP, 1995 [2] [5] [7] [10] [1] [4] [8] [1] [3] [5] [7] [8] [10]

OW 11 Hans SH 23 Peter TI 35 Filippo Hess Briner Lombardi FDP, 1998 FDP, 1999 CVP, 1999 [2] [7] [8] [11] [2] [3] [10] [12] [1] [6] [8] [12] The year of election to the Council is stated NW 12 Marianne SH 24 Hannes TI 36 Dick Slongo Germann Marty after the member’s party affiliation; the figures CVP, 1999 SVP, 2002 FDP, 1995 in brackets refer to the committees to which [8] [9] [10] [3] [4] [9] [11] [3] [9] [11] the member belongs (see page 27).

21 Members of the National Council Elections to the large chamber are held once every four years. The Federal Constitution guarantees at least one seat for each canton. In the cantons entitled to more than one seat because of their population, the people have elected their deputies by a system of proportional representation since 1919; that means that the number of seats held by the parties in the Council is roughly equivalent to the share of votes cast for them.

ZH 1 Max ZH 21 Vreni BE 41 Peter LU 61 Franz ZG 81 Marcel Binder Müller-Hemmi Vollmer Brun Scherer SVP, 1991 SP, 1995 SP, 1989 CVP, 2003 SVP, 1999 [2] [8] [3] [4] [1] [8] [8] [12] [5] [12] ZH 2 Toni ZH 22 Anita BE 42 Ursula LU 62 Ida FR 82 Dominique Bortoluzzi Thanei Wyss Glanzmann-Hunkeler de Buman SVP, 1991 SP, 1995 SP, 1999 CVP, 2006 CVP, 2003 [5] [12] [11] [6] [10] [2] [7] [2] [4] [9] ZH 3 Hans ZH 23 Felix BE 43 Adrian LU 63 Ruedi FR 83 Thérèse Fehr Gutzwiller Amstutz Lustenberger Meyer SVP, 1995 FDP, 1999 SVP, 2003 CVP, 1999 CVP, 1999 [10] [5] [10] [6] [10] [5] [10] ZH 4 Hans ZH 24 Rolf BE 44 Ursula LU 64 Josef FR 84 Erwin Kaufmann Hegetschweiler Haller Kunz Jutzet SVP, 1999 FDP, 1991 SVP, 1999 SVP, 1995 SP, 1995 [1] [9] [6] [8] [7] [4] [6] [3] [11] ZH 5 Robert ZH 25 Markus BE 45 Rudolf LU 65 Otto FR 85 Christian Keller Hutter Joder Laubacher Levrat SVP, 1999 FDP, 2003 SVP, 1999 SVP, 1999 SP, 2003 [6] [12] [1] [10] [11] [8] [8] ZH 6 Ueli ZH 26 Filippo BE 46 Fritz Abraham LU 66 Felix FR 86 Hugo Maurer Leutenegger Oehrli Müri Fasel SVP, 1991 FDP, 2003 SVP, 1995 SVP, 2003 CSP, 1991 [1] [8] [10] [2] [7] [3] [2] [5] ZH 7 Christoph ZH 27 Ruedi BE 47 Simon LU 67 Otto FR 87 Jean-Paul Mörgeli Noser Schenk Ineichen Glasson SVP, 1999 FDP, 2003 SVP, 1994 FDP, 2003 FDP, 1999 [3] [4] [8] [4] [2] [11] ZH 8 Hans ZH 28 Ruth BE 48 Walter LU 68 Georges FR 88 Jean-François Rutschmann Genner Schmied Theiler Rime SVP, 2004 GP, 1998 SVP, 1991 FDP, 1995 SVP, 2003 [6] [12] [4] [9] [3] [6] [8] [9] ZH 9 Ernst ZH 29 Daniel BE 49 Hansruedi LU 69 Louis SO 89 Boris Schibli Vischer Wandfluh Schelbert Banga SVP, 2001 GP, 2003 SVP, 1999 GP, 2006 SP, 1995 [3] [10] [11] [9] [10] [3] [7] ZH 10 Ulrich ZH 30 Urs BE 50 Hermann LU 70 Hans SO 90 Bea Schlüer Hany Weyeneth Widmer Heim SVP, 1995 CVP, 2006 SVP, 1994 SP, 1996 SP, 2003 [3] [7] [2] [1] [10] [4] [7] [10] ZH 11 Jürg ZH 31 Kathy BE 51 Christa UR 71 Gabi SO 91 Roland Stahl Riklin Markwalder Bär Huber Borer SVP, 1999 CVP, 1999 FDP, 2003 FDP, 2003 SVP, 1991 [5] [6] [3] [4] [3] [4] [11] [5] [7] ZH 12 Bruno ZH 32 Ruedi BE 52 Johann N. SZ 72 Peter SO 92 Walter Zuppiger Aeschbacher Schneider Föhn Wobmann SVP, 1999 EVP, 1999 FDP, 1999 SVP, 1995 SVP, 2003 [1] [9] [6] [11] [9] [8] [3] ZH 13 Jacqueline ZH 33 Martin BE 53 Marc SZ 73 Pirmin SO 93 Kurt Fehr Bäumle Suter Schwander Fluri SP, 1998 glp, 2003 FDP, 1991–2003, 2007 SVP, 2003 FDP, 2003 [5] [8] [6] [12] [1] [10] [11] ZH 14 Mario ZH 34 Markus BE 54 Pierre SZ 74 Josi SO 94 Rudolf Fehr Wäfler Triponez Gyr-Steiner Steiner SP, 1999 EDU, 2003 FDP, 1999 SP, 2003 FDP, 1993 [3] [1] [5] [2] [12] [1] [6] ZH 15 Chantal BE 35 Evi BE 55 Therese SZ 75 Reto SO 95 Elvira Galladé Allemann Frösch Wehrli Bader SP, 2003 SP, 2003 GB, 2003 CVP, 2003 CVP, 1999 [4] [8] [1] [5] [9] ZH 16 Christine BE 36 André BE 56 Franziska OW 76 Adriano BS 96 Remo Goll Daguet Teuscher Imfeld Gysin SP, 1991 SP, 2003 GP, 1995 CVP, 2001 SP, 1995 [2] [5] [2] [5] [8] [9] [3] [9] ZH 17 Andreas BE 37 Paul BE 57 Walter NW 77 Eduard BS 97 Rudolf Gross Günter Donzé Engelberger Rechsteiner SP, 1991 SP, 1979–91, 1995 EVP, 2000 FDP, 1995 SP, 1995 [10] [7] [12] [7] [10] [7] [10] [5] [6] ZH 18 Barbara BE 38 Margret BE 58 Bernhard GL 78 Werner BS 98 Silvia Haering Kiener Nellen Hess Marti Schenker SP, 1990 SP, 2003 SD, 1999 SP, 1991 SP, 2003 [7] [1] [1] [8] [5] ZH 19 Vreni BE 39 Hans BE 59 Norbert ZG 79 Josef BS 99 Jean Henri Hubmann Stöckli Hochreutener Lang Dunant SP, 1995 SP, 2004 CVP, 1995–99, 2003 AL, 2003 SVP, 1999 [10] [11] [10] [12] [8] [11] [7] [5] ZH 20 Barbara BE 40 Ruth-Gaby BE 60 Christian ZG 80 Gerhard BS 100 Urs Marty Kälin Vermot-Mangold Waber Pfister Schweizer SP, 2000 SP, 1995 EDU, 1997 CVP, 2003 FDP, 2006 [6] [10] [2] [3] [10] [2] [6]

