The Swiss Confederation a Brief Guide 2009 Index

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 2009 Index

Accumulation 16 Cantons 15, 24, 25, 28 Collegiality 43 Committees 34, 35 Communes 15 Concordance 43 Confederation 15 Council of States 25, 28, 29, 30, 31 Delegations 34 Departments (overview) 44, 45 Executive 15, 40 Factions 34, 36 Federal Assembly 30, 31 Federal Chancellery 46, 47 Federal Council 15, 40–43 Federal Offices (overview) 44, 45 Federal Supreme Court 15, 77, 78, 79 Half-cantons 28 Initiative 17, 33 Interpellation 33 Judiciary 15, 76–80 Legislature 15, 32 Magic Formula 43 Mandatory referendum 16, 17 Motion 33 National Council 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 Optional referendum 16, 17 Parliament 22–36 Parliamentary services 37 Parties 18–21, 30, 31, 43 Petition 17 Postulate 33 Proportional representation 16, 25 Referendum 16, 17 Right to elect 16 Right to vote 16 Separation of powers 15 Sessions 32, 33 Simple majority 25 Sovereign 15 Splitting the vote 16 Swiss Abroad 29

Cover picture: A budding Swiss citizen peaks into the Parliament Building – not the recently renovated original in Bern, but the 1:25 model at the Swiss miniature exhibition in Melide, Ticino The Swiss Confederation a brief guide

Dear reader, ne of the most exciting moments in Swiss poli tics has to be the Federal Council elections, as O things very often come down to every last vote. Following the election of a new member of government by the United Federal Assembly on 10 December 2008, it is worth looking back at the colourful history of these elections: It took over 130 years for the first woman to be elected to the Federal Council in 1984. Today I am pleased to say that there are three women in the Federal two SVP members who had been elected in 2007 shifted Council. When our federal state was founded in 1848, their allegiance to the newly created BDP (Conservative the Federal Council consisted entirely of members of the Democratic Party) following party-internal disputes. Free Radical Party. It was only in 1891 that the first Following the elections of 10 December 2008, the SVP Catholic-Conservative (precursor to the CVP) member is once again represented in the Federal Council. All of joined the government. After that, it again took some which goes to show that Federal Council elections do time until the first representative of the Farmers’, Trades’ not simply follow a set pattern. In the 19th century they and Citizens’ Party (precursor to the SVP) was elected were even referred to as a lottery. In recent years, the in 1929 and until a member of the Social Democratic eve of the Federal Council elections has been termed the Party was elected in 1943. It was exactly 50 years ago “night of the long knives”. One thing is certain: Federal that the “magic formula” was established in 1959, a for Council elections frequently offer an element of surprise mula which stood for over 40 years: during that period, and moments of suspense. the Federal Council consisted of two Federal Councillors In 2009 we will also be turning our attention to sport from the FDP, two from the SP, two from the CVP and in the shape of the ice hockey world championship, one member from the SVP. In 2003 though the SVP won which is being held here in Switzerland. In sport just a seat from the CVP. That election represented a break as in politics, it is not about claiming the spotlight. It is from the past. It not only brought an end to the long about perseverance, teamwork, mutual respect and fair standing political composition of the government (end play. Only then is the contribution of each individual of the magic formula), but it was also the first time in crowned by success. On that note I wish you a success many years that a sitting member of the Federal Coun ful year and hope you enjoy reading this booklet, which cil was not re-elected (this had only happened twice will give you an insight into the country’s political work in the early years of the federal state [1854, 1872]). In ings and the Federal Authorities. 2007, there was a repeat when a member of the Federal Councillor, once again failed to be re-elected. In 2008 the party-political constellation altered again after the Federal Chancellor: Corina Casanova

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 1 Contents

the legiSlature: national council and council of StateS or The Swiss parliament

Interview with President Hans-Rudolf Merz 4

Population, Finances 8 a brief hiStorical overview or How long has there been a Switzerland? 10

the election of memberS of parliament or The two ways into parliament 24 a unique political SyStem or Swiss democracy memberS of the national council or Representing Switzerland’s 7.5m inhabitants 26

memberS of the council of StateS or Representing the 26 cantons 28

Sommaruga

Luginbühl Simonetta

Werner Hansruedi

Hansheiri Inderkum Stadler Niederberger

Felix Gutzwiller

Verena Diener

Konrad Graber Paul

Helen Leumann-Würsch Hans Schweiger Hess Bruno Frick

Alex Kuprecht Rolf ZH Peter BL Pankraz Bieri AG Freitag Leuenberger BE BE 107 This 32 51 TG Jenny Ernst 139 Kathy Hans Rudolf AI Pierre Ruth Riklin Gysin 149 Büttiker 59 Triponez Werner AR Urs Humbel Näf Schwaller Rolf Norbert Messmer 110 LU Marianne 111 Hochreutener UR Alain GermannHannes Kleiner Berset Arthur 71 GR Gabi SZ Loepfe LU SG 65 Huber AG TI Peter AG 152 Anita Briner Ruedi 64 126 123 Fetz 142 ZH Fulvio Lustenberger Ida Sep Walter Forster-Vannini Philipp Pelli TG SG Cathomas Müller 25 50 75 Glanzmann- Müller Claude Reto 140 Hunkeler Markus ZH Johann N. BE Janiak Erika Wehrli Markus Hutter 26 Schneider- ZG 119 Zemp Filippo Ammann 148 Leutenegger 49 VS BE Ivo Eugen Brigitte Thomas Christa Häberli- ZH 68 Bischofberger David Müller BE GR Markwalder LU Koller VS Georges 80 LU Bär Theiler Egerszegi-Obrist BL Gerhard 34 127 67 27 ZH Hans Pfister ZH Altherr Christine 178 58 Ruedi Tarzisius Ruedi SG Otto 24 Christophe LU 105 Walter Aeschbacher Caviezel Noser 170 SO 176 Ineichen Doris Charles Darbellay Kathrin Donzé BE VD Maximilian Viola Fiala 52 172 Favre Amacker- Christoffel Amherd Christian Isabelle VD Reimann SO Amann Brändli 118 66 Wasserfallen Moret Lucrezia 100 188 FR 89 Pius ZH BS Martine Meier- ZH Peter Schatz Elvira Segmüller SO Brunschwig Theo ZH 184 Graf GE Maissen Bader ZH Malama 90 AG Sylvie NE Pirmin 28 93 141 Perrinjaquet ZH 29 151 TI 83 Bischof Martin Kurt Corina Ignazio Thérèse 31 Tiana BE Meyer- 33 Bäumle Fluri Eichenberger- Cassis 173 VS FR Urs 60 Kaelin Angelina Walther 190 Claude AG Barbara Ruey Hany SG Moser Christian Christian Schmid- 30 171 VD Federer Waber Lüscher GE Filippo Thomas 57 BE Olivier VD Lombardi Weibel Ursula Français 177 82 ZH Haller Maurice 138 ZH 122 TI Dominique TI Chevrier de Buman VS Esther Yvonne ZH 56 150 Egger-Wyss Gilli 157 BE 86 Fabio Dick 23 Hans Jacques Abate Philipp GE TI Marty Daniel Attilio Grunder Bourgeois FR Stähelin ZG Bignasca 196 BE 53 20 Vischer Yves ZH Therese 36 155 179 Marlies Nidegger 125 Adrian Meinrado Roberto Frösch 132 AG Hansjörg Amstutz Robbiani GE Bänziger GR Hermann Schmidt Walter Hassler 189 Bürgi ImoberdorfRené BL 79 Hugues BE Glur Hiltpold Josef GE BL 55 Lang NE 19 GE Franziska SG 76 158 Anita André Jean-René OW 124 Bugnon Thanei Teuscher VD 116 Christoph SG 198 Brigitta M. 61 von Rotz Yvette Luc 106 Gadient VD Fournier BS 186 Lukas GR Estermann Géraldine Barthassat Maya 134 AG 103 Francine Reimann Savary AG Graf 168 Susanne John-Calame Luzi 144 LU Leutenegger 195 ZH 40 Alexander J. Oberholzer Adèle Stamm Baumann ZH Ueli Simon 120 Leuenberger Thorens 109 3 Hildegard 99 SH Schenk BE Hans Fässler- Goumaz Thomas TG Fehr Luc Maury Pasquier Osterwalder Anita Liliane Lachenmeier- 22 Hurter 42 SG Recordon 137 BE Hansruedi Thüring Katharina 146 ZH Wandfluh Doris BE Hansjörg Stump Prelicz- Walter 16 BE ZH 162 Huber 62 Christine Pierre- Josef BE Goll AG François TG Kunz Robert VD GR 133 Veillon 8 Cramer 121 47 Hans Didier Paul 54 Hans LU Rut Rechsteiner Hans SZ Alec GE 21 115 Stöckli Killer Theophil Burkhalter 43 von Pfister schmann 1 SO Bastien 102 4 Max BE Evi Graffenried BL Alfred Binder Allemann Girod Christian Heer ZH SG

128 TI Miesch 114 Andrea Jasmin Hämmerle Hutter Gisèle ZH ZH 74 VD 194 Andy Antonio Ory GL Tschümperlin 87 81 48 94 Jean- Marcel Ursula Bea Hodgers Scherer François 197 SG Wyss Heim Rime André ZH Reymond

154 39 10 the united federal aSSembly or Ulrich Fabio Rudolf Schlüer FR Joder SH Pedrina BE 167 ZG GE Daniel 78 180 Oskar GE Brélaz Freysinger

BE ZH 18 Daniel Jositsch VD 38 BS 45 FR 7 Jean-Pierre 91 108 Margret Roland F. Natalie Graber Borer Claude Hans-Jürg Kiener 98 Fehr Jean-Henri Nellen Simone BE Rickli Dunant Hêche BL 192 Maria 187 Roth- Yvan 101 Perrin Caspar Bernasconi Baader

BE AG VD ZH SO 169 BS Christian 97 112 Elmar Silvia van Singer Bigger Schenker TI 88 Marie- Anne

Thérèse

Weber-Gobet NE BL 104 Seydoux-Christe Eric Nussbaumer

73 Pirmin Schwander

113 Toni 136 Brunner Max Chopart- ZH 164 Acklin SO Ada 63 199 Dominique Marra Felix Baettig VD Müri

153 Marina Carobbio Guscetti BE 160 Jean-Pierre Grin

SZ VD

LU Schibli Ernst 9

13 JU Jacqueline 95 Brigit Fehr Wyss

GE 175 Josef Zisyadis 30

46 Ricardo

Number of voting papers distributed: 246 Lumengo

Aebi

Geissbühler

Martina Andreas

Andrea

Bäni

163 Josiane Aubert Flückiger VS

Sylvia

129 LU

Mörgeli

193 Christoph Carlo Sommaruga

Zufferey

Glauser-

Schelbert

Alice Rossini

BE Stéphane

Louis 182

159

Rielle

Jean-Charles

191

Föhn

Zuppiger

Bruno

Peter

Kauf

72 Daguet

Hans André

Steiert

François

Jean-

v ian

t 85

mann

Erich d

r erat

iebenthal ude

Stahl

Jürg BS

Berb

11 Levra

ZH Didie

Christ

84 185 SZ

SG TG SO VD VD NE ZH

Rennwal

Jean-Cla

200

Spuhler

BE Peter

145 Rechsteiner

Rudolf

96 117 147 92 166 174 183

Füglistaller

Gross

Jakob Edith Walter Eric Jacques Laurent Lieni

Andreas ZH 17

Büchler Graf-Litscher Wobmann Voruz Neirynck Favre 130

Bortoluzzi

Toni

Galladé

Chantal

Giezendanner

AG Ulrich

Nordmann

131

Roger

165

Widmer VD NW

Hans

ZH 70

161 77

Fehr

Mario

14 Guy Edi AG Parmelin Engelberger

AG TI AG VS 156 135 143 Chiara Pascale 181 Geri Simoneschi- Bruderer Jean-René Müller the work of parliament or Cortesi Germanier What “our people in Bern” are doing 32

committeeS and delegationS or Switzerland’S federal Structure or Tackling items of business 34 2636 plus 26 equals 1 14 the parliamentary groupS or direct democracy at federal level or Where great minds vote alike 36 One People, many rights 16 parliamentary ServiceS or what political intereStS are repreSented by whom or The service centre for the Federal Assembly 37 The four political parties of the Federal Council… 18 the way to the enactment of new legiSlation or …as well as the eight other Regaining control of political parties in parliament 20 Invalidity Insurance 38

2 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide the federal courtS or the executive: federal council and departmentS or The Judiciary The Swiss government

the third power The Federal Council 42 Federal Supreme Court 78 organiSation of the federal adminiStration or Federal Courts of first instance 80 Where the 36 000-strong federal staff work 44

Federal Chancellery 46

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA 48

Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA 52

Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP 56

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS 60

Federal Department of Finance FDF 64

Federal Department of The Swiss Confederation a brief guide online the site provides additional material in the form of documents, Economic Affairs FDEA 68 charts, photos and videos and you can even test your civic Federal Department of knowledge using our interactive quiz. why not try it out at the Environment, Transport, Energy http://www.ch.ch/ebuku. and Communications DETEC 72

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 3 4 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide IntervIew wIth PresIdent hans-rudolf Merz