22 The year of election into the Council is stated after the member’s party affiliation; the figures in brackets refer to the committees to which the member belongs (see page 27).

BL 101 Caspar SG 121 Walter AG 141 Markus VD 161 Pierre-François VS 181 Oskar Baader Müller Zemp Veillon Freysinger SVP, 1998 FDP, 2003 CVP, 2006 SVP, 2003 SVP, 2003 [9] [3] [6] [2] [4] BL 102 Christian SG 122 Andreas AG 142 Geri VD 162 Charles VS 182 Jean-René Miesch Zeller Müller Favre Germanier SVP, 1991–95, 2003 FDP, 2006 GP, 2003 FDP, 1999 FDP, 2003 [7] [1] [2] [3] [9] [8] BL 103 Claude SG 123 Urs AG 143 Heiner VD 163 Yves NE 183 Didier Janiak Bernhardsgrütter Studer Guisan Berberat SP, 1999 GP, 2006 EVP, 1999 FDP, 1995 SP, 1995 [2] [8] [3] [4] [5] [9] BL 104 Susanne Leutenegger GR 124 Brigitta M. TG 144 J. Alexander VD 164 Isabelle NE 184 Valérie Oberholzer Gadient Baumann Moret Garbani SP, 1987–91, 1999 SVP, 1995 SVP, 1995 FDP, 2006 SP, 1999 [9] [11] [2] [4] [11] [11] [7] [11] BL 105 Maya GR 125 Hansjörg TG 145 Peter VD 165 René NE 185 Didier Graf Hassler Spuhler Vaudroz Burkhalter GP, 2001 SVP, 1999 SVP, 1999 FDP, 1999 FDP, 2003 [4] [5] [9] [7] [7] [11] BL 106 Hans Rudolf GR 126 Duri TG 146 Hansjörg VD 166 Marlyse NE 186 Francine Gysin Bezzola Walter Dormond Béguelin John-Calame FDP, 1987 FDP, 1991 SVP, 1999 SP, 1999 GP, 2005 [9] [7] [8] [9] [1] [3] [7] BL 107 Walter GR 127 Sep TG 147 Edith VD 167 Roger NE 187 Yvan Jermann Cathomas Graf-Litscher Nordmann Perrin CVP, 2003 CVP, 2003 SP, 2005 SP, 2004 SVP, 2003 [8] [2] [6] [2] [6] [10] SH 108 Gerold GR 128 Andrea TG 148 Brigitte VD 168 Pierre GE 188 Liliane Bührer Hämmerle Häberli-Koller Salvi Maury Pasquier FDP, 1991 SP, 1991 CVP, 2003 SP, 2002 SP, 1995 [3] [9] [8] [11] [1] [4] [7] [3] [5] SH 109 Hans-Jürg AG 129 Lieni TG 149 Werner VD 169 Géraldine GE 189 Maria Fehr Füglistaller Messmer Savary Roth-Bernasconi SP, 1999 SVP, 2005 FDP, 1999 SP, 2003 SP, 1995–99, 2003 [9] [4] [6] [12] [4] [2] [10] [12] AR 110 Marianne AG 130 Ulrich TI 150 Fabio VD 170 Serge GE 190 Carlo Kleiner Giezendanner Abate Beck Sommaruga FDP, 2003 SVP, 1991 FDP, 2000 Lib., 1998 SP, 2003 [1] [8] [1] [2] [10] [11] AI 111 Arthur AG 131 Walter TI 151 Fulvio VD 171 Claude GE 191 Martine Loepfe Glur Pelli Ruey Brunschwig Graf CVP, 1999 SVP, 1999 FDP, 1995 Lib., 1999 Lib., 2003 [1] [7] [2] [9] [5] [4] SG 112 Elmar AG 132 Hans Ulrich TI 152 Laura VD 172 Marianne GE 192 Jacques-Simon Bigger Mathys Sadis Huguenin Eggly SVP, 1999 SVP, 1999 FDP, 2003 PdA, 2003 Lib., 1983 [6] [2] [11] [4] [3] SG 113 Toni AG 133 Ulrich TI 153 Franco VD 173 Josef GE 193 Jacques Brunner Siegrist Cavalli Zisyadis Pagan SVP, 1995 SVP, 1999 SP, 1995 PdA, 1991–96, 1999 SVP, 2003 [2] [6] [7] [11] [4] [11] SG 114 Jasmin AG 134 Luzi TI 154 Fabio VD 174 Anne-Catherine GE 194 André Hutter Stamm Pedrina Menétrey-Savary Reymond SVP, 2003 SVP, 1991 SP, 1999 GP, 1999 SVP, 2003 [10] [3] [11] [8] [6] [11] [6] SG 115 Theophil AG 135 Pascale TI 155 Meinrado VD 175 Luc GE 195 Luc Pfister Bruderer Robbiani Recordon Barthassat SVP, 1999 SP, 2002 CVP, 1999 GP, 2003 CVP, 2005 [1] [4] [4] [6] [5] [9] [4] SG 116 Jakob AG 136 Urs TI 156 Chiara VS 176 Viola GE 196 John Büchler Hofmann Simoneschi-Cortesi Amherd Dupraz CVP, 2003 SP, 1999 CVP, 1999 CVP, 2005 FDP, 1995 [7] [12] [1] [4] [8] [11] [3] SG 117 Lucrezia AG 137 Doris TI 157 Attilio VS 177 Maurice GE 197 Ueli Meier-Schatz Stump Bignasca Chevrier Leuenberger CVP, 1999 SP, 1995 Lega, 2003 CVP, 1999 GP, 2003 [2] [9] [4] [6] [8] [6] [11] [10] SG 118 Thomas AG 138 Christine VD 158 André VS 178 Christophe GE 198 Pierre Müller Egerszegi-Obrist Bugnon Darbellay Vanek CVP, 2006 FDP, 1995 SVP, 1999 CVP, 2003 Solidarités, 2003 [11] [5] [1] [7] [1] [3] SG 119 Hildegard AG 139 Philipp VD 159 Jean VS 179 Jean-Noël JU 199 Pierre Fässler-Osterwalder Müller Fattebert Rey Kohler SP, 1997 FDP, 2003 SVP, 1999 SP, 2003 CVP, 2003 [1] [9] [10] [4] [8] [1] [1] SG 120 Paul AG 140 Ruth VD 160 Guy VS 180 Stéphane JU 200 Jean-Claude Rechsteiner Humbel Näf Parmelin Rossini Rennwald SP, 1986 CVP, 2003 SVP, 2003 SP, 1999 SP, 1995 [5] [9] [5] [7] [5] [2] [5] [3] [9]