I want to reassure the people

Mr Merz, what does the office one who thinks that the Federal Council You are of course still a head of department of President mean to you? can be run as a hierarchy is quite mis- and as such you have straightened out the It is a classic example of the burden taken. federal finances. Is the financial crisis now and privilege of high office. It is an hon- destroying your good work? our to be President of the Swiss Confeder- Do you think it is right and good that No, you have to look at it in stages. ation, but it brings with it huge responsi- the SVP again has a recognised Up to the end of 2007 we were able to bilities. You have to represent the country representative in the Federal Council? reduce debt by CHF 11 billion. 2008 was while continuing to head a government Yes, this is fundamental and is at the a year of contrasts. The financial year department. As President of the Swiss very core of our understanding of the po- ended with a surplus of CHF 5 billion, but Confederation it is my firm intention to litical system: the strongest party must extraordinary expenses are accruing, for ensure that there is a good atmosphere in be represented in a concordance govern- example for invalidity insurance, the fed- the Federal Council. ment. Without concordance we will not, eral pension fund and the system change in the long term, be able to keep Swit- in the migration sector. In 2009 we had Do you have a motto for your year zerland together as a coherent whole. In been expecting a surplus, but this is un- as President? view of our federalist structure and our likely to materialise. At least we have not I should like to give our people the as- democratic rights, we cannot afford to yet incurred any new debts. I am already surance that we will be able to weather have a system of opposition and govern- focusing on the 2010 budget, where it the difficult times ahead if we focus on ment. will only be possible to balance revenue our values and virtues: diligence, relia- and expenditure with the greatest effort. bility, quality coupled with creativity and Isn’t it a bit strange that Federal Councillors modesty. Our country’s prosperity was use the polite “Sie” form when addressing Another great concern of yours is the reform built on these values. If we remain true one another at their meetings? of value added tax. Do you still believe you to them, we will emerge from the crisis No, this is not just a tradition. It goes will achieve a breakthrough with the pro- stronger than before. deeper than that. Each member of the posed flat rate tax? Federal Council represents a department, A breakthrough is still uncertain. You How will you be running the Federal Council? various offices, organisations or subsi- can lead a horse to water but you can’t I would like meetings to be well dised bodies and not just themselves. The make it drink. Personally I think that planned and procedures to be structured. polite form shows that each member is a radical simplification of the system But within these structures there must be not simply speaking on their own behalf. would be the best solution for our coun- room for creativity. Each member should We address each other as the head of a try. It would be a first to have the lowest be able to talk openly and put across their government department. When we break flat rate in the whole of Europe. It would ideas. The Federal Council is not an easy for lunch, however, we revert to the fa- mean a loss of privileges for certain sec- body to chair, but you can’t get very far miliar “Du” form as we are addressing one tors and no-one gives those up easily. by adopting a commandeering tone. Any- another as individuals.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 5 No-one likes to give up privileges

You returned to work very soon after your How will you find time to take a break from can also help to prevent misunderstand illness. What is it that particularly draws you the dual burden of being a head of department ings and disputes. Then there are our to the office of Federal Councillor? and President of the Swiss Confederation? multilateral contacts, which will mean If medicine has made such progress You just have to find time to relax as visits to the International Monetary Fund and succeeds, as in my case, in making you go along. I for one will not be taking in Washington and to the UN in New people fit for work again, then the person any long holidays this year. Every Sunday York. As far as bilateral contacts are con concerned should oblige by getting back morning I go for a long walk and for me cerned, there will be working meetings to work. That is the aim of our health that half day is sacrosanct. I greatly enjoy at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos and care system. Furthermore, I still intend those moments of solitude. Solutions to several visits by foreign heads of govern to see through a number of projects, or existing problems often occur to me dur ment in Bern. at least ensure that they have reached a ing these walks. This is what happened satisfactory stage. Countless letters of en when I had to restructure the Appenzell And how will you as President of the Swiss couragement also showed me that people Cantonal Bank, for example. I went off Confederation strengthen ties with the people? were keen for me to return to office. on my own for three days hiking in the I do not have to strengthen this con Engadine and thought through the con tact as it is already strong enough. I go It seems that other heart patients are now sequences. By the time I got back to Heri shopping every Saturday, and I know coming under pressure from their employers... sau, it was clear to me what needed to be about people’s everyday concerns. I have I hadn’t thought of that, but it is valid done. no intention of artificially mingling with for everyone: the aim of treatment is to be the crowds. That is not the way to find fit enough to go back to work. But the pace Will we be seeing you on the ice rink in front out about people’s everyday concerns. of recovery varies from person to person. of the Federal Palace at some point? There is also a risk that people have a ten Before this illness I was fit, I don’t drink Yes, I hope so. I’m quite a good ice dency to generalise based on such one or smoke, I’m not overweight and I have a skater. I even used to play ice hockey. off contacts. That is not what I want, so healthy lifestyle. If people, on account of When I skate on the Bundesplatz I’ll leave you won’t be seeing any stage-managed their previous level of fitness, need longer the hockey stick at home though! events while I am President. to get fully fit, so be it. They just have to accept that. Convalescence shouldn’t be What criteria are used to decide what foreign Politics, as we know, is not all there is to life. seen as a competition! trips you will be making during your presi What else is particularly important to you? dential year? Culture in the broadest sense: this Isn’t it a lonely life as a Federal Councillor? The first port of call will be the Eu started while I was a young boy at Yes, it is. But we mustn’t become isolat ropean Union. It is customary to visit the school and, looking back, I have to say ed. It must be possible to put this solitude two countries which hold the rotating that I was very much interested in the to good use to ponder on matters. presidency, this year the Czech Republic arts. Now certain things have had to and Sweden. Occasional trips to Brussels be put on hold due to time constraints,

6 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide I know about I don’t drink or people’s everyday smoke and I’m not concerns overweight

but I make it my business to read a lot, complex system. I must simply try, as first You eat a lot of dried fruit and drink green tea... and for 51 years without a break I have among equals to guide the Federal Coun The green tea wasn’t really deliber had a season ticket for the theatre in cil along this path. ate. On my first day at work, my assistant St. Gallen. asked me if I would like a coffee. As I was Do you already have plans for life after the already quite agitated, I asked him for a Is it true that you always carry the Bible and Federal Council? herbal tea, but all he had was green tea. Goethe’s Faust around with you? I often spent time abroad on business Then, for the next four years, he never It is indeed. I started doing this in but was unfortunately unable to see many asked me if I wanted a coffee, but just the 1980s in Latin America because I of the sights and I would like to make up brought me green tea instead. I’ve even sometimes travelled in countries where for that. I should like to visit Latin Amer started to get a taste for it! people were occasionally taken hostage. ica again. And the Far East, China and Business people were often among those Japan also interest me. Most of all, how The interview with President Hans-Rudolf Merz kidnapped and only released on payment ever, I would like to immerse myself in was conducted by Monika Rosenberg, parliamentary correspondent with the NZZ. of a ransom. I had to face the fact that the arts again – that will be wonderful! this could very well happen to me, too. So I was prepared for this scenario: these How would you describe yourself in terms of two books are the ones which would help your strengths and weaknesses? me hold out the longest. I still carry them My strength is at the same time also round today in a secret compartment in my weakness. If I had to have a psy the lining of my briefcase. They are small chological assessment, the psychologist India-paper books. Not only are they al would probably say I had a “dissipated ways with me but I also read the Bible personality”. That is, a person with a quite often, particularly the poetry in Job broad range of interests. The opposite of or Psalms. They pretty much contain all this would be, for example, a banker who the words of wisdom you need in daily collects coins in the evening after work. life. A dissipated person, on the other hand, has many interests and runs the risk of What would you like to have achieved at the spreading himself too thin. Fragmenta end of your year as President? tion, then, would be the weakness. In view of the looming crisis, I should like to be able to say: we have spared our country from major harm by taking the right decisions at the right time using the right means. But I am only one part of a

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 7 2%

41,8% 18,2%

35,3% 36% 12,7% 4,3% 62% 11,7%

11,4% 11,1% 4,9% 4,3% 4,6% 16 945 2007 Population 12 732 1996 4,1% 7349 3,8% 6333 4327 2,5% 5580 2,4% 3601 3953 10,3% 4978 13,5% 3124 2274 2066 9753 6098 2% 4739 41,8% 18,2% 3954 2% Foreign nationals (by country of origin) 35,3% Household2% sizes 36% 12,7% 41,8% 62% Italy 18,2% 41,8%4,3% 18,2%11,7% other 36% 2% 35,3% Germany 12,7% 35,3% 36% 12,7%11,4% 62% 41,8% 4,3% Single parent with children18,2% Serbia* 11,7% 4,3%11,1% 62% 11,7%4,9% 36% 35,3% 12,7% Por tugal 11,4% 4,3% 2% 4,6% 16 945 2007 4,3% 62% 11,7% 11,4% 11,1% 12 732 1996 41,8% 18,2% France 4,9% 11,1% 11,4% Single-person households4,9%4,1% Religion 2% 7349 16 945 4,3% 36% Turkey 4,6% 2007 11,1% 4,3% 35,3% with children 4,9% 4,6% 3,8% 12,7% 16 9456333 12 7322007 1996 2% 12 732 1996 Roman4,3% Catholic 41,8% 4,3% 4,6%62% 18,2% 11,7% Spain 4,1% 16 945 2007 4327 Family households 1996 7349 4,1% 2,5% 12 732 7349 5580 41,8% 36% 4,1% 18,2% 6333 Protest ant 35,3% 12,7% 11,4% Macedonia 3,8% 7349 6333 3,8%2,4% 150000 6333 3601 4327 62% 3,8%36% 3953 Muslim 4,3% 35,3% 11,1% 11,7% 12,7%4,9% Bosnien-Herzegowina 2,5% 4327 4327 5580 2,5% 2,5%10,3% 62% 5580 165580 945 4978 2007 Other religious communities 3.2% 4,3% 4,3% 11,4% 11,7%4,6% 2,4% 3601 2,4% Croatia 3601 123601 732 3124 1996 without children 2,4%13,5% 120000 3953 3953 11,1% 4,9% 11,4%4,1% 73493953 2274 None 10,3% Other European countr ies 10,3% 4978 4978 10,3% 3,8% 63334978 2066 11,1% 13,5% 3124 16 945 3124 2007 No details 4,3% 4,6% 4,9% Other continents 13,5% 43273124 13,5% 90000 2274 975312 732 19962274 2,5% 2066 5580 16 945 2007 4,3% 4,1% *incl.4,6% Montenegro and Kosovo 2274 6098 2066 9753 3601 7349 12 732 1996 2,4% 2066 4739 3,8% 4,1% 6098 3953 6333 9753 9753 3954 7349 10,3% 60000 4739 4978 4327 6098 3,8% 3954 6098 6333 2,5% 3124 5580 4739 13,5% 4327 22744739 3954 2,4% 2,5% 3601 5580 30000 20663954 3953 10,3% 2,4% 9753 3601 4978 3953 6098 3124 13,5% 10,3% 4978 0 4739 2274 3954 3124 13,5% 2066 2274 9753 2066 6098 9753 4739 6098 90 175 emigrants 3954 150000 4739 3954 150000 150000 7 593 494 inhabitants 120000 of which 1 602 093 are foreign nationals 165 634 immigrants 120000 150000 90000 150000120000

60000 90000 120000 12000090000 150000

30000 120000 90000 90000 60000 4,0% 60000 Language regions 0 15000090000 30000 60000 Main language French 20.4% German 63.7% Italian 6.5% 6000030000 Romansh 0.5% Other 9.0% 150000 spoken by the 22,4% 60000 majority 120000 0 30000 73,6% 30000 0 150000 120000 100+ 30000 90000 0 0 90–95 120000 90000 0 80–85 60000 90000 70–75 Household expenditure 60000 150000 60000 30000 60–65 4,0% Housing (including energy) 16,3% 30000 150000 50–55 Social insurance30000 contributions 15,8% 150000120000 1500000 Age structure (five-year classes, in thousands)40–45 22,4% Taxes and charges 12,5% 0 120000 0 120000 30–35 73,6% Transport and communications 10,6% 90000 120000 100+ Women Men 20–25 Food and alcohol-free beverages 7,4% 90–95 90000 Entertainment, relaxation and culture 7,4% 9000060000 90000 80–85 10–15 Gainfully employed by sector 4,0% Restaurant and hotels 6,0% 150000 60000 70–75 0–5 Agriculture and forestry 4,0% Clothing and shoes 2,7% 6000030000 60000 60–65 300 200 100 0 100 2004,0% 30016,3% 4,0% 150000 22,4% Other expenditure 21,3% 50–55 Industry15,8% and commerce 120000 30000 30000 30000 0 40–45 12,5% 22,4% 120000 Employment rate: 82.3% 73,6% 22,4% 22,4% 30–35 10,6% 100+ 90000 0 0 7,4%73,6% 73,6% 0 20–25 73,6% 90000 90–95 7,4% 10–15 100+ 100+ Income (net monthly; full-time employed) 100+ 6,0% 60000 0–5 80–85 90–95 90–95 Services 4,0% 90–95 2,7% >8000.– <3000.– 60000 300 200 100 0 100 200 300 70–75 80–85 80–85 21,3% 4,0% 16.3% 2.9% 80–85 30000 60–65 Swiss 70–75 70–75 3001–4000.– 70–75 22,4% 7001–8000.– 16,3% 16.3% 30000 Foreign60–65 nationals 50–55 7.3% 16,3% 60–65 22,4% 15,8% 16,3% 0 60–65 73,6% 50–55 16,3% 15,8% 40–45 50–55 12,5% 0 100+ 73,6% 15,8% 50–55 40–45 6001–7000.– 15,8% 12,5% 30–35 100+ 40–45 11.7% 10,6% 12,5% 40–45 90–95 Birthrate:30–35 1.46 children per woman 12,5% 10,6% 7,4% 10,6% 20–25 90–95 30–35 7,4% 30–35 80–85 20–25 10,6% 4001–5000.– 7,4% 25.7% 7,4% 10–15 80–85 20–25 7,4% 7,4% 20–25 70–75 10–15 5001–6000.– 6,0% 19.5% 6,0% 7,4% 0–560–65 70–75 0–5 10–15 7,4% 10–15 16,3%2,7% 2,7% 6,0% 30060–65 200 100 0300 1002000–5 100 200 3000 100 200 300 6,0% 0–5 50–55 21,3%15,8% 16,3%21,3% 2,7% 300 200 100 0 100 200 300 2,7% 40–4530050–55 200 100 0 100 200 300 12,5% 15,8% 21,3% 21,3% 30–35 40–45 10,6% 12,5% 20–25 30–35 7,4% 10,6% 7,4% 7,4% 8 The Swiss Confederation10–15 20–25 a brief guide 6,0% 7,4% 0–5 10–15 2,7% 6,0% 3000–5 200 100 0 100 200 300 21,3% 2,7% 300 200 100 0 100 200 300 21,3% Finances