23 1st Vice-President AG 2nd Vice-President VD TI

iara

Andr

Bugnon

Cortesi

Jutzet Christine

Egerszegi-

Erwin

LU NW

Simoneschi-

er Otto

Federal Councillors Eduard

Laubach Engelberger

VD JU VS BE

The United Federal Assembly Tellers

Rey alter

The two Councils meet in the National Council Chamber to elect the Federal Ren

Pierre

Kohler

audroz

V Schmied

Council, the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Court and to decide on pardons Jean-No and disputes over respective powers. The members of the Council of States n Peter ria tz Föhn d stu take their seats at the back of the Chamber. SZ A m r A de h an BE Pirminw ri Ulric üer Sch Felixü çois M ZH Schl SZ Leuenberger

LU Jean-Fran Hans Ulrich Rime Walter Uel AG Mathys Ulrich Glur FR Siegrist AG alter Christian W obmann Miesch Lieni W Toni luzzi glistaller Hans s AG rto Fü S oi Bo A Kaufmann O ç ZH G Roland B GE ZH enri L H Borer an nt rg Christophrgeli Je a n Jü ö un SO M D illo John-Calame Ulrich ZH Pierre-Fran Stahl Ve AG Giezendanner ZH t B é elin n er S F a ranc b rm Je Andr m atte eymond Guy a R VD P zi Ernst F hil p Peter chibli V Lu ne S D GE o r Stam Spuhler ZH he te Attilio van Bignasca TG Y T fis VD r P a r Perrin no r Elm e ru e g NE AG B pig Big SG up E Z SG Rudolf bert TI N n o ller ZH Joder R e K Jasmi BE ni Hutter To Ursula r Bernhard er Hess Brunner SG Haller ZH h fle an c SG ä r Wa

rg Markus Donz ö W ba j Hans BE be risti i ns r Simon h h Fehr d a sle Schenk B C e H sc s é E Wa

é a u H ZH e R A GR el Oskar BE ZH Freysinger arc erer M Jean-Ren B ch Germanier E S VS ZH B Jacques Z f G e Pagan Didier s VS Burkhalter a o s gger r J unz K GE pa J. Alexander Laur er Sadi s Cas Baumann NE ad LU s mann r Filippo V rku Ba an ch Leutene el Dan ischer H ts . a BL u TG e utte R M M i ud TI H t Council of States r y li e t Gabi e r itta n e Huber Kur U u ZH Cla u e Flur a rig ie R ZH M B ad r Madeleine G rg ä Amgwerd ZH ö ZH sj r Martin JU VD Brunschwig Graf UR Max G an lte io ZH R H a b te lder B SO Binder W a a Pierre-Alain Fa h Ab Gentil ZH GE rista JU TG arkw Hansruedi Ch M Wandflu TI Cathomas Marianne BE Kleiner di er

Jacques-Simon Otto Sep Fritz Abraham BE Ineichen e ller l Eggly os è Oehrli n ller ü Rue alter th l N ü an e Philipp Gis M y W au AR M rm Serge Or BE e yen GE n H e Beck -P n so LU NE te W s ô ea Pierre J ZH Gla . AG VD r GR Bonh BE N SG l e n NE he lin Charles n id Favre ic e a e M gu F h Hochreutener é R hn B Jo c Yves uisan e S G