41,8% 18,2% 2% 35,3% 36% 12,7% 41,8% 18,2% 4,3% 62% 11,7% 35,3% 36% 12,7% 11,4% 4,3% 62% 11,7% 11,1% 4,9% 11,4% 4,3% 4,6% 16 945 2007 11,1% 4,9% 12 732 1996 4,1% Federal revenue 2007 7349 4,3% 4,6% 16 945 2007 3,8% 12 732 1996 6333 4327 4,1% 7349 2,5% 5580 3,8% Transport6333 levies 3.5% 3601 2,4% 4327 Tobacco tax 3.8% 3953 2,5% 5580 10,3% 4978 3601 2,4% Stamp duty 5.1% 3124 13,5% 3953 2274 10,3% 4978 2% Import duty 1.8% 2066 3124 VAT 33.9% 13,5% 9753 2274 6098 41,8% 18,2% 2066 Indirect taxes 58.1% Mineral oil tax 8.8% 4739 9753 36% 3954 35,3% 12,7% 6098 4,3% 62% 11,7% 4739 3954 Other fiscal revenues 1.2% 11,4% CHF 58 092 million 11,1% 4,9% 4,3% 4,6% 16 945 2007 Other revenues 8.2% 12 732 1996 4,1% 7349 3,8% 6333 Direct taxes 33.8% 4327 2,5% Withholding tax 7.3% 5580 150000 2,4% 3601 3953 150000 120000 10,3% 4978 13,5% Direct federal tax 26.5% 3124 120000 90000 2274 Federal expenditure 2007 2066 90000 9753 60000 6098 Other expenditure 8.8% 4739 60000 30000 Developments in revenue (CHF million) 3954

30000 0 Social welfare 31.4% 60 000 0 Interest on debt and the 50 000 share of the cantons 18.1% 40 000 150000 CHF 53 956 million 150000 30 000 120000 Foreign relations 4.2% 20 000 120000 90000 150000 10 000 90000 2% 60000 4,0% Education and 1200000 41,8% 6000018,2% fundamental research 9.2% Transport 13.6% 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 4,0% 30000 36% 35,3% 22,4% 12,7% Agriculture and 30000 90000 Overspending 4,3% 62% 11,7% food0 supply 6.7% National defence 8.0% 22,4% 73,6% Revenue surplus 100+ 11,4%0 73,6% 60000 90–95 100+ 11,1% 4,9% 4,3% 80–85 4,6% 16 945 2007 90–95 12 732 1996 70–75 30000 4,1% 2% 80–85 7349 60–65 70–75 16,3%3,8% 6333 41,8% 18,2% 50–55 15,8% 0 4327 60–65 16,3% 2,5% 5580 35,3% 36% 12,7% 40–45 12,5% 50–55 15,8% 2,4% 3601 4,3% 62% 11,7% 30–35 10,6% 3953 40–45 12,5% 10,3% 20–25 7,4% 4978 30–35 11,4% 10,6% 7,4%13,5% Developments in expenditure (CHF million) Developments in debt (CHF million) 3124 11,1% 10–15 7,4% 20–25 4,9% 6,0% 2274 0–5 7,4% Social welfare 16 945 2007 2066 4,3% 10–15 4,6% 2,7% 150000150 000 300 200 100 0 100 200 300 6,0% 12 732 1996 9753 0–5 4,1% 21,3% 6098 2,7% Transport 7349 4739 3003,8%200 100 0 100 200 300 6333 120000120 000 21,3% 3954 National defence 4327 Confederation 2,5% 5580 2,4% Agriculture and food supply 3601 9000090 000 3953 10,3% Education and fundamental research 4978 13,5% 3124 6000060 000 4,0% Foreign relations 2274 Cantons 2066 Interest on debt and the share of the cantons 9753 3000030 000 Communes 6098 22,4% Other expenditure 4739 3954 0 73,6% 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 100+ 150000 90–95 80–85 120000 70–75 90000 60–65 16,3% 50–55 15,8% 60000 40–45 12,5% 150000 10,6% The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 9 30–35 30000 20–25 7,4% 120000 7,4% 10–15 0 6,0% 0–5 90000 2,7% 300 200 100 0 100 200 300 21,3% 60000

150000 30000

120000 0

90000

60000 4,0% 150000 30000 22,4% 120000 0 73,6% 100+ 90000 90–95 80–85 60000 4,0% 70–75 30000 60–65 16,3% 22,4% 50–55 0 15,8% 73,6% 40–45 12,5% 100+ 30–35 10,6% 90–95 20–25 7,4% 80–85 7,4% 10–15 70–75 6,0% 0–5 60–65 2,7% 16,3% 300 200 100 0 100 200 300 21,3% 50–55 15,8% 40–45 12,5% 30–35 10,6% 20–25 7,4% 7,4% 10–15 6,0% 0–5 2,7% 300 200 100 0 100 200 300 21,3% a brief hiStorical overview or How long has there been a Switzerland?

1291 According to tradition, Uri, During the period known as the “regen Switzerland is spared from the First World Schwyz and Unterwalden renew their al eration” after 1830, the pressures of eco War from 1914 to 1918, but the difficult liance to defend their property and rights nomic development cause around half of social conditions in many sections of the against foreign attack on the Rütli mea the cantons to adopt liberal constitutions population caused by the war lead to a dow on 1 August. that guarantee their citizens economic general strike in 1918. The strikers are Additional urban and rural areas join and political freedom. This leads to con unsuccessful in pushing through many of or are conquered by this “Confederation” flicts between liberal and conservative their demands, such as the 48-hour work in the course of the following decades cantons. ing week and the introduction of old-age and centuries. insurance. In that same year, however, Tensions between the liberal Protestant the National Council is elected by propor The Swiss defend their loose federation’s and the Catholic cantons lead to the civil tional representation for the first time and growing power and freedom for two hun war in 1847 (the “Sonderbundskrieg”). now includes workers representatives. dred years against a variety of opponents After a brief military campaign with This brings the dominance of the Free until they obtain true independence from federal troops, the Catholics, who had Radical Party to an end. the German empire after the Swabian founded a separatist federation, surren War in 1499. der. In 1920 Switzerland accedes to the League of Nations founded the previous year, on The abolition of mass and the introduc condition that it strictly preserves its tion of communion in Zurich by Zwingli neutrality and that it is not required to in 1525 lead to the religious division of 1848 The modern Swiss federal state participate in any military campaigns. Switzerland into Catholic and Protestant is founded in 1848. Its constitution cen regions that live separately and time and tralises and harmonises numerous areas The global economic crisis of 1929 leads to again go to war with one another. which were previously the responsibility increased unemployment and, in 1936, to of the cantons, such as military service, the devaluation of the Swiss franc. “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”: the tenets customs, and postal services and coin of the French Revolution of 1789 spread age. This leads to the creation of a cohe The agreement in the machine and met to Switzerland, leading to disturbances sive territory ripe for economic develop alworking industry of 1937 to ensure in several areas. ment. industrial peace, the recognition of Ro mansh as the fourth national language A French army under Napoleon Bona The general right to vote and to par in 1938, the development of the Alps in parte conquers Switzerland in 1798. The ticipate in elections, but for men only, 1940 into the Swiss military redoubt, and old Confederation collapses and makes is introduced in 1848, but is ultimately ultimately the first Social Democratic way for the Helvetic Republic, with a sin regarded by many as insufficient. Swiss member of the Federal Council in 1943 gle centralist constitution dictated by the citizens campaign for direct democratic contributed to Swiss cohesion in difficult French. rights, introducing the right to call for a times. This also allows Switzerland to In 1803 the former subject territories referendum in the revised Federal Con remain neutral in the Second World War emerge as new cantons with equal rights. stitution of 1874, and the popular initia from 1939 to 1945. tive in 1891. After France’s defeat by the monarchistic The federal Old Age and Survivors’ Insur European superpowers, the Confedera Towards the end of the 19th century, the ance (AHV) is introduced in 1947. tion is again “restored” in 1815. It again various political movements organise becomes a loose federation of states and themselves as parties. The Social Demo Although it had acceded to the League its cantons are again governed by the ar cratic Party is founded in 1888, the Free of Nations a quarter of a century earlier, istocracy just as before the downfall of Radical Party and the Catholic-Conserva Switzerland does not initially accede to 1798. tive People’s Party, which is today’s CVP, the United Nations (UN) when it is cre in 1894. ated in 1948 on the grounds of its neu trality.

10 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide In 1959 with the election of a second So After being involved in many UN sub The Grauholz monument with its broken cial Democrat to the Federal Council, the organisations, in some cases for several column commemorates the fall of the Old composition of the government is for the decades, and as the result of a popular Confederation in 1798. Its inscription urges first time largely proportional to the par initiative, Switzerland becomes a full future generations to “Live in unity ”. ties’ shares of the popular vote. This is member of the United Nations in 2002. the origin of what is known as the “magic In the same year, the first bilateral agree formula”, which ensures a fair represen ments with the European Union enter tation of the most important political into force. parties in the Federal Council. In December 2003, for the first time since After an unsuccessful attempt in 1959, 1854 and 1872, a member of the Federal the people and the cantons grant wom Council is not re-elected. CVP Federal en the right to vote and to participate Councillor Ruth Metzler has to relinquish in elections at federal level in 1971, by her seat to the SVP representative Chris 621 403 “yes” to 325 596 “no” votes. In a toph Blocher. number of cantons, women have already Four years later, Christoph Blocher had equal political rights for quite some experiences a similar turn of events dur time. ing the 2007 winter session when the United Federal Assembly elects his party Following a series of popular votes, in colleague Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf to Canton Bern and in particular in the Ber the Federal Council. nese French-speaking districts as well as She and the Graubünden cantonal ultimately at federal level, Canton Jura is party to which she belongs are subse created in 1978. It separates from Bern, quently excluded from the national SVP and becomes the 26th state of Switzer in 2008. She joins the newly-formed BDP. land. It is the first time that such a small group ing has been represented in governement. In 1984, Switzerland elects a woman to the Federal Council for the first time in its history by appointing Elisabeth Kopp (FDP).

In 1989, voters reject the popular initia tive to eliminate the armed forces.

In 1992, voters reject membership of the European Economic Area.

In 1999, the people and the cantons ap prove the totally revised Federal Consti tution, which enters into force in 2000.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 11 A unique politicAl system or Swiss democracy

12 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide s in eighty per cent or so of communes, page), a mere 29 of the town’s 629 eligible vot representatives on the communal council and the electorate of le lieu are called on at ers met in spring 2008 to discuss and agree on tacit agreement with the decisions of their fel A least once a year to discuss local matters the annual financial accounts and the develop low-citizens; or as a lack of commitment to the and take decisions. ment of a district and to elect new members to place in which they live and a subsequent lack of However, as in most places, only a minority sit on various committees. interest in local politics; or they may even dislike actually exercise their direct democratic rights. the fact that the vast majority have not come or be afraid of expressing their opinions and nail Here in the town hall, which is just across the forward can be taken several ways: either that ing their colours to the mast in public. road from the church (see photo on following they are satisfied with the work of the elected

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 13 switzerlAnd’s federAl structure or 2636 plus 26 equals 1

switzerland is a nation of consensus, composed of several ethnic groups with a variety of languages and religions. it has been a federal state since 1848. there are 23 federal states worldwide; swit zerland is the second oldest after the united states of America. switzerland is a federal state and is organised in three political levels: the communes, the cantons and the confederation.

2636 communes Communes are the smallest political 26 cantons The next largest political units are the states, units in Switzerland. There are currently 2636 communes, but which are known as cantons. They are the states that originally their number is in decline as smaller communes are tending to united in 1848 to form the Confederation, each relinquishing merge together in order to carry out their tasks more efficiently. part of their sovereignty to the Confederation. Canton Jura is Roughly one fifth of the communes have their own parliament, an exception. It is the only canton that was created in the 20th especially the communes that are towns or cities. Four fifths of century. On 1 January 1979, it separated from Canton Bern to the communes, however, still make direct democratic decisions become a canton in its own right. at the communal assembly, where all inhabitants who are enti Under the Federal Constitution, all cantons have equal tled to vote may participate. In other words, the People are not rights, and in comparison with the situation in other countries, represented by councillors, but make decisions themselves and they have a high degree of independence. Health care, educa elect the communal parliament. tion and culture are among the policy areas where they enjoy a In addition to the tasks that are allocated to them by the large degree of latitude. Confederation and their canton, such as managing the registry Each canton has its own constitution, and its own parlia of residents or organising civil defence, the communes also have ment, government and courts. their own responsibilities, including those relating to schools, The size of the parliament varies between 58 and 180 mem social services, energy supplies, road construction, local plan bers, who are all elected by the people, in most cantons by a ning, taxes, etc. The communes regulate these matters to a large system of proportional representation. extent independently. The 5 or 6-member governments are also all elected by the The communes’ level of autonomy is determined by the indi people; in 24 cantons by a simple majority system, while in Zug vidual cantons, and can therefore vary considerably from place and Ticino the cantonal council is elected by proportional rep to place. resentation. Direct democracy in the form of a People’s Assembly still ex ists only in Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus. In all the other cantons, the people vote exclusively at the ballot box.

This place is called Le Lieu (literally, “the The road from Les Diablerets over the Pil place”) and it lies in the Joux valley in lon pass to Gsteig in Saanenland crosses the canton of Vaud close to the French bor several borders – a geographical border: der. With its 831 inhabitants, Le Lieu is one the main European water shed between the of the smaller communes in the canton. Well Rhône and the Rhine; a linguistic border: over a thousand people lived here a hundred from French-speaking to German-speaking years ago, but since then the population has Switzerland; and a political border: from continually fallen until it reached its lowest canton Vaud to canton Bern, a region which point during the watch industry crisis of the 1970s. for some three hundred years was subject to the rule of the other: from the con Five hundred years ago iron was mined here; then, around the middle of the 18 th cen quest in 1476 to the downfall of the old Confederation in 1798, the valley of Les tury, metal working was replaced by the watch industry, which even now remains the Ormonts was ruled by canton Bern. most important trade sector. There is little agriculture in this part of the Jura region.

14 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide SwiSS democrAcy

The separation of powers in switzerland, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary are separate in terms of their personnel, but are only divided in terms of their function. this means that no-one may belong to more than one of the three federal authorities (parliament, government and the supreme court) at the same time; however, for prac tical purposes, each of the three authorities also car ries out duties which, strictly speaking, fall within the competence of another power.

who elects who?

in Switzerland, the People are the supreme political authority under the federal constitution, the people 1 confederation is the name given to the Swiss state. are the supreme political authority. the peo CH is the abbreviation of Switzerland’s official Latin name “Con ple comprises all adult men and women who foederatio Helvetica”. Confoederatio means “confederation” and hold swiss citizenship, some 4.9 million citi Helvetica refers to the Helvetii, an ancient Celtic people who zens, and corresponds to almost two thirds of settled in the region of present-day Switzerland roughly 2000 the resident population. people under the age years ago. of 18 and foreign nationals have no political Switzerland has evolved over the course of more than seven rights at federal level. hundred years from the alliance of the original three cantons, Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, to today’s federal state that The people elect the parliament: unites the various interests of the individual cantons with the the legislature collective interests of the country. the swiss parliament, which is the legisla The Confederation has responsibilities in those areas where tive branch of the state, has two chambers: it is granted powers by the Constitution – for example in for the national council represents the swiss eign and security policy, in customs and financial matters, in population as a whole and the council of enacting legislation that applies throughout the country and in states represents the 26 cantons; together, defence. they constitute the united federal Assembly. Tasks that are not expressly designated federal matters are z pages 22–39 the responsibility of the next highest political unit, i.e. the can tons. Parliament elects the government: the executive the swiss government comprises the seven members of the federal council as well as the federal chancellor, who are each elected by the united federal Assembly for a four year term of office. The Swiss Cross is suspended from the apex of z pages 40–75 the glass dome in the Parliament Building in Bern ; it is framed by an oaken wreath sup Parliament also elects the Supreme court: ported by two guardian spirits. The propor the judiciary tions of the Swiss Cross were laid down by the Federal Assembly in 1889: “an upright, free the supreme judicial authorities are the fed standing white cross, whose equal-length eral supreme court in lausanne and in lu arms are each one sixth longer than they are cerne, together with its two courts of first wide”. The banners in the mosaic display the Latin motto of the federal state founded instance: the federal criminal court in Bell in 1848: “Unus pro omnibus – omnibus* pro uno” (one for all – all for one). inzona and the federal Administrative court in Bern.

z pages 76–80

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 15 direct democrAcy At federAl level or one People, many rights

switzerland is virtually the only country in the world where the people have such extensive decision making powers. the longstanding democratic tradition, but also the comparatively small size of the population and the country, as well as a high literacy rate and sophisticated media services are crucial to the operation of this particular system of government. swiss nationals have the following political rights at federal level:

elections or accumulating votes, vote splitting and crossing Voting or if you feel strongly about something Those who are out votes Every four years, the People elect the 200 members entitled to take part in parliamentary elections may also cast of the National Council. All Swiss citizens over the age of 18 their vote in popular ballots, i.e. all Swiss citizens who have may take part in elections, both actively and passively. In other turned 18 and are not incapacitated on grounds of mental ill words, they may cast their votes and stand for election them ness or mental debility. selves. Federal civil servants are required to choose between Eligible voters are generally called on four times a year to their profession and elected office should they be elected. vote on federal proposals. On average these votes involve three In the cantons with more than one seat in the National Coun to four proposals that may be adopted or rejected; although in cil, eligible voters have a number of options to appoint their fa exceptional cases, there may be more than twice that many. vourite candidates: Votes are held on people’s initiatives and referendums: They may indicate the names of their preferred candidates The mandatory referendum applies to all amendments to in a blank list. the Constitution and proposals for membership of specific in They may use a preprinted list of candidates provided by a ternational organisations. This means that a popular vote must specific party, with or without making any changes to the list. be held. The acceptance of Amendments to the constitution The lists may be changed in three different ways, which may such proposals needs what is z mandatory referendum be combined: known as the double major- Amendments to legislation Firstly, names can be struck off the list. Secondly, votes can ity – the proposal must be ac z optional referendum be split, which means that votes are cast for members of differ cepted firstly by the popular ent parties; in other words, a voter can take a name from one list majority, i.e. the majority of the valid votes cast in the whole and enter it on another list. country, and secondly by the cantonal majority, i.e. voters must Thirdly, candidates may be accumulated, in other words, accept the proposal in a majority of the cantons. they can be entered twice on a list. Parties may also specify New laws and amendments to existing laws and similar par candidates twice (but no more than twice), thus accumulating liamentary decisions, along with certain international treaties votes in advance to enhance their election prospects. are only put to the vote if required by an optional referendum. A The elections to the Council of States are not regulated at popular majority is sufficient for such a proposal to be accepted. federal level, but all the cantons have settled for popular elec tions, so that all 246 federal members of parliament are elected directly by Swiss citizens.

Voter turnout in National council elections since 1919 Voter turnout in federal votes since 1971

50% 50%

1919 2007 1971 1989 1992 2008

Voter turnout has fallen significantly since the first National Council elections Voter turnout in recent years has averaged slightly over 40 per cent. Some pro using the system of proportional representation were held in 1919. The two main posals have drawn far more voters to the polling stations, such as the people’s reasons for the comparatively low voter turnout in Switzerland are firstly that initiative for Switzerland without an Army (1989), which brought a 69% turnout voters have frequent opportunities to express their views at the ballot box, not and membership of the European Economic Area EEA (1992), which saw 78% of the only in elections, but also in votes at communal, cantonal and federal levels. Sec electorate vote. ondly, elections are not that decisive in this country because power-sharing un Because Swiss citizens regularly have the opportunity to take part in decision mak derstandings between the main parties preclude any change of government. Since ing on political matters and other important issues, votes are more important in the introduction of postal voting in 1994, there has been a slight increase in voter Switzerland than elections. Parliament in Switzerland has less influence than parlia par ticipation. ments in countries that do not have direct democratic instruments.

16 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide SwiSS democrAcy

Petition everyone – not just those eligible to vote – is entitled to address written requests, suggestions and com plaints t the authorities. the authorities in turn are required to take due note of such petitions, and although there is no law to say a response must be given, in practice every petition is considered and does receive a reply. the petition may relate to any activity of the state.

Popular initiatives or making law the Swiss way Citi referendums or Voicing disagreement The People are en zens may request that the People decide on an amendment they titled to pronounce on parliamentary decisions after the event. want to make to the Constitution. At federal level, unlike at Federal legislation, decisions of parliament and certain in cantonal level, it is impossible to request a new law or a new ternational treaties are subject to an optional referendum: in amendment. this case, a popular ballot is held if 50 000 citizens so request. For such an initiative to be accepted, the signatures of The signatures must be collected within 100 days of publica 100 000 voters who support the proposal must be collected tion of the new legislation. The referendum is similar to a veto within 18 months. and has the effect of delaying and initiative: referendum: A popular initiative may be safeguarding the political process maximum time for maximum amount of time formulated as a general proposal by blocking amendments adopted collecting signatures for collecting signatures or – much more often – be pre by parliament or the government z 18 months z 100 days sented as a precisely formulated or delaying their effect – the refer required number of signatures required number of signatures text whose wording can no longer endum is therefore often described z 100 000 z 50 000 be altered by parliament or the as a brake applied by the People. government. Referendums also contribute to political agreement because they The authorities sometimes respond to an initiative with a prompt parliament to include as many interested parties as pos direct counter-proposal (generally less far-reaching) in the hope sible in the debate on new laws or legislative amendments and that the people and cantons will support that instead. Since thereby allow a compromise to be reached that is supported by 1987, the possibility of a double “yes” vote has existed in bal a majority, and which is unlikely to fall victim to an optional lots on popular initiatives: voters may approve both the initia referendum later on. tive and the counter-proposal. A deciding question determines which of the two texts will enter into force if both secure a popular majority and a majority of the cantons. Popular initiatives do not originate from parliament or gov ernment, but from the People. They are regarded as the driving force behind direct democracy.

Popular initiatives adopted and rejected since 1971 optional referendums since 1971

50% 50%

1971 2008 1971 2008

Of a total of 116 popular initiatives that were voted on over the past 30-40 years, Since 1971, referendum committees have been successful on 91 occasions. They only nine saw a large turnout at the ballot box – i.e. not even one out of ten. have forced popular ballots on federal acts and decrees approved by parliament The vast majority of initiatives achieved less than 50% votes in favour and were that they did not agree with, and have won the day 29 times at the ballot box, which rejected. Most of these initiatives are not, however, entirely ineffective. The con amounts to an almost one in three level of success. cerns they address often give rise to broad debate and are eventually translated, The chart shows the percentage in favour at each of the different votes: less than at least partially, into new laws. 50% implies that the disputed legislation was rejected.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 17 wHAt politicAl interests Are represented By wHom or The four strongest political parties... political parties are groupings of like-minded people that have their own philosophies of life – in other words, particular views on political, social and economic issues, etc. they act as a link between the people and the institutions of the state and are essential for the functioning of a democracy. the party landscape in switzerland is as varied as the country. normally speaking the four strongest parties together constitute the government. However, because a grouping broke away from the svp (swiss people’s party) in 2008 to form the conservative democratic party Bdp and eveline widmer schlumpf, who was elected to the federal council as an svp member, joined the new party, the strongest party is currently un derrepresented in the federal council. All twelve parties provide a brief self-portrait on the following pages.

1 Federal Councillor (m) 1 Federal Councillor (f) and 1 Federal Councillor (m) 6 members of the Council of States (m) 5 members (f) and 4 members of the Council of States (m) SVP 6 National Councillors (f) and 52 National Councillors (m) SP 18 National Councillors (f) and 24 National Councillors (m) Swiss People’s Party Swiss Social democratic Party

Party President: 85 000 members Party President: 35 000 members National Councillor Toni Brunner Founded in 1917 www.svp.ch National Councillor christian Levrat Founded in 1888 www.spschweiz.ch The party was formed in 1971 from the union of the The SP promotes social security and the fair distribu Swiss Farmers, Trade and Citizen’s Party (BGB) and the Demo tion of wealth. All children deserve the same opportunities and cratic Parties of the Cantons of Glarus and Graubünden and, with prospects. Purchasing power for employees, families and people a 29% share of the vote, is Switzerland’s strongest party. The SVP with low and middle incomes must be increased. As the party of result in the parliamentary elections in 2007 was the best that modernisation, the SP seeks to shape the future: with Micheline any single party has ever achieved. Calmy-Rey and Moritz Leuenberger in the Federal Council, our With the election of Ueli Maurer to the Federal Council on 10 successful local governments together with a large number of December 2008, the SVP once again became part of the national committed people throughout Switzerland. government. However, given its support among the electorate, the party is underrepresented with only one Federal Councillor. The SP focuses on three main areas: • Social justice: The SP advocates secure pensions and appro our election promise – a “contract with the people” priate support to people who are unable to make ends meet. The SVP is firmly committed to the concerns of its voters. The The SP is therefore committed to the provision of adequate party stands for an independent, neutral Switzerland, a stream unemployment and invalidity benefits. We firmly believe in lined state, low taxes, a strong location for business with secure equal opportunities: with day-care centres and kindergartens, jobs and effective prevention of crime and of abuse of asylum and apprenticeship places for all and a good work-life balance. social security system. The main points of the SVP’s agenda for • Purchasing power: The SP is committed to an increase in pur the current legislature were set out at a party conference in its chasing power. Our mission is to have sufficient wages, pen “Contract with the people”: sions and child allowances to ensure a decent living coupled • We do not wish to join the European Union with affordable health insurance and lower rents. • We want to deport criminal foreign nationals • Energy supplies: CO2 emissions have to be reduced by 30% by • We want to lower taxes for all 2020. With partial earmarking of the CO2 tax for the mod With this clear policy based on conservative values, the SVP ernisation of buildings and with renewable energies in place wants to ensure prosperity for our country, jobs and a secure fu of dependence on oil and gas, the SP will oppose new plans for ture in a free society. nuclear power stations.

18 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide SwiSS democrAcy

2 Federal Councillors (m) 1 Federal Councillor (f) 3 members (f) and 9 members of the Council of States (m) 1 member (f) and 14 members of the Council of States (m) FdP 8 National Councillors (f) and 27 National Councillors (m) cVP 12 National Councillors (f) and 19 National Councillors (m) radical Free democratic Party – The Liberals christian democrat People’s Party

Party President: 120 000 members Party President: 100 000 members National Councillor Fulvio Pelli Founded in 1894 www.fdp.ch National Councillor christophe darbellay Founded in 1912 www.cvp.ch On 1 January 2009 the Radical Free Democratic Party The CVP stands for a liberal and social Switzerland. We FDP Switzerland and the Swiss Liberal Party joined forces to aim to create a balance between individuals and society and become the FDP – The Liberals, thereby creating the youngest between personal responsibility and solidarity. Our approach party in Switzerland with the longest tradition. to coexistence is based on a Christian view of humankind and FDP – The Liberals is the family party that stands for free society. Minister of Economic Affairs Doris Leuthard champions dom of choice and achievement. It advocates freedom, individ these values in the Federal Council. ual initiative, competition, personal responsibility for a society The CVP advocates the internal and external security of our with equal opportunities for all. The liberal values of personal country. It is business-friendly, socially responsible and at the responsibility and modesty ensure support for a liberal society. centre of the political arena. The CVP’s policy creates jobs, sup The FDP – The Liberals are against paternalism, excess regula ports our most important social institutions and improves condi tion, prohibitions, dependence on the state, social abuse and tions for families. Thanks to a pragmatic environment policy, the indifference. CVP is working towards a sustainable use of resources.

The FdP – The Liberals focus on three areas: The cVP focuses on three main areas: • We want to create the conditions for more and better jobs in • Switzerland as a business location with innovative strengths, order to cope well when times are hard attractive tax incentives, excellent infrastructure and a high • We want to strengthen national cohesion and ensure solid so standard of education. This policy ensures jobs and prosperity. cial services. This is the only way to stop the fragmentation of • Family values: families will benefit from improved conditions society. in which to bring up and care for their children, above all, to • We want to create a streamlined, open state. Our state has achieve a better balance between working and family life. the wrong priorities – too much red tape and a cumbersome • Safeguarding the social security system: funding social insti bureaucracy. tutions is the main challenge for the next 20 years. This can only be accomplished through targeted reforms and by avoid ing unrealistic expansion or cutbacks.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 19 …as well as the eight other political parties in parliament

2 members of the Council of States (m) 1 member of the Council of States (f) GPS 10 National Councillors (f) and 10 National Councillors (m) GLP 1 National Councillor (f) and 2 National Councillors (m) Swiss Green Party Swiss Green Liberal Party

Party President: 6500 members Party President: 1000 members National Councillor Ueli Leuenberger Founded in 1983 www.gruene.ch National Councillor martin Bäumle Founded in 2004 www.grunliberale.ch The Swiss Green Party is the largest party that does not Environment: people depend on a well preserved envi have a seat in the Federal Council. With the founding of a Green ronment as the very basis for their existence. We want to leave a Party section in Obwalden at the end of 2008, the party is now thriving world behind without contaminated land so that future represented in every canton. Green Parties are represented in generations can also enjoy life. the governments of seven cantons and over 20 towns. The GPS Finance: the state should operate as an effective service com is committed to preserving the environment, to a sustainable pany focused on core tasks. It should not be burdened by debt, economy, social justice and international solidarity. Our goals but should rely on the personal responsibility of all individuals. for this legislature are: efficient climate protection and the Social issues: the top priority is to encourage personal contri abandonment of the use of nuclear power, the reorganisation of butions, a sense of responsibility and solidarity. Support meas the economy along more environmental lines, the strengthening ures should be appropriate and incentive-based and yet respect of social institutions and an active peace policy. human dignity.