VD VD Norbert er Urs Christiane Schweizer Langenberger Isabell VD B Vakant Moret E erner z Pierre n Triponez VD W h ra Messm

Andreas rgi Zeller Hermannü o BS B J up VD D r BE TG helin B Philippä Georges E Theiler TG St GE SG BE

Felix TG Gutzwille LU d eiler l Fluvio Pelli Theo ffe hrer Maissen Z ü H Gerol R dli B K

ik n a

ä th Rudolf zola Christo Steiner lin olf T ri GR r I z Br y

R u Hegetschw

Hans Rudolf Gysin

D Be Hans SH GR Alther id-Sutter rlo m SO a h C c ZH AR S BL GR ZH nfschilling Hans ü F AI r Anita Fetz B alle L Alain Berset w s r

BS Ur rsch Sch ü

This FR Jenny

Fritz Schiesse FR in Alex Kuprecht

rle H Lauri Bruno Frick e GL ans Helen b Leumann-W

e Franz rix Wicki

T GL H

Hans SZ Hofmann SZ LU LU ZH ZH BE

24 President Secretary General Distribution of the 246 seats Mariangela in the Council of States (A) and Wallimann-Bornatico Secretaries and AG interpreters in the National Council (B) (A) (B) 8 55 SVP Swiss People’s Party

Obrist 2 EDU Federal Democratic Union Christine

Egerszegi- 1 SD Swiss Democrats Committee spokepersons 1 Lega Ticino League W 4 Lib. Liberal Party 14 36 FDP Radical Free Democratic Party Federal 11 GP Green Party Councillors

1 GB Green Alliance Engelberger 1 AL Alternative Kanton Zug VS BE LU BE 1 glp Green Liberal Party Tellers

l 3 EVP Evangelical People’s Party

Rey

nter

Paul

Brun

alter ü

Franz 15 28 CVP Christian Democratic People’s Party

W Schmied

Jean-No 1 CSP Christian Social Party Ro th-B 9 52 SP Social Democratic Party ern Ma ZisyadisJosef asc ria oni 2 PdA Worker’s Party Maria Gé Huguenin r GE ald Sav in D 1 Solidarités nne e Be id VD ar rb ier y era So t Leuenberger m Recordon m Ca Jean-Claud aru rlo VD NE D g NordmannRoger Luc V a Rennw C e h al Ueli ristia d Le M v n GE arlys JU Christian D Miesch ra V a VD orm e t G lé Bé o Pierre arb rie gu nd Hans V a eli Wid VD anek ni n mer FR S BL GE Schelbert té M And E p VD Anne-Catherine h D N R a LU en Louis n Andreas ag ré os e Fra u si é e n B Teu i Gross oris trey-S t John-Calame n GE Banga zisk Pierre sc Claude Maury Pas VS h Salvi Francine Janiak BE ZH avary er a Hans SO St Mario L U Liliane öckli F Fehr Bernhar quier Pe a d bio BL Attilio VD r E Bignasca in Franco a B H BE Z A Cavall Peter dsgr lle Vollmer VD m E I i E a v T TI NE ü Urs G nn i tter Bar M Haeri Edith TI E b B G a L ar Graf Rem ya e B Martin ra u Su a Oberholzete n Gysin o ä f s g BE er umle ne a Vermot-Mangol n h Heiner G Do Studer S gg n Ruth-Gaby c S e tu ris TG Walter e S Donz m ba r p B h r ZH d BL G Hubmann e sc y Vr d é u J e r-Steiner eni a R A cq J AG u ZH o Rechsteiner e E s BL lin B y Rudolf Fe e AG h Hugo r BE Fasel H ZH Therese Marty K Z W Barbara e Fr rn ö M er ZH sch SZ a G rt ä i Hofmann enner S Rut lin H A Urs B ä nd Josef m h Lang r M FR m L V er e G Daniel a ischer Hans-J ü G le ller Christine eri

i ZH t BE H B AG e e ü ur Chantal im a M Fehrrg

K Flur Gallad ü G R ZH lle oll G Kiener Nelle Ur BrudererPascale r-Hem ZG V sula é reni Wyss AG SH Margret SO SO ZH mi ZH Rechsteiner

S Council of States c Paul he Silv ZH Thomas M Hildegard n Ost BE M n R ein ZH Markus ke Cathomas ia o erwF ü b ra ä ller r AG D ssler- Zem b W Chris o ia d alder de m o R ehrli n Sep eto iniq i SG Brunnertian p BE Bu

ller

alter e ü m u ThaneiAnita an e Fran W M BS G SG Hany Urs TI S Saudançoise AG Elvira GE GR SZ Bader SG Amherd FR Simon M ZH Viola Chevrieauric Epiney Gerhard

Hochreutener GE P LU fist Th e B Jakob r Escher ü é Rolf Jerm e M Adrian chler r Norbert Imfeld r è W SO Barthassat eyer se VS

alter M ann

reas D VS eier-Schatz M ick d VS Luc arty n Lucrezia

A Zeller ZG L F VS o ilipp Christophe FR m SG H Dar b a o ä rd OW berli-Koller TI SG BE BL be i Brigitte llay GE Maximilia Lustenb Reimann Weh G TI Reto Humbel N S

Ruedi Forster-Vannini Tho n erger rli P L A fis o rth S m e V R K te

Ruth p a

ik a ur re s fe

i zola lin Erika r r ä z TG y

u f e AG

D B SZ E D u g LU avid e AG n AI B Pe Germann AG Hannes rin GR ZH te e r SG Leuenberger r B ü SG ttiker Rolf

Ernst S SH ch P B e w ieri te Marianne eig SH R r Hansheiri S Inderkum Hansruedi Hans olf Slongo o Hess S e SO m r im

Stadler

m o SO aruga

netta

H Lauri

ans ZG

H Hofmann OW NW UR UR ZH BE BE

25 The political parties Political parties are groupings of like-minded people that have their own philosophies of life – in other words, a particular view of the State, society and the economy, etc. They must balance their actions and opinions between efforts to strive for the general good and those of particular interest groups. They act as a link between the people and the institutions of the State. The positioning of the parties in the National Council reveal how close or how distant they are in relation to one another: the more two parties voted against each other, the greater the distance between them on the chart. Naturally enough, these positions are not fixed but constantly fluctuating.

“Liberal”

Lib. 4

FDP 36

CVP

“Left” 52 “Right” 1 3 EVP 1 SP 11 Lega 1 55 SVP CSP 1 GB 1 glp 1 AL GP

The coloured circles show the current positions, 1 2 PdA based on votes in 2006, and the plain circles Solidarités show the positions in the previous year. The chart is a geometric representation of voting patterns along the most important lines of political conflict: the horizontal axis shows the EDU political leanings from left to right, and the ver- 2 1 SD tical axis those from liberal to conservative. “Conservative”

The parliamentary groups Parliamentary groups are formed by deputies either of the same party, or parties sharing the same political sympathies. At least five deputies are needed to form a parliamentary group. In the small chamber, all 46 members belong to a parliamentary group, in the large chamber almost all do: only five National Councillors have no affiliation.

Council of States National Council Total Groups are entitled to appoint representatives to the parliamen- Radical Free Democratic Group 14 36 + 4 54 tary committees. Parliamentary Social Democratic Group 9 52 61 group meetings serve to enable preliminary discussions on Group of the Swiss People’s Party 8 54 + 1 63 Council business with a view to Christian Democratic Group 15 28 43 agreeing the line to be followed

Green Group 11+1+1+1 14 during parliamentary debate. The committee members inform their Group of the EVP and the EDU 3 2 5 colleagues in the parliamentary Total 46 194 240 groups of the proposals laid before them.

26 The committees and delegations In order to prepare items of business, the two chambers each have twelve standing committees, two supervisory committees (1–2) and ten legislative committees (3–12). In addition, there are also a number of other committees and delegations dealing with a range of specific issues.

Council of States National Council

1. Finance Committee (FC) 20 34 18 35 39 16 22 25 31 17 21 3 13 50 94 4 6 12 73 115 158 38 41 78 119 136 166 179 25 110 122 150 111 148 178 199 55 34

2. Control Committee (CC) 8 11 6 40455 23443741422 10 87 161 1 46 113 124 131 132 16 36 74 103 147 180 189 30 62 117 127 * 100 170 86 142 60

3. Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) 34 36 9 26 30 1 23 44 4 37 43 24 32 134 142 7 9 10 48 66 92 14 21 84 89 96 188 200 51 108 121 196 31 80 178 186 192 143 4. Committee for Science, Education and Culture (CSEC) 21 33 8 15 27 30 45 5 14 22 38 24 42 30 169 15 21 70 135 137 153 64 115 124 129 159 181 148 156 195 27 51 67 152 28 105 191 143

5. Committee for Social Security and Health (CSSH) 28 18 1 25 38 9 27 34 21 42 43 10 29 53 11 2 81 91 99 125 160 13 16 97 98 120 180 188 23 138 164 75 83 140 155 86 171 56 6. Committee for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy (CESPE) 2639 7 3540161928312 13294 20 113 5 8 11 64 112 194 42 97 135 137 167 24 68 94 100 149 63 127 141 177 174 32 33

7. Defence Committee (DefC)

3325 5 11381518304510323746 18 10 44 46 91 102 133 158 37 70 89 168 184 * 77 126 165 185 62 111 116 140 57 79 186 8. Committee for Transportation and Telecommunications (CTT) 31 13 11 19 22 12 15 35 40 2 29 20 46 61 78 13 35 41 85 128 154 1 47 65 72 130 159 24 26 68 126 182 59 107 156 56 123 157 9. Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation (CEAT) 24 4 5 14 28 36 6 9 12 27 17 20 3 101 119 4 12 49 88 145 146 96 104 109 120 183 200 52 106 108 151 163 76 82 95 117 28 175

10. Political Institutions Committee (PIC) 1 7 19 23 44 12 26 40 41 43 46 10 32 17 80 19 39 40 42 90 189 3 9 43 45 50 114 187 26 77 93 139 63 83 69 197 57 170

11. Committee for Legal Affairs (CLA) 6 17 7 8 39111416364 412433 29 87 19 22 84 104 128 184 190 45 132 133 134 144 193 71 93 164 185 59 118 176 177 174 32

12. Committee for Public Buildings (CPB)

17 23 30 35 13 5 116 37 39 74 189 2 8 81 61 * 149 33

The numbers represent the corresponding members of the National Council and the Council of States * vacant (see pages 21 and 22/23; the first two listed are the chairperson and deputy respectively, the remaining committee members are ordered by party affiliation.

Tasks The Control Committee reviews Joint committees and delegations Committees of the On average the committees meet reports on the activities of the The Drafting Committee revises United Federal Assembly three to four days a quarter. They Federal Council and the Federal draft legislation especially when The Committee on Pardons debate the items of business Courts as well as their activities the provisions of a proposed law examines requests for pardons assigned to them and formulate and management. It supports have been heavily amended by submitted to the Federal As- recommendations for their parliament in exercising supreme parliament. sembly. respective council. supervision over the federal The Administration Committee The Judicial Committee orga- The Finance Committee studies administration and the adminis- supervises the management and nises elections to the Federal the budget and public accounts tration of justice at federal level. the financial administration of Supreme Court and other federal of the Confederation and propos- It is also divided into sub-com- the parliamentary services. courts. als for future spending. It is mittees. The NRLA Supervisory Delega- The Rehabilitation Committee divided into sub-committees The Control Delegation is tion exercises supreme parlia- quashes convictions against per- which scrutinise the finances responsible for monitoring the mentary supervision over con- sons who helped refugees to flee of the various departments. intelligence service. struction of the new rail link persecution during the period of The Finance Delegation contin- The Legislative Committees through the Alps (NRLA). In addi- National Socialism. ually monitors and supervises deal with legislation in their tion, the Federal Assembly is rep- the federal government’s respective fields. resented by standing delegations finances. in a series of international parliamentary assemblies.