1 Federal Councillor (f) 1 National Councillor (m) BdP 2 National Councillors (f) and 2 National Councillors (m) eVP 2 National Councillors (m) conservative democratic Party Swiss evangelical People’s Party

Party President: 4500 members Party President: 4500 members National Councillor Hans Grunder Founded in 2008 www.bdp.tv Heiner Studer Founded in 1919 www.evppev.ch Founded in 2008, the BDP is the youngest Federal Coun Better support for families: the EVP aims to relieve the cil party. The cantonal parties of Bern, Glarus and Graubünden financial burden on families and where necessary to support were founded in the summer of 2008. What triggered the found them. The EVP therefore promotes child benefits that would re ing of the BDP was the exclusion of the entire Graubünden SVP place all other payments or deductions and be financed by taxes. section by the Swiss SVP. As a result of resentment regarding A fair economy: in other words, debt reduction, fair minimum this decision and to protest against the political naivety of such and maximum wages, a simple tax system without loopholes in-fighting, other cantonal and communal sections were also and fair trade. founded. The BDP advocates a conservative policy where any A healthy environment: the EVP intends to quickly reduce subject can be discussed freely and where there is no person Switzerland’s dependence on non-renewable energy sources. It ality cult. The party is represented in the Federal Council by therefore promotes the introduction of environmentally friendly

Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf. tax reforms and a CO2 charge on transport fuel.

20 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide SwiSS democrAcy

The graph is based on the 924 votes in Reformist the first year of the 2007-2011 legislative period and shows the position, i.e. voting behaviour of individual members of parliament.

Left Right

Conservative

cSP 1 National Councillor (m ) edU 1 National Counc illor christian Social Party Federal democratic Union

Par ty P resident : 1500 members Par ty P resident : 2500 members monika Bloch Süss Founded in 1997 w ww.csp-pcs.ch Hans moser Founded in 1975 www.edu-schweiz.ch Our policy is primarily aimed at safe and dignified lives True values and plain talking! The EDU seeks sustain for everyone. Our work focuses on sustainable activities for a able solutions and in its commitment to God, it promotes a free well preserved environment, good educational opportunities, and constitutional Switzerland. The EDU does not follow the secure jobs and pensions. We feel ourselves responsible, along zeitgeist or the mainstream, but adheres to fundamental values, with others, for what happens at home and in the world at large. the word of God and the creation of the world and of mankind Our party is synonymous with solidarity and tolerance. according to the Bible. The EDU encourages people to assume In a nutshell, this means: promotion of a sustainable energy responsibility for their actions. The focal points of our policy policy (for example, no new nuclear power stations), a socially include protection of human life at every stage of its existence responsible economy, good schools and traineeships, jobs for as well as the environment and the private sphere, traditional all, reliable social services and an active peace policy. marriage and family values, education and the labour market in Switzerland, balanced finances and debt reduction.

Lega 1 National Councillor PdA 1 National Councillor Ticino League workers’ Party

Party President: 1500 members Party President: 2000 members Giuliano Bignasca Founded in 1991 www.legaticinesi.ch Nelly Buntschu Founded in 1944 www.pda.ch Independence: economic and political globalisation is The PdA intends to work with all forces who oppose weakening Switzerland. Switzerland can however hold its own capitalism to free humankind from exploitation and oppression. in a fragmented Europe if it safeguards its independence and It supports all people and movements that believe that a bet its freedom. ter world is possible and that are working towards achieving Public services: the federal government must maintain that goal. The PdA’s commitment knows no frontiers, because its public services and ensure equal conditions for all people its fight against injustice is worldwide. throughout the country. Privatisations should be avoided when PdA activists are present at all levels of Swiss politics and ever possible. share a common goal, which is to make proposals to create a Mobility: Ticino needs better connections to the rest of the solidarity-based society, to promote personal development for country. The Gotthard route is stretched to capacity. Natural all people and to protect the environment – in short, to create a hazards and structural problems are jeopardising unlimited use genuinely socialist society. of this route.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 21 The LegisLaTure: NaTioNaL CouNCiL aNd CouNCiL of sTaTes or The Swiss parliament

22 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide he word “parliament” is derived from the “reading room” café on the bel-étage level of the progress of events from both chambers ensures Latin parlare, to speak. delivering speech Parliament Building. that deputies can quickly retake their seats if T es and, above all, listening to them is part The café with a bar, some bar tables and seat necessary and join in the ongoing debate. of the daily routine of the 246 members of the ing, is only a few steps away from the chambers This popular meeting place did originally used federal assembly. if they need to have an infor of the National Council and the Council of states to be the newspaper reading room. it was con mal chat, whether with colleagues, lobbyists, and from the committee conference rooms. That verted into a café in 1938. journalists or a guest, they enjoy meeting at the and the television screens broadcasting the

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 23 The eLeCTioN of memBers of ParLiameNT or The two ways into parliament

switzerland has a bicameral parliament: the federal Chambers, which together con stitute 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. Both chambers are elected directly by the people: the National Council according to standard federal rules, the Council of states according to regulations which vary from canton to canton. in both instances, it is the cantons that are the electoral constituencies.

The people are represented in the National Council The large chamber has 200 seats. The number of deputies from a canton depends on its population as recorded in the last census: for every 37 800 inhabitants or so, there is one member on the Na tional Council. however, because the federal Constitution guaran tees one seat per canton, appenzell innerrhoden, which has only around 15 000 inhabitants, also sends a people’s representative to the federal Palace. similarly, the neighbouring canton of appenzell ausserrhoden and the cantons of obwalden and Nidwalden, uri and glarus only send one National Council member each, whereas the highly populated canton of Zurich currently has 34 seats.

Women Men

24 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The LegiSLaTive BraNCh

Proportional representation or majority vote

seats are allocated in the National Council according to the system of proportional repre sentation. it is called this because the seats are allocated in proportion to the share of votes cast. in National Council elections, the votes for each party are counted first, as they de termine the number of seats that a party is allocated. Then the candidates with the most votes within the parties are elected. of course an election by proportional rep resentation only works if there is more than one seat to be allocated. in cantons with only The cantons are represented in the one seat on the National Council there is a Council of States majority vote (first past the post): the person The small chamber has 46 seats. irrespective of its with the most votes is elected. population, each canton sends two representatives With the exception of canton Jura, elec to the Council, with the exception of the six former tions to the Council of States are also held half-cantons, which only have one deputy each. in all cantons according to the first-past- The Council of states members represent their the-post system. This procedure naturally cantons but are not bound by any instructions from favours large parties or leading figures with them, whether from the cantonal governments or a high public profile. minorities go away parliaments. empty-handed.

Schaffhausen

Basel-Stadt Thurgau

Appenzell Ausserrhoden Basel-Landschaft Zurich Jura Aargau Solothurn Appenzell Innerrhoden

Zug St. Gallen Lucerne Schwyz Neuchâtel Nidwalden Glarus Bern Obwalden

Uri Fribourg Graubünden Vaud

Ticino

Geneva Valais

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 25 memBers of The NaTioNaL CouNCiL or representing Switzerland’s 7.5m inhabitants

Zh Max 1 Zh Filippo 26 Be Pierre 51 oW Christoph 76 Binder Leutenegger Triponez von rotz SvP 1947 1991 2, 8 FDP 1952 2003 6, 12 FDP 1943 1999–03, 07 5 SvP 1966 2007 8 Zh Toni 2 Zh ruedi 27 Be Christian 52 NW edi 77 Bortoluzzi Noser Wasserfallen engelberger SvP 1947 1991 5, 7 FDP 1961 2003 4 FDP 1981 2007 2 FDP 1940 1995 7, 10 Zh hans 3 Zh Martin 28 Be Therese 53 gL vacant 78 Fehr Bäumle Frösch SvP 1947 1995 10 gLP 1964 2003 1, 6 gPS 1951 2003 2 2009 Zh alfred 4 Zh Tiana angelina 29 Be Franziska 54 Zg Josef 79 heer Moser Teuscher Lang SvP 1961 2007 11 gLP 1979 2007 3, 4 gPS 1958 1995 6, 8 gPS 1954 2003 3, 7 Zh hans 5 Zh Thomas 30 Be alec 55 Zg gerhard 80 Kaufmann Weibel von graffenried Pfister SvP 1948 1999 9, 11 gLP 1954 2007 2, 5 gPS 1962 2007 11 CvP 1962 2003 10 Zh Christoph 6 Zh urs 31 Be hans 56 Zg Marcel 81 Mörgeli hany grunder Scherer SvP 1960 1999 3 ,4 CvP 1955 2006 8, 12 BDP 1956 2007 6 SvP 1952 1999 5, 12 Zh Natalie Simone 7 Zh Kathy 32 Be ursula 57 fr Dominique 82 rickli riklin haller de Buman SvP 1976 2007 8 CvP 1952 1999 3, 4 BDP 1948 1999 7 CvP 1956 2003 9 Zh hans 8 Zh Barbara 33 Be Walter 58 fr Thérèse 83 rutschmann Schmid Federer Donzé Meyer-Kaelin SvP 1947 2004 6 ,12 CvP 1965 2007 11 evP 1946 2000 7, 10 CvP 1948 1999 5, 10 Zh ernst 9 Zh ruedi 34 Be Norbert 59 fr Christian 84 Schibli aeschbacher hochreutener Levrat SvP 1952 2001 1, 3, 10 evP 1941 1999 8, 11 CvP 1946 1995–99,03 8, 11 SP 1970 2003 1, 8 Zh ulrich 10 Be andreas 35 Be Christian 60 fr Jean-François 85 Schlüer aebi Waber Steiert SvP 1944 1995–07, 09 SvP 1958 2007 3 eDu 1948 1997 SP 1961 2007 4 Zh Jürg 11 Be adrian 36 Lu Yvette 61 fr Jacques 86 Stahl amstutz estermann Bourgeois SvP 1968 1999 3, 5 SvP 1953 2003 6 SvP 1967 2007 3, 5 FDP 1958 2007 6 Zh Bruno 12 Be andrea Martina 37 Lu Josef 62 fr Jean-François 87 Zuppiger geissbühler Kunz rime SvP 1952 1999 1, 7 SvP 1976 2007 10, 11 SvP 1945 1995 1, 4 SvP 1950 2003 8, 9 Zh Jacqueline 13 Be Jean-Pierre 38 Lu Felix 63 fr Marie-Thérèse 88 Fehr graber Müri Weber-gobet SP 1963 1998 5, 8 SvP 1946 2007 1 SvP 1958 2003 4 CSP 1957 2008 2, 5 Zh Mario 14 Be rudolf 39 Lu ida 64 so elvira 89 Fehr Joder glanzmann-hunkeler Bader SP 1958 1999 3, 4 SvP 1950 1999 1, 10 CvP 1958 2006 2, 7 CvP 1955 1999 2, 6 Zh Chantal 15 Be Simon 40 Lu ruedi 65 so Pirmin 90 galladé Schenk Lustenberger Bischof SP 1972 2003 4 SvP 1946 1994 4, 8 CvP 1950 1999 2, 6 CvP 1959 2007 9 Zh Christine 16 Be erich 41 Lu Pius 66 so roland F. 91 goll von Siebenthal Segmüller Borer SP 1956 1991 2, 5 SvP 1958 2007 2, 12 CvP 1952 2007 7 SvP 1951 1991 5, 7 Zh andreas 17 Be hansruedi 42 Lu Otto 67 so Walter 92 gross Wandfluh ineichen Wobmann SP 1952 1991 10 SvP 1952 1999 9 FDP 1941 2003 4 SvP 1957 2003 3, 10 Zh Daniel 18 Be evi 43 Lu georges 68 so Kurt 93 Jositsch allemann Theiler Fluri SP 1965 2007 11 SP 1978 2003 3, 7 FDP 1949 1995 9 FDP 1955 2003 10, 11 Zh anita 19 Be andré 44 Lu Louis 69 so Bea 94 Thanei Daguet Schelbert heim SP 1954 1995 11 SP 1947 2003 2, 12 gPS 1952 2006 1, 9 SP 1946 2003 10, 12 Zh Marlies 20 Be Margret 45 Lu hans 70 so Brigit 95 Bänziger Kiener Nellen Widmer Wyss gPS 1960 2007 1 SP 1953 2003 1 SP 1941 1996 7 gPS 1960 2007 2, 11 Zh Bastien 21 Be ricardo 46 ur gabi 71 Bs rudolf 96 girod Lumengo huber rechsteiner gPS 1980 2007 6 SP 1962 2007 7 FDP 1956 2003 8, 11 SP 1958 1995 3, 6 Zh Katharina 22 Be hans 47 sZ Peter 72 Bs Silvia 97 Prelicz-huber Stöckli Föhn Schenker gPS 1959 2008 4 SP 1952 2004 10 SvP 1952 1995 8 SP 1954 2003 5 Zh Daniel 23 Be ursula 48 sZ Pirmin 73 Bs Jean-henri 98 vischer Wyss Schwander Dunant gPS 1950 2003 1, 11 SP 1973 1999 6 SvP 1961 2003 1, 11 SvP 1934 1999 5 Zh Doris 24 Be Christa 49 sZ andy 74 Bs anita 99 Fiala Markwalder Bär Tschümperlin Lachenmeier-Thüring FDP 1957 2007 4 FDP 1975 2003 3, 11 SP 1962 2007 10 gPS 1959 2007 7, 8 Zh Markus 25 Be Johann N. 50 sZ reto 75 Bs Peter 100 hutter Schneider-ammann Wehrli Malama FDP 1957 2003 1, 8 FDP 1952 1999 9 CvP 1965 2003 3, 5 FDP 1960 2007 7

26 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The captions below the names refer to (from left to right) po- Council from 1 to 200, and of the Council of States from 1 to The LegiSLaTive BraNCh litical party affiliation, year of birth, year of election to the 46 (see over) is intended as an aid: It can also be found on the Council and the committees (see pp 34 – 35) on which the coun pages showing the chamber seating plan (29–31) and those on cil member sits. The numbering of members of the National the committees (34 and 35).