27 The work of parliament The National Council and the Council of States usually meet four times a year: They hold ordinary three-week sessions in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Council sessions are open to the public.

Sessions Extraordinary sessions Election of the President of the Confederation and the Vice-President of the Federal Council

01 1 8 15 22 29 025121926 03 5121926 042 9 16 23 30 057142128 06 4111825 2 9 16 23 30 6132027 6132027 3101724 1 8 15 22 29 5121926 310172431 7142128 7142128 4111825 2 9 16 23 30 6132027 4111825 1 8 15 22 1 8 15 22 39 5121926 310172431 7142128 5121926 2 9 16 23 2 9 16 23 30 6132027 4111825 1 8 15 22 29 6132027 3101724 310172431 7142128 5121926 2 9 16 23 30 7142128 4111825 4111825 1 8 15 22 29 6132027 3101724

07 2 9 16 23 30 08 6132027 09 3101724 10 1 8 15 22 29 11 5121926 12 310172431 310172431 7142128 4111825 2 9 16 23 30 6132027 4111825 4111825 1 8 15 22 29 5121926 310172431 7142128 5121926 5121926 2 9 16 23 30 6132027 4111825 1 8 15 22 29 6132027 6132027 310172431 7142128 5121926 2 9 16 23 30 7142128 7142128 4111825 1 8 15 22 29 6132027 310172430 1 8 15 22 29 1 8 15 22 29 5121926 2 9 16 23 30 7142128 4111825 2 9 16 23 30

The main tasks members of the Federal Council, become vacant, the Federal Further tasks: The Federal of the Federal Assembly the Federal Chancellor and Assembly meets to determine a Assembly ensures all amend- Legislation: The two chambers judges on the Federal Supreme successor. In the event of a mili- ments to cantonal constitutions debate all constitutional amend- Court, the Federal Insurance tary threat it also selects a gener- if these are deemed to be demo- ments, prepare all important Court, the Federal Criminal al to act as commander-in-chief cratic and in accordance with legal provisions in the form of Court, the Federal Administrative of the armed forces. federal law. federal acts, draw up federal Court and the Military Court of decrees and approve internation- Appeal. Control: The federal chambers al treaties. Each year the United Federal exercise supreme supervision Assembly elects the President of over the federal administration; Elections: In the first session fol- the Confederation and the Vice- they decide on the federal gov- lowing National Council elec- President of the Federal Council ernment’s budget – the level of tions, the two chambers sit from among the seven members revenues and expenditure. They together as the United Federal of the Federal Council. Should a also examine and approve the Assembly in order to elect the seat on the Federal Council federal accounts.

28 Forms of parliamentary intervention Every member of the National Council and Council of States is entitled to speak during the sessions and to table motions. Members have at their disposal a range of instruments, some more effective than others, to ensure that their opinions and those of their electorate are heard.

Parliamentary initiatives Postulate Ordinary question Question time The ‘right of initiative’ enables a The ‘postulate’ is a form of This is a request for information The Monday sessions of the member to submit a draft bill request requiring the Federal from the Federal Council on National Council in the second (federal act, federal decree or fed- Council to determine if draft leg- important domestic or foreign and third weeks begin with a eral assembly ordinance) or to islation (federal act, federal affairs. The question is replied to question time dedicated to topi- propose in general terms that decree or ordinance) has to be in writing and does not come cal issues. Questions have to be such a text be drafted. All legisla- presented or if other appropriate before the chamber. submitted by the close of the ses- tive work takes place in a com- measures must be taken. The pos- The question can be declared sion on the Wednesday of the mittee of the National Council or tulate can also lead to the pres- urgent with the approval of the preceding week. They must be Council of States. It is not possi- entation of a report. President in the National Council phrased concisely (only a few ble to submit an initiative on an and the approval of the Office in lines). They are then answered item for which a bill has already Interpellation the Council of States. It must briefly by the relevant head of been submitted. Members can An ‘interpellation’ enables mem- then be submitted, signed and in department as long as the mem- then simply submit a proposal to bers to request information on writing, one week before the ber submitting the question is the chamber. important events or matters close of the session in a three- present. That member is then also relating to foreign or domestic week session and on the first day entitled to ask a supplementary Motion policy affecting the Confede- during a one-week session. question on the same subject. The ‘motion’ obliges the Federal ration. A debate can be requested Question time lasts no longer Council to submit a specific draft on the response given by the than 90 minutes. bill or decree or to take appropri- Federal Council. An interpellation ate measures. The approval of the can be declared urgent with the other chamber is also required. A approval of the Office requiring motion can be amended either in it to be dealt with during the cur- the second chamber at the rent session as long as it has request of the majority of the rel- been submitted by the start of evant committee or of the Federal the third session (usually the Council. The first chamber may Wednesday of the first week). endorse the changes or elect to reject the motion definitively. A motion aimed at influencing an administrative decision or appeal in the framework of a legal procedure is inadmissible. Around 6000 parliamentary interventions In the last four years members of the National Council and the Council of States submitted a total of 6338 parliamentary interventions, broken down into: • 397 parliamentary initiatives • 1367 motions • 744 postulates • 1685 interpellations • 854 simple enquiries and • 1291 written questions relating to question time in the National Council. That means an average of 20 interventions per member, although some achieve twice or even three times that number.