BL Caspar 101 gr Sep 126 Ti ignazio 151 vs viola 176 Baader Cathomas Cassis amherd SvP 1953 1998 9 CvP 1945 2003 2, 6 FDP 1961 2007 5 CvP 1962 2005 8, 11 BL Christian 102 gr Tarzisius 127 Ti Fulvio 152 vs Maurice 177 Miesch Caviezel Pelli Chevrier SvP 1948 1991–95, 03 2, 7 FDP 1954 2007 8 FDP 1951 1995 6 CvP 1961 1999 6, 11 BL Susanne 103 gr andrea 128 Ti Marina 153 vs Christophe 178 Leutenegger Oberholzer hämmerle Carobbio guscetti Darbellay SP 1948 1987–91, 99 9, 11 SP 1946 1991 8 SP 1966 2007 1 CvP 1971 2003 9 BL eric 104 ag Sylvia 129 Ti Fabio 154 vs roberto 179 Nussbaumer Flückiger-Bäni Pedrina Schmidt SP 1960 2007 6 SvP 1952 2007 9 SP 1954 1999 8 CvP 1962 2007 10 BL Kathrin 105 ag Lieni 130 Ti Meinrado 155 vs Oskar 180 amacker-amann Füglistaller robbiani Freysinger CvP 1962 2007 3 SvP 1951 2005 1, 4 CvP 1951 1999 5 SvP 1960 2003 4, 11 BL Maya 106 ag ulrich 131 Ti Chiara 156 vs Jean-rené 181 graf giezendanner Simoneschi-Cortesi germanier gPS 1962 2001 4, 5 SvP 1953 1991 8 CvP 1946 1999 4, 8 FDP 1958 2003 8 BL hans rudolf 107 ag Walter 132 Ti attilio 157 vs Stéphane 182 gysin glur Bignasca rossini FDP 1940 1987 SvP 1943 1999 2 Lega 1943 2003 8 SP 1963 1999 2, 5 sh hans-Jürg 108 ag hans 133 vd andré 158 Ne Laurent 183 Fehr Killer Bugnon Favre SP 1948 1999 3, 9 SvP 1948 2007 6, 12 SvP 1947 1999 7, 10 FDP 1972 2007 3 sh Thomas 109 ag Luzi 134 vd alice 159 Ne Sylvie 184 hurter Stamm glauser-Zufferey Perrinjaquet SvP 1963 2007 7 SvP 1952 1991 3, 11 SvP 1954 2007 2, 4 FDP 1955 2007 4 ar Marianne 110 ag Pascale 135 vd Jean-Pierre 160 Ne Didier 185 Kleiner Bruderer grin Berberat FDP 1947 2003 1, 5 SP 1977 2002 4 SvP 1947 2007 1 SP 1956 1995 8 ai arthur 111 ag Max 136 vd guy 161 Ne Francine 186 Loepfe Chopard-acklin Parmelin John-Calame CvP 1942 1999 1, 7 SP 1966 2009 SvP 1959 2003 5, 6 gPS 1954 2005 3 sg elmar 112 ag Doris 137 vd Pierre-François 162 Ne Yvan 187 Bigger Stump veillon Perrin SvP 1949 1999 6, 12 SP 1950 1995 6 SvP 1950 2003 2 SvP 1966 2003 7, 10 sg Toni 113 ag esther 138 vd Josiane 163 ge Martine 188 Brunner egger-Wyss aubert Brunschwig graf SvP 1974 1995 6 CvP 1952 2007 1 SP 1949 2007 4 FDP 1950 2003 1, 3 sg Jasmin 114 ag ruth 139 vd ada 164 ge hugues 189 hutter humbel Näf Marra hiltpold SvP 1978 2003 6, 10 CvP 1957 2003 5, 10 SP 1973 2007 10 FDP 1969 2007 10 sg Theophil 115 ag Markus 140 vd roger 165 ge Christian 190 Pfister Zemp Nordmann Lüscher SvP 1942 1999 4 CvP 1954 2006 9 SP 1973 2004 6 FDP 1963 2007 11 sg Lukas 116 ag Corina 141 vd eric 166 ge Jean-Charles 191 reimann eichenberger-Walther voruz rielle SvP 1982 2007 11 FDP 1954 2007 2, 7 SP 1945 2007 7 SP 1952 2007 7 sg Jakob 117 ag Philipp 142 vd Daniel 167 ge Maria 192 Büchler Müller Brélaz roth-Bernasconi CvP 1952 2003 7, 12 FDP 1952 2003 9 gPS 1950 1979–89, 2007 8 SP 1955 1995 – 99, 2003 2, 12 sg Lucrezia 118 ag geri 143 vd adèle 168 ge Carlo 193 Meier-Schatz Müller Thorens goumaz Sommaruga CvP 1952 1999 9 gPS 1960 2003 3, 7 gPS 1971 2007 9 SP 1959 2003 3, 11 sg Thomas 119 Tg J. alexander 144 vd Christian 169 ge antonio 194 Müller Baumann van Singer hodgers CvP 1952 2006 1 SvP 1942 1995 2 gPS 1950 2007 6, 12 gPS 1976 2007 10 sg hildegard 120 Tg Peter 145 vd Charles 170 ge ueli 195 Fässler-Osterwalder Spuhler Favre Leuenberger SP 1951 1997 9 SvP 1959 1999 9 FDP 1957 1999 9 gPS 1952 2003 10 sg Paul 121 Tg hansjörg 146 vd Olivier 171 ge Yves 196 rechsteiner Walter Français Nidegger SP 1952 1986 5, 9 SvP 1951 1999 9 FDP 1955 2007 2, 12 SvP 1957 2007 11 sg Yvonne 122 Tg edith 147 vd isabelle 172 ge andré 197 gilli graf-Litscher Moret reymond gPS 1957 2007 4, 5 SP 1964 2005 2 FDP 1970 2006 2, 10 SvP 1940 2003 3 sg Walter 123 Tg Brigitte 148 vd Claude 173 ge Luc 198 Müller häberli-Koller ruey Barthassat FDP 1948 2003 3, 7 CvP 1958 2003 1, 4 FDP 1949 1999 5 CvP 1960 2005 3 gr Brigitta M. 124 Tg Werner 149 vd Jacques 174 Ju Dominique 199 gadient Messmer Neirynck Baettig BDP 1960 1995 2 FDP 1945 1999 6 CvP 1931 1999–2003, 07 4 SvP 1953 2007 5 gr hansjörg 125 Ti Fabio 150 vd Josef 175 Ju Jean-Claude 200 hassler abate Zisyadis rennwald BDP 1953 1999 9 FDP 1966 2000 1 Pda 1956 1991–96, 99 9, 10 SP 1953 1995 9

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 27 memBers of The CouNCiL of sTaTes or representing the 26 cantons

Why some cantons only have one seat on the Council of States six cantons which once formed three entities and then subsequently divided used to be considered half-cantons. These are obwalden and Nidwalden, which divided well before the found ing of the swiss Confederation in 1291, appenzell, which divided in 1597 on religious grounds into catholic innerrhoden and protestant ausserrhoden, and Basel, which suffered a violent split in 1833: the rebellious Basel Land schaft broke away from the once dominant Basel stadt. This is why these cantons only have one seat in the Council of states and only half a cantonal vote in votes on amendments to the swiss Constitution.

Zh verena 1 gL Pankraz 13 ar hans 25 vd Luc 37 Diener Freitag altherr recordon gLP 1949 2007 6, 8, 11 FDP 1952 2008 1, 10, 11 FDP 1950 2004 1, 5, 7 gPS 1955 2007 3, 7, 11 Zh Felix 2 gL This 14 ai ivo 26 vd géraldine 38 gutzwiller Jenny Bischofberger Savary FDP 1948 2007 3, 4, 5 SvP 1952 1998 1, 6, 8 CvP 1958 2007 3, 4, 6 SP 1968 2007 4, 8, 11

Be Werner 3 Zg Peter 15 sg eugen 27 vs Jean-rené 39 Luginbühl Bieri David Fournier BDP 1958 2007 4, 9, 11 CvP 1952 1995 4, 7, 8 CvP 1945 1999 3, 5, 9 CvP 1957 2007 1, 3, 7 Be Simonetta 4 Zg rolf 16 sg erika 28 vs rené 40 Sommaruga Schweiger Forster-vannini imoberdorf SP 1960 2003 3, 6, 9 FDP 1945 1999 1, 6, 9, 11 FDP 1944 1995 5, 6, 9 CvP 1950 2007 2, 6, 8

Lu Konrad 5 fr alain 17 gr Christoffel 29 Ne Didier 41 graber Berset Brändli Burkhalter CvP 1958 2007 2, 8, 9 SP 1972 2003 1, 9, 11 SvP 1943 1995 5, 6, 8 FDP 1960 2007 1, 4, 7 Lu helen 6 fr urs 18 gr Theo 30 Ne gisèle 42 Leumann-Würsch Schwaller Maissen Ory FDP 1943 1995 2, 4, 9 CvP 1952 2003 1, 5, 10 CvP 1944 1995 3, 4, 7 SP 1956 2003 4, 5, 7 ur hansheiri 7 so rolf 19 ag Christine 31 ge robert 43 inderkum Büttiker egerszegi-Obrist Cramer CvP 1947 1995 6, 10, 11 FDP 1950 1991 6, 8, 10 FDP 1948 2007 5, 8, 10 gPS 1954 2007 2, 6, 10 ur hansruedi 8 so ernst 20 ag Maximilian 32 ge Liliane 44 Stadler Leuenberger reimann Maury Pasquier CvP 1953 1999 2, 4, 11 SP 1945 1999 1, 8, 9 SvP 1942 1995 2, 3, 10 SP 1956 2007 3, 5, 10 sZ Bruno 9 Bs anita 21 Tg hermann 33 Ju Claude 45 Frick Fetz Bürgi hêche CvP 1953 1991 5, 7, 9 SP 1957 2003 1, 4, 5 SvP 1946 1999 4, 7, 11 SP 1952 2007 2, 7, 8, 10 sZ alex 10 BL Claude 22 Tg Philipp 34 Ju anne 46 Kuprecht Janiak Stähelin Seydoux-Christe SvP 1957 2003 2, 5, 7 SP 1948 2007 2, 6, 11 CvP 1944 1999 1, 5, 9 CvP 1958 2007 2, 3, 4, 11 oW hans 11 sh Peter 23 Ti Filippo 35 The captions below the names refer to hess Briner Lombardi (from left to r ight) political party af- FDP 1945 1998 2, 7, 8 FDP 1943 1999 2, 3, 10 CvP 1956 1999 2, 6, 8, 10 filiation, year of bir th, year of election NW Paul 12 sh hannes 24 Ti Dick 36 to the Council and the committees (see Niederberger germann Marty pp 34 – 35) on which the council member CvP 1948 2007 1, 7, 10 SvP 1956 2002 1, 3, 9, 10 FDP 1945 1995 3, 9, 11 sits.

28 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The LegiSLaTive BraNCh

Other rules apply to Swiss people living abroad

swiss citizens living abroad have the option of being registered in switzerland on the electoral roll – either in their home commune or in their former commune of residence. This gives them the right to vote and take part in elections at federal level and even to be elected to the National Council. however, depending on where they are registered, swiss people living abroad may or may not be able to take part in elections to the Council of states, depending on what their cantonal law provides. swiss people living abroad only have full political rights in ten cantons where they can take part in National Council and Council of states elections and can also have their say on federal and cantonal matters. These can - tons are Bern, fribourg, geneva, graubünden, Jura, schwyz, solothurn, Ticino, Basel Land - schaft and Neuchâtel: in the last two cantons they are even allowed to have a say in the affairs of the commune.

JU GL 11 36 OW Dick Hans Marty TI VS Hess

AG 46 13 SH Anne ZG Pankraz GR 23 Seydoux- 24 Peter TI Christe Freitag 2 32 Hannes Briner SH Felix 39 TG Gutzwiller Jean-René Maximilian Germann 33 Fournier Hermann ZH VS Reimann 16 GL 29 Bürgi Rolf Christoffel 31 SO 35 Schweiger 3 Christine Filippo Brändli Egerszegi- Werner BE 6 Lombardi Obrist Helen SG Luginbühl AG Leumann- Würsch 40 14 René Imoberdorf This SZ LU 19 Jenny Rolf 1 Büttiker Verena VD 41 27 Diener Didier ZH Burkhalter Eugen David 10 Alex NE Kuprecht GE 38 Géraldine 12 Savary Paul Niederberger 9 Bruno BE Frick You can find out who said what in the 44 NW Liliane Maury SZ Pasquier National Council and Council of states 5 Konrad SO Graber 4 Simonetta Sommaruga in the Official Bulletin z www.parlament.ch 30 Theo Maissen LU GE NE 8 Hansruedi 20 Stadler Ernst Leuenberger GR 26 Ivo Bischofberger L UR B 43 42 Gisèle Robert Ory Cramer

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2nd Vice - Federal Councillors Tellers President A R U R

25 7 H a n s H a n s h e i r i A l t h e r r I n d e r k u m

SG F R 28 17 Erika A l a i n Forster-

Recorder B e r s e t Vannini Secretary President 1st Vice-President

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 29 The uNiTed federaL assemBLY or Number of voting papers distributed: 246

Sommaruga

Luginbühl Simonetta

Werner The two Councils meet in the National Council Chamber to Hansruedi

Hansheiri Inderkum Stadler Niederberger

Felix elect the federal Council, the federal Chancellor and the Gutzwiller Verena Diener

Konrad Graber Paul

Helen Leumann-Würsch judges of the federal supreme Court and to decide on par - Hans Schweiger Hess Bruno Frick