29 How is new legislation enacted?

The process leading to the adoption of a new law is complex and often lengthy. It takes at least 12 months, but in extreme cases may take up to 12 years. However, the number of laws adopted has increased greatly in recent years; on average, one new law or amendment comes into force each week. All of the following steps had to be completed in order for the new “Federal Act on Genetic Engineering in the Non-Human Domain” to come to fruition:

1998 The draft was put out to consul- 1997 tation among the cantons, politi- 1996 The Federal Veterinary Office cal parties and associations as subsequently worked on an ini- well as to other interest groups. 2000 The first steps on the path to tial draft bill in close coopera- They all had the opportunity to bringing in new legislation are tion with other relevant agen- give their opinions and propose The Federal Council reviewed the taken by the person who consid- cies. The Federal Council changes. Some 180 submissions text and submitted it in the form ers it to be necessary, whether it approved the bill in December were made, the last of which on of a dispatch to parliament on be an individual member of the 1997. 4 June 1998. 1 March 2000.

public, an assembly member or In October 1998, the Federal From April 2000 to August 2001 the Federal Council. Council published the analysed the Council of States’ Committee In this particular case, it was the findings from the consultation on Science, Education and Cul- National Council Committee for procedure on the Gen-Lex draft. ture debated the proposed Science, Education and Culture: At the same time, responsibility amendments to the Environmen- As the Environmental Protection for the matter shifted from the tal Protection Act. Act was amended in 1995 with- FVO to the Swiss Agency for the It decided to regulate the pro- out taking the field of genetic Environment, Forests and Land- tection of human beings and the engineering into account, it scape (SAEFL), which then draft- environment from the dangers of decided on 15 August 1996 to ed a report on the amendment of genetic engineering through a submit the Gen-Lex motion the Environmental Protection new law in its own right, the Act requesting the Federal Council to Act. on Genetic Engineering in the close this loophole in the law. Non-Human Domain.

“Corn in parliament” Politics as you’ve never seen it before! Jean-Stéphane Bron’s political thriller on DVD. With bonustracks and inter- views, including 14 animation films by Nicolas Party, Denis Savary and Akinori Oishi. 7 political themes investigated, many answers and even more questions. Order now: www.negociations.ch

30 2001 2003 During the 2001 summer and During its conciliation procedure autumn sessions the Council of 2002 in March 2003, the National States decided that the Act should Council followed the recommen- not only protect humans and the In the 2002 autumn session the dations of its committee in many environment, but also “biodiver- National Council began debating points and reduced the number sity and its sustainable use”. the proposal. It decided to set of differences – such as with It granted environmental down stricter conditions than the regard to the right of appeal for organisations the right to appeal Council of States for the release organisations or the article on against the introduction of of GMOs for research purposes. the purpose of the law. All genetically modified organisms Contrary to the Council of remaining differences with the (GMOs), but rejected a moratori- States, it removed the right of National Council were dealt with um on their use. appeal for organisations; how- by the Council of States in the At the request of its commit- ever, it also came out against a same session. 2004 tee it maintained the principle of moratorium on the commercial As there were no differing versions of the legal absolute liability and approved release of GMOs. In the overall text of the new law there was no need for a The Federal Council brought the conference of conciliation between committee the law in an overall vote by 32 vote the law was passed by 67 members of the National Council and Council of Act on Genetic Engineering into votes to 0. votes to 48 with 48 abstentions. States. force on 1 January 2004.

The prize-winning documentary “Mais im Bundeshuus” (Corn in Parliament) reveals the tug-of-war between different interest groups in the relevant National Council committee. As the meetings take place behind closed doors, the film-makers ques- tioned the individual members before and after each session. The film (released 2003) which is as informative as it is enjoyable, seeks to show who represents what point of view and what their aims are, who is trying to form a pact with whom and which strategies prove to be most successful.

From November 2001 to July 2002 During the conciliation proce- On 21 March 2003 the Act on the National Council’s Committee dure in December 2002 the Coun- Genetic Engineering was passed on Science, Education and Cultu- cil of States adopted the National in the final vote by 159 votes to 4 re discusses the matter. The Council’s stricter provisions on in the National Council with 19 moratorium issue is particularly product liability. Forestry and abstentions and by 41 votes to 0 controversial. agriculture sectors are exempt. in the Council of States. In this context, it is the person required to obtain authorisation that is held liable, and then only On 10 July 2003 the 100-day peri- for deficiencies arising from the od in which a request can be genetic modification. The Council made for a referendum expired retained the right of appeal for with no request having been environmental organisations and made.

amended the article describing As the Gen-Lex is simply a federal act and not a the purpose of the law. The law is constitutional amendment there is no obligation to hold a popular vote. intended to “enable” research to be carried out and not to “pro- mote” it, as was the wording proposed by the National Council. It removed the provision added by the National Council that would have forced producers of GMOs to prevent any contamination of non-genetically modified products. Furthermore, farmers would have to agree in writing if they wanted to obtain genetically modified products.