Alex Kuprecht dons and conflicts of jurisdiction. The members of the Coun - Rolf ZH Peter BL Pankraz Bieri AG Freitag Leuenberger BE BE cil of states take their seats at the back of the Chamber. 107 This 32 51 TG Jenny Ernst 139 Kathy Hans Rudolf AI Pierre Ruth Riklin Gysin 149 Büttiker 59 Triponez Werner AR Urs Humbel Näf Schwaller Rolf Norbert Messmer 110 LU Marianne 111 Hochreutener UR Alain GermannHannes Kleiner Berset Arthur 71 GR Gabi SZ Loepfe LU SG 65 Huber AG TI Peter AG 152 Anita Briner Ruedi 64 126 123 Fetz 142 ZH Fulvio Lustenberger Ida Sep Walter Forster-Vannini Philipp Pelli TG SG Cathomas Müller 25 50 75 Glanzmann- Müller Claude Reto 140 Hunkeler Markus ZH Johann N. BE Janiak Erika Wehrli Markus Hutter 26 Schneider- ZG 119 Zemp Filippo Ammann 148 Leutenegger 49 VS BE Ivo Eugen Brigitte Thomas Christa Häberli- ZH 68 Bischofberger David Müller BE GR Markwalder LU Koller VS Georges 80 LU Bär Theiler Egerszegi-Obrist BL Gerhard 34 127 67 27 ZH Hans Pfister ZH Altherr Christine 178 58 Ruedi Tarzisius Ruedi SG Otto 24 Christophe LU 105 Walter Aeschbacher Caviezel Noser 170 SO 176 Ineichen Doris Charles Darbellay Kathrin Donzé BE VD Maximilian Viola Fiala 52 172 Favre Amacker- Christoffel Amherd Christian Isabelle VD Reimann SO Amann Brändli 118 66 Wasserfallen Moret Lucrezia 100 188 FR 89 Pius ZH BS Martine Meier- ZH Peter Schatz Elvira Segmüller SO Brunschwig Theo ZH 184 Graf GE Maissen Bader ZH Malama 90 AG Sylvie NE Pirmin 28 93 141 Perrinjaquet 3 rèse ZH 29 151 TI 8 Bischof Martin Kurt Corina Ignazio Thé 31 Tiana BE Meyer- 33 Bäumle Fluri Eichenberger- Cassis 173 VS FR Urs 60 Kaelin Angelina Walther 190 Claude AG Barbara Ruey Hany SG Moser Christian Christian Schmid- 30 171 VD Federer Waber Lüscher GE Filippo Thomas 57 BE Olivier VD Lombardi Français 7 rice Weibel Ursula 2 inique 17 8 ZH Haller Mau 138 ZH 122 TI Dom TI Chevrier de Buman VS Esther Yvonne ZH 56 150 Egger-Wyss Gilli 157 BE 86 Fabio Dick 23 Hans Jacques Abate Philipp GE TI Marty Daniel Attilio Grunder Bourgeois FR Stähelin ZG Bignasca 196 5 rado BE 53 20 Vischer Yves ZH Therese 36 15 179 Marlies Nidegger 125 Adrian Mein Roberto Frösch 132 AG Hansjörg Amstutz Robbiani GE Bänziger GR Hermann Schmidt Walter Hassler 189 Bürgi ImoberdorfRené BL 79 Hugues BE Glur Hiltpold Josef GE BL 55 Lang NE 19 GE Franziska SG 76 158 Anita 8 ssat André Jean-René Thanei a Teuscher Christoph OW 124 Bugnon 19 c VD 116 SG u th Brigitta M. 61 L r 106 von Rotz Yvette Fournier 186 Lukas Gadient GR VD Estermann 3 anne Ba BS AG Géraldine s Maya 134 10 Francine Reimann Savary AG 5 Graf 168 Su i berger John-Calame Luzi 144 LU Leutenegger 19 l ZH Alexander J. 0 egard 40 d Oberholzer Adèle Stamm Baumann 2 ZH Ue Simon 1 il Leuen Thorens 109 3 H 99 SH Schenk BE Hans Fässler- TG Fehr Osterwalder Anita Goumaz Thomas Luc Maury Pasquier 7 s Liliane Lachenmeier- 22 Hurter 42 SG ri Recordon 13 BE Hansruedi Thüring Katharina 146 ZH Wandfluh Do BE Hansjörg Stump Prelicz- Walter 16 BE ZH 162 Huber 62 Christine Pierre- Josef BE Goll AG TG Kunz l François 1 Robert u 133 VD 2 GR Veillon a 8 Cramer 1 47 Hans Didier P 54 Hans LU Rutschmann Rechsteiner Hans SZ GE 115 Stöckli Alec 21 Killer Burkhalter i mann Theophil 43 v e von Pfister 1 SO Bastien 102 4 Max BE E ll Graffenried BL Alfred Binder rea A Heer ZH 8 Girod Christian d SG 2 n 1 TI Miesch 114 A Jasmin Hämmerle Hutter Gisèle ZH ZH 74 VD 194 Andy Ory a Antonio GL im Tschümperlin 87 94 e 81 48 e Jean- Marcel Ursula B Hodgers Scherer François 197 SG Wyss io H André 4 ZH Rime 5 b Reymond a 1 39 10 F Rudolf Ulrich iel Schlüer Pedrina BE 7 FR Joder SH n 16 ZG GE Da 78 180 Oskar vacant GE Brélaz Freysinger

BE AG VD

ZH SO 169 BS Christian 97 112 Elmar Silvia van Singer Bigger Schenker TI 88 Marie- Anne Thérèse

Weber-Gobet NE BL 104 Seydoux-Christe Eric Nussbaumer 73 Pirmin Schwander

113 Toni 136 Brunner M ax M C ho part-ho C H Z 164 Ack linAck O S Ada 63 199 Dominique Marra Felix Baettig VD Müri SG

153 Marina Carobbio Guscetti E B 160 Jean-Pierre Grin

SZ VD

LU Schibli Ernst 9

13 JU J a c q u e l i n e n i l e u q c a J 95 B r i g i t i g i r B F e h r h e F s s y W

G E G 175 Josef Zisyadis rt

46 R i c a r d o d r a c i R L u m e n g o g n e m u L

Aebi

Geissbühler

Martina Andreas

Andrea

Bäni

163 Josiane Aube Flückiger V S S V

Sylvia

129 LU LU

Mörgeli

193 Christoph C a r l o l r a C S o m m a r u g a g u r a m m o S

6 GE GE

BE BE

Zufferey

Glauser-

Schelbert

Alice R o s s i n i i n i s s o R

BE S t é p h a n e e n a h p é t S

Louis Louis 182

159

69 AG

F R R F

Ri elle elle Ri

Jean-Charles Jean-Charles

191

Föhn

Zuppiger

Bruno

Peter

Kaufmann

72 Daguet Daguet

Hans André André

FR FR

NE NE

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S t e i e r t t r e i e t S

F r a n ç o i s s i o ç n a r F

J e a n - n a e J

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JU JU

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Berberat Berberat

11 Levrat Levrat

ZH Didier Didier

Christian Christian

84 185 SZ

S G T G S O VD VD NE ZH

ZH ZH

Rennwald Rennwald

Jean-Claude Jean-Claude

200

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BE Peter

145 Rechsteiner Rechsteiner

Rudolf Rudolf

96 117 147 92 166 174 183

ZH ZH

Füglistaller

Gross Gross

J a k o b E d i t h Wa l t e r Eric Jacques Laurent Lieni

Andreas Andreas ZH

17 Tellers 130

B ü c h l e r G r a f -L i t s c h e r Wo b m a n n Voruz Neirynck Favre

Bortoluzzi

Toni

Galladé Galladé

VD VD

Chantal Chantal

LU LU

Giezendanner

AG Ulrich

Nordmann Nordmann

131

Roger Roger

165

Widmer Widmer VD NW

ZH ZH

Hans Hans

ZH 70

Federal 161 77 Fehr Fehr

Mario Mario

14 Guy Edi AG Councillors Parmelin Engelberger

Committee Spokepersons Podium AG TI AG VS Se cretaries and 156 135 143 Chiara Pascale 181 Geri interpreters Simoneschi- Bruderer Jean-René Müller Cortesi Germanier

Secretary President General

30 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The LegiSLaTive BraNCh

BDP (5) Pda (1) eDu (1) CSP(1) vacant (1)

gPS (22)

Sommaruga

Luginbühl Simonetta

Werner Hansruedi

Hansheiri Inderkum Stadler Niederberger

Felix Gutzwiller SvP (64)

Verena Diener

Konrad Graber Paul

Helen FDP (47) Leumann-Würsch Hans Schweiger Hess echt Bruno x r Frick e p l u A K Rolf ZH Peter Pankraz Lega(1) Bieri BL Freitag y Leuenberger AG s BE i n BE h n 107 T e 32 51 TG J Ernst 139 Kathy Hans Rudolf AI Pierre 149 waller Ruth Riklin Gysin rs h Büttiker 59 Triponez Werner AR U Humbel Näf Sc t Rolf Norbert Messmer 110 n LU Marianne SP (51) 111 Hochreutener UR Alai evP (2) GermannHannes Kleiner Berse Arthur 71 GR Gabi gLP (4) SZ Loepfe LU SG a 65 Huber CvP (46) AG TI Peter AG 1 5 Anitetz Briner Ruedi 64 126 123 2 F 142 ZH Fu Lustenberger Ida Sep Walter lv Forster-Vannini Philipp Pelli io TG SG Cathomas Müller 25 50 75 Glanzmann- Müller Claude Reto 140 Hunkeler Markus ZH Johann N. BE Janiak Erika Wehrli Markus Hutter 26 Schneider- ZG 119 Zemp Filippo Ammann 148 Leutenegger 49 VS BE Ivo Eugen Brigitte Thomas Christa Häberli- ZH 68 Bischofberger David Müller BE GR Markwalder LU Koller VS Georges 80 LU Bär Theiler Egerszegi-Obrist BL Gerhard 34 127 67 27 ZH Hans Pfister ZH Altherr Christine 178 58 Ruedi Tarzisius Ruedi SG Otto 24 Christophe LU 105 Walter Aeschbacher Caviezel Noser 17 SO 176 Ineichen Doris C 0 Darbellay Kathrin Donzé BE harles VD Maximilian Viola Fiala 52 17 Favre Amacker- Christoffel Amherd Christian I 2 VD Reimann SO Amann sabelle Brändli 118 66 Wasserfallen Moret Lucrezia 100 188 FR 89 Pius ZH BS Martine Meier- ZH Pe Schatz Elvira Segmüller SO Brunschwig Theo ZH Malamater 18 Graf GE Maissen Bader ZH 90 S 4 AG ylvie NE 28 93 141 Perrinjaquet Pirmin ZH 15 83 29 1 TI Bischof Martin Kurt Corina I gnazio Thérèse 31 Tiana BE Meyer- 33 Bäumle Fluri Eichenberger- Cassis 173 VS FR Urs 60 Kaelin Angelina Walther 190 Claude Hany AG Barbara SG Christian Ruey Schmid- 30 Moser Christian VD Waber 17 Lüscher GE Federer Thomas BE O 1 Filippo 57 livier VD Lombardi Weibel Ursula Français 177 82 ZH Haller Maurice 138 ZH 122 TI Dominique TI Chevrier VS Esther Yvonne ZH 150 de Buman 56 Egger-Wyss Gilli 157 BE 86 Fabio Dick 23 H Jacques Abate Philipp Attilio GE an TI Marty Daniel G runders Bourgeois FR Stähelin ZG Bignasca 196 BE 53 20 Vischer Yv ZH Therese es 36 155 179 Marlies Ni 12 Adrian Meinrado Roberto Frösch d e 132 AG H 5 Amstutz Hermann Robbiani GE Bänziger gger ansjörg GR Schmidt W Hassler 189 Bürgi ImoberdorfRené BL 79 alter Hugues BE Glur Hiltpold Josef GE BL 55 Lang NE 19 GE Franziska SG 7 158 Anita 6 André Jean-René Teuscher OW 124 Bugnon Thanei VD 116 Christoph SG 198 BrigittaM. 61 von Rotz Yvette Luc 106 Gadient VD Fournier BS 186 Lukas GR Estermann Géraldine Barthassat Maya 13 AG 103 Francine Reimann 4 Savary AG Graf Susanne 168 L 144 LU Leutenegger ZH John-Calame uz 195 Adèle i 40 Alexander J. Oberholzer Sta Baumann ZH Ueli m Simon 120 Leuenberger Thorens m 10 3 Hildegard 99 Schenk BE Hans 9 SH TG Fässler- Goumaz T Fehr Luc Maury Pasquier Osterwalder Anita homas Liliane Lachenmeier- 22 Hurter 42 SG Recordon 137 BE Hansruedi Thüring Katharina 146 ZH Wandfluh Doris BE Hansjörg Stump Prelicz- Walter 16 BE ZH 162 Huber 62 Christine Pierre- Josef BE Goll AG François TG Kunz Robert VD GR 13 Veillon 3 8 Cramer 121 47 54 Hans Didier Paul Ha LU Rutschmann Rechsteiner Hans SZ Alec GE 21 ns 115 Stöckli Killer Theophil Burkhalter 43 von Pfister 1 SO Bastien 10 4 Max BE Evi BL Alfred Binder Graffenried 2 ZH Allemann Girod C Heer hristian SG

154 39 10 Ulrich Fabio Rudolf Schlüer FR Joder SH Pedrina BE 167 ZG GE Daniel 78 180 Oskar GE Brélaz Freysinger

BE AG VD ZH SO 169 BS Christian 97 112 Elmar Silvia van Singer Bigger Schenker TI 88 Marie- Anne

Thérèse Weber-Gobet NE BL 104 Seydoux-Christe Eric Nussbaumer

73 Pirmin Schwander

113 Toni 136 Brunner Max Chopart- ZH 164 Acklin SO Ada 63 199 Dominique Marra Felix Baettig VD Müri

153 Marina Carobbio Guscetti BE 160 Jean-Pierre Jean-Pierre Grin Grin

SZ VD

LU S Ernst 9

13 JU Jacqueline 95 Brigit Fehr Wyss chibli chibli

GE 175 Josef Zisyadis

VD VD

46 Ricardo Lumengo

Aebi Aebi

Geissbühler Geissbühler

Martina Martina Andreas Andreas

Andrea Andrea

Bäni Bäni

163 Josiane Aubert Flückiger VS

Sylvia Sylvia

129 LU

ZH ZH

Mörgeli

193 Christoph Carlo Sommaruga

Zufferey Zufferey

BE BE

Glauser-

Schelbert

Alice Alice Rossini

BE BE Stéphane

Louis 182

159

69 AG AG

Rielle

Jean-Charles

191

ZH ZH

Föhn Föhn

Zuppiger Zuppiger

Bruno Bruno

Peter Peter

Kaufmann Kaufmann

72 Daguet

Hans Hans André

VD VD

Siebenthal Siebenthal

Steiert

François

Jean-

von von 85

Erich Erich

J BS

Berberat

Levrat

ZH ZH Didier

Christian

84 a 185

SZ SZ ZH ZH r

SG TG SO VD VD NE h

ZH g

l l

Rennwald

Jean-Claude

200

Spuhler Spuhler

BE BE Peter Peter

145 Rechsteiner

Rudolf

96 117 147 92 166 174 183

ZH Füglistaller Füglistaller

Gross

Jakob Edith Walter Eric Jacques Laurent Lieni

Andreas

Tellers ZH 17

Büchler Graf-Litscher Wobmann Voruz Neirynck Favre 130

o Galladé

Chantal

TG TG

15 n

LU luzzi luzzi

Giezendanner Giezendanner

AG AG Ulrich Ulrich

Nordmann

131 Roger

165 Widmer VD NW

Hans

ZH ZH 70

161 77

Fehr Federal

Mario

14 Guy Edi AG Parmelin Engelberger Councillors

Podium AG TI AG VS 156 135 143

Chiara Pascale 181 Geri Simoneschi- Bruderer Jean-René Müller Cortesi Germanier

1st Vice - 2nd Vice- president President

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 31 The Work of ParLiameNT or What “our people in Bern” are doing

The members of the National Council and the Council of states each have a series of more or less effective instruments to assert their opinion or to pass on that of their electors. They can propose legislative amendments, ask the federal Council critical questions or assign it work to do.