31 Parliamentary Services

Parliament, with its 246 mem- The Parliamentary Services are The Scientific Services The word ‘parliament’ is derived bers, holds four sessions a year headed by the Secretary-General from the Latin parlare, to speak. and around 600 committee meet- of the Federal Assembly, Marian- However, it is often a case of no ings resulting in hundreds of pro- gela Wallimann-Bornatico. Not all members of parliament sooner said than forgotten. Every posals, all of which are organ- Together with the three Deputy are able to study every proposal parliament is therefore equipped ised and handled by the Parlia- Secretaries-General, they make in detail. The volume and com- to transcribe what is said. The mentary Services. They are locat- up the management team that plexity of business is continu- system used by the Parliamen- ed in the Federal Palace and runs and coordinates the servic- ously increasing, which is also tary Services for the Official Bul- assist the National Council and es. The General Secretariat is the reason why each matter is letin is one of the most modern the Council of States in their par- responsible for planning the ses- assigned to one of the commit- in the world and has received liamentary work. sions and any related business, tees. The committee secretariats several awards. The statements The Swiss legislature is a and for organisational and pro- form the Committees Service. of council members are recorded militia parliament which means cedural matters. It prepares the They plan the committees’ work and relayed for publication on that its members have to balance meetings of the offices and the and provide them with technical, the internet almost in real time. their parliamentary work with chambers as well as sessions of organisational and administra- their other professional careers. the United Federal Assembly. The tive assistance, and advise them Members of parliament need to In order to do this and be able to Central Secretariat plays an and their chairpersons in all have swift access to the informa- tackle the problems of a modern important role for the 246 law- matters concerning parliament, tion and documentation neces- society, proper preparation, com- makers, but also for the press especially with regard to proce- sary in the course of their work. prehensive documentation, pre- and other interested parties. dure and areas of responsibility. The Documentation Centre is cise translation and impeccable They create dossiers presenting able to provide the information support during the meetings and the main points of business with The Legal Service provides they need on almost any topic so sessions are essential. The Par- the amendment proposals of the advice and information on ques- that they are able to prepare liamentary Services provide this Federal Council, the majorities tions of parliamentary law. In material for council decisions or all-round service and enable par- and minorities, and prepare all particular, it advises the council debates. liament members to conduct seri- of the material needed in the presidents, the offices, commit- ous and creative legislative course of parliamentary work. tees and the heads of service on work. In addition, the secretariats of the application of parliamentary the Supervisory Committees of law. both chambers, and the Auditing and the Control Committees are responsible for supervising the business of the federal government and the Federal Adminis- tration.

32 Secretary-General: Mariangela Wallimann-Bornatico Deputy Secretaries-General: John Clerc, Hans Peter Gerschwiler, Christoph Lanz Staff: 183 Budget: CHF 81 500 000.–

i Parliament Building, 3003 Bern Tel: 031 322 87 90, Fax: 031 322 53 74 [email protected] www.parlament.ch

The Language Service provides The Federal Assembly’s security External Relations and Resources, Security and Information translations for parliament and Logistics strategy is implemented by the the Parliamentary Services. A Security and Infrastructure Ser- The service reports to the Secre- large part of the work consists The Operations and Usher Ser- vice. It adopts any necessary tariat of the Foreign Affairs Com- of committee and delegation vice organises the sessions of the measures and ensures they are mittee. It organises the foreign reports. The Interpreting Service Federal Assembly, committee and adhered to. It is also responsible trips of the council presidents ensures simultaneous translation parliamentary group meetings. It for planning and coordinating and of delegations engaged in of the statements during the ses- also copies, distributes and use of the building and main- promoting bilateral relations. It sions of the United Federal sends documents and publica- taining the technical infrastruc- carries out administrative work Assembly and the National Coun- tions for the chambers, commit- ture of the Parliament Building, for delegations in international cil. Translations are provided tees and individual members. that of the Federal Assembly and parliamentary assemblies and from and into the three official premises used by the administra- fosters relations with foreign languages (German, French, Ital- The Personnel Service is respon- tion. parliamentary members. It ian). The Italian Secretariat pre- sible for the implementation of organises visits to Switzerland pares documents in all specia- personnel policy, planning of The IT and New Technologies by presidents and delegations lised fields. personnel matters, and personnel team is responsible for operating from foreign parliaments and is administration. It also plays a and maintaining the whole of the also responsible for questions of The Internet Service maintains central role in organisational IT infrastructure used by the protocol (receiving of foreign dig- the parliament website which is development, and supports and Parliamentary Services and the nitaries and ambassadors). updated daily and is available in advises line managers on basic parliamentary groups’ secretari- four languages (www.parla- and advanced staff training. ats. It provides all members with The Information Service organ- ment.ch), offering information on personal IT equipment. ises and coordinates information the workings of parliament and The Finance and Travel Service on the work of parliament and its various bodies, the items of is responsible for the prepara- its bodies. It supports and advis- business and members of parlia- tion and administration of the es council members, the parliament, and reaching a broad audi- budget, and the accounts and mentary bodies and the heads of ence in electronic form. During controlling. It also arranges for service on information and parliamentary sessions it also the allowances to be paid to The Political Forum of the Confederation in Bern’s Käfigturm media-related matters and main- broadcasts live streams of the members of parliament and will be holding the following events in 2007: tains contacts with accredited debates. The information offering advises them on pension matters. Soirée politique journalists and the media in gen- is rounded off with comprehen- In addition, it organises the A series of events on topical political eral. sive dossiers on key issues and official trips of members of issues. Details can be found at: www.kaefigturm.admin.ch an interactive section on how the parliament and other staff of 10.1. / 24.1. / 7.2. The Public Relations Service political system works. the Parliamentary Services. We are the People! Uprisings and Revolutions in Eastern Europe produces communication materi- A series of events organised by the al on parliament and its work- Political Forum and the Swiss Library for Eastern Europe. ings, organises events in the Par- 23 March liament Building and arranges Bern Museum night with a special programme at the Käfigturm tours. Together with the Federal 21 March until 21 October Chancellery, it also runs the 2007 parliamentary elections “Political Forum of the Confeder- An exhibition with accompanying events organised by the Parliamentary Services. ation” in the Käfigturm. The team of parliament guides are glad to take bookings for guided group tours (booking required). The number to call is 031 322 85 22. If you would like to receive regular upda- tes about events at the Käfigturm simply subscribe at www.kaefigturm.admin.ch or send your details to: Käfigturm – Ein Polit-Forum des Bundes, 3003 Bern.