Frequency and duration of parliamentary sessions The main tasks

The National Council and the Council of States usually meet for Legislation: The National Council and the Council of States con an ordinary three-week session in spring, summer, autumn and stitute the legislature, which is the legislative power in Swit winter. Committee meetings are held between sessions. zerland. The two chambers, together referred to as the Federal Assembly, debate all constitutional amendments before they are Part-time politicians put to the popular vote. In addition, they prepare, amend or The 246 members of the National Council and the Council of repeal federal acts, draw up federal decrees and approve inter States devote an average of 60% of their working hours to their national treaties. (See also “how new laws are made” on pages 38/39) parliamentary duties. Generally, they also have another job. This arrangement where representatives take on public tasks elections: The two parliamentary chambers sit together as the and mandates on a part-time basis is known in Switzerland as United Federal Assembly in order to elect the members of the the militia system. The representatives’ double workload regu Federal Council, the Federal Chancellor and the judges to the larly gives rise to calls for a full-time parliament. federal courts. Each year during the winter session, it elects the On the other hand, some say that part-time members of President of the Swiss Confederation and the Vice-President of parliament are closer to the people and that their professional the Federal Council from among the seven members of the Fed knowledge is a valuable contribution to political debates. eral Council. In the event of a military threat to the country, the United Federal Assembly also appoints a General as commander-in chief of the armed forces.

Control: The Federal Assembly is responsible for the overall su Sessions in 2009 pervision of the federal administration; It decides, among other spring session: 2 – 20 march things, on the federal government’s budget – the level of rev summer session: 25 may – 12 June enues and expenditure. It also examines and approves the fed autumn session: 7 – 25 september eral accounts. Winter session: 23 November – 11 december (2 december: election of the President of the Confederation and the vice-President of the federal Council) special session: 27 – 30 april

32 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The LegiSLaTive BraNCh

instruments

By making a proposal, members can make amendments to pend ing issues under discussion.

Parliamentary initiatives enable a member to submit a draft bill for an act or to propose in general terms that such a text be in addition to Council members, committees and drafted. All legislative work takes place in a committee. Parlia parliamentary groups can also submit parliamenta mentary initiatives are subject to a preliminary examination. ry initiatives and interventions. They can be signed by one or more Council members. a motion obliges the Federal Council to submit a specific draft bill or decree or to take appropriate measures. A motion requires the approval of both chambers. a postulate is a form of request requiring the Federal Council to examine and report on whether an act or decree needs to be drafted or if other measures need to be taken. A postulate can also require the Federal Council to present Between 0 and 120 a report on another issue. A postulate is binding once it is ap parliamentary proved by one of the two chambers. requests per person an interpellation enables members of the Federal Assembly to request information on important events or matters relating to in the last four years, members of the Nation foreign or domestic policy affecting the Confederation. A debate al Council and the Council of states submit can be requested on the response given by the Federal Council. ted a total of 5748 parliamentary requests, broken down into: an ordinary question, in the same way as an interpellation, en • 361 parliamentary initiatives ables members to request information on important events or • 1476 motions matters relating to foreign or domestic policy affecting the Con • 636 postulates federation. However, contrary to interpellations, ordinary ques • 1548 interpellations tions are not put before the Federal Council, but are answered • 669 simple enquiries and in writing by the Federal Council. • 1375 written questions as part of question time in the National Council. Question time is a procedure used only by the National Council to This amounts to an average of 20 requests deal with current issues. During question time, members of the per member, although some achieve several Federal Council appear before the National Council to respond times this number. one member submitted to questions from Council members. Question time, which lasts over 120 interventions, while other members no longer than 90 minutes, takes place at the beginning of the have submitted only one or none at all after second and third weeks of sessions. eight years in parliament.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 33 CommiTTees aNd deLegaTioNs or Tackling items of business

Committees are responsible for preparing items of busi The term of office for committee members is four years with ness and formulating recommendations for their respective the option of being re-elected. The term of office for committee Council. They work closely with the Federal Council. In accord chairpersons is limited to two years. ance with the Parliament Act, the committees should also moni tor social and political developments in their fields of expertise Work and importance of committees and make proposals as to how new challenges could be tackled In contrast to National Council and Council of States sessions, and problems solved. committee meetings are not public. The in camera consultations usually foster an open discussion between members, making it Who does what and where easier to find mutual solutions. The committees then brief the Both chambers each have twelve standing committees: two su media after their meetings. pervisory committees and ten legislative committees. Members who have been unable to voice their concerns in Their composition depends on the strength of the parliamen the committee can subsequently submit minority proposals at tary groups. National languages and national regions are, as far the plenary session. as possible, taken into due consideration. A National Council The councils tend to deal with their own committees’ pro committee has 25 members and a Council of States committee posals; the most important principles to be followed are there has 13. Thus, a member of the National Council sits on one or fore set out in the advisory committees. two committees and a member of the Council of States on three or four.

Supervisory committees and delegations visiting agencies, commissioning the Parliamentary Administra The Finance Committees monitor the federal government’s spend tion Control to carry out evaluations, reviewing the reports on ing, review the federal government’s budget and public accounts, Federal Council business, the business of the federal courts and and examine proposals for future spending. They are divided into the annual reports of other bodies given tasks by the Confedera sub-committees that scrutinise the finances of the seven depart tion (Swiss Federal Banking Commission, the Federal Institutes ments. The Finance Delegation, made up of three National Coun of Technology, etc.). They deal with supervision requests submit cil representatives and three Council of States representatives, ted by third parties and follow up implementation of recommen continually monitors and supervises the federal government’s fi dations and other parliamentary interventions addressed to the nances. The NRLA Supervisory Delegation carries out overall par Federal Council. The control committees are divided into sub liamentary supervision of the construction of the New Rail Link committees. In addition, each committee selects three members through the Alps (NRLA). from its group to form the Control Delegation (GPDel) whose task The Control Committees exercise overall parliamentary su it is to scrutinise activities relating to state protection and the pervision. They fulfil their tasks by carrying out inspections and intelligence services.

Council of States National Council

1 Finance Committee (FC) 34 41 13 16 25 17 20 21 12 18 39 14 24 150 45 9 12 38 39 62 73 130 160 111 119 138 148 20 23 69 25 110 188 84 153 28 * *

2 Control Committee (CC) 11 22 5 8 35 40 46 6 23 10 32 43 45 162 192 1 41 102 132 144 159 16 44 147 182 64 65 89 126 52 141 171 172 53 95 30 88 124

The numbers on the coloured circles in the table denote the corresponding members of the National Council and the Council of States (see pp. 26 – 28); the first two per The committees meet on average sons listed are the chairperson and deputy respectively, and the remaining commit for three to four days every quarter. tee members classified by party affiliation; *vacant

34 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The LegiSLaTive BraNCh

Legislative committees economic supply, peace and security policy, civilian service, war The ten legislative committees are responsible for legislation in material export their particular fields, for example: Transport and Telecommunications Committees: transport and Foreign Affairs Committees: international relations, neutrality, traffic, postal services and telecommunications, media humanitarian aid, human rights, foreign economic / trade poli Economic Affairs and Taxation Committees: national economy, la cy, European integration, World Bank, IMF bour, social partnership, prices, consumer protection, private Science, Education and Culture Committees: science, education, insurance, export risk guarantee, taxation, agriculture. genetic engineering, languages, culture, sport, family issues, Political Institutions Committees: federal authorities, relations youth issues, women’s issues between the Confederation and the cantons, political rights, Social Security and Health Committees: social insurance, health citizenship, foreign nationals, asylum, relations between the matters, drugs, food, sickness and accident prevention, health Church and the State and safety Legal Affairs Committees: civil code, code of obligations, intellec Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy Committees: environ tual property, fair trading, data protection, criminal law, mili ment protection, national heritage, spatial planning, water sup tary criminal law, parliamentary/ immunity, amnesty ply and regulation, energy, forestry, hunting and fishing. Committee for Public Buildings: civilian public buildings at home Defence Committees: military defence, civil defence, national and abroad

Council of States National Council

3 Foreign affairs Committee (FaC) 36 26 27 30 39 46 2 23 4 44 24 32 37 143 49 6 9 11 35 61 92 134 197 14 43 96 108 193 32 75 105 198 123 183 188 79 186 29

4 Committee for Science, education 33 30 8 15 26 46 2 6 41 21 42 38 3 163 130 32 40 62 63 115 159 180 14 15 85 135 24 27 67 184 32 148 156 174 22 106 122 29 and Culture (CSeC)

5 Committee for Social Security 18 10 2 25 28 31 9 27 34 21 42 44 29 11 83 2 61 81 91 98 161 199 13 16 97 121 18275 51 110 151 173 75 139 155 106 122 30 88 and health (CSSh)

6 Committee for the environment, 35 16 7 26 40 19 28 14 29 4 22 1 43 113 86 8 36 112 114 133 161 48 96 104 137 165 65 89 126 177 26 149 152 21 54 169 28 56 Spatial Planning and energy (CeSPe)

7 Defence Committee 25 9 12 15 30 39 10 33 11 41 42 45 37 12 117 2 91 102 109 158 187 43 46 70 166 191 77 100 123 141 64 66 111 79 99 143 57 58 (DefC)

8 Committee for Transportation 15 14 5 35 40 11 19 31 20 38 45 1 29 128 1 7 40 72 76 87 131 13 84 154 185 25 71 127 181 31 59 156 176 54 99 167 34 157 and Telecommunications (CTT)

9 Committee for economic affairs 4 6 5 9 27 34 16 28 36 17 20 3 24 and Taxation (CeaT) 120 42 5 87 101 129 145 146 82 90 118 140 178 50 68 142 170 103 108 121 200 69 168 125 175

10 Political institutions Committee (PiC) 7 44 13 19 23 31 12 18 35 24 32 43 45 80 187 3 9 37 39 92 114 158 17 47 74 94 164 77 93 172 189 83 139 179 194 195 58 175

11 Committee for Legal affairs (CLa) 22 33 7 8 46 13 16 36 17 38 1 3 37 71 19 4 5 37 73 116 134 180 196 18 103 193 33 59 176 177 23 55 95 49 93 190 34 *

12 Committee for Public Buildings 31 169 8 41 81 112 133 44 94 192 26 171 117 (CPB)

Other committees The Drafting Committee revises the wording of the laws in the The Judicial Committee is responsible for the preparation of the three official languages and decides on their final version. election and the removal from office of members of the federal The Committee on Pardons and Conflicts of Jurisdiction examines courts. requests for pardons submitted to the Federal Assembly and rules on conflicts of jurisdiction between the highest federal Delegations authorities. It also has the power to grant pardons. Delegations are mainly called on to cultivate relations with The Rehabilitation Committee quashes convictions against per other states; otherwise, they represent the Federal Assembly at sons who helped refugees to flee persecution during the period international parliamentary assemblies relating, for example, to of National Socialism. the Council of Europe, Francophonie, the OSCE or NATO.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 35 The ParLiameNTarY grouPs or Where great minds vote alike

Parliamentary groups comprise members of the same party or parties sharing the same political sympathies. Money paid for a job done They play an important role in opinion-forming processes, dis Parliamentary groups are paid a fixed allowance of cussing important Council business and agreeing on a line that Chf 94 500 a year, and each of their members re can be followed by Council members in the Council and in their ceives the additional sum of Chf 17 500. members dealings with the media and the public. At least five members of parliament with no affiliation to a parliamentary from the same Council are needed to form a parliamentary group do not receive any of this money and are not group. In the National Council, belonging to a parliamentary entitled to sit on a parliamentary committee or group is a prerequisite for membership of a committee. have their say in most debates. This is why parties with fewer than five members are keen to join a group. But they are also courted because the more mem bers a parliamentary group has, the more committees it can sit on and the greater its impact on Council business.

Politically speaking, the Federal assembly is not divided into parties but into parliamentary groups of which there are cur rently five. Seven members of parliament do not belong to a parliamentary group.

National Council Council of States

group of the SvP

Social Democratic group SP

group of the CvP, evP and gLP

radical Free Democratic group FDP

green group

No affiliation (vacant)

36 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide ParLiameNTarY serviCes or The LegiSLaTive BraNCh The service centre for the Federal assembly Parliamentary services support the federal assembly in the fulfilment of its tasks. They provide a comprehensive service to assist members of parliament in carrying out detailed and creative legislative work. They plan and organise parliamentary sessions and committee meetings, han dle secretarial business and prepare reports, minutes and transcripts, and translations, obtain and archive documents and advise and provide technical assistance to Council members in mat ters related to parliamentary procedure. Parliament’s backoffice employs 293 staff who share 197 full-time positions under the leadership of the secretary-general.

general Secretariat The Documentation Centre is able to provide the information

Secretary-General: Parliament Building, 3003 Bern members of parliament need to prepare material for council Christoph Lanz 031 322 87 90 decisions or debates. [email protected] www.parlament.ch external relations and information The General Secretariat is responsible for planning the sessions and The External Relations Service is the secretariat of the Foreign any related business, and for organisational and procedural matters. Affairs Committee and Delegations. It also organises foreign The Central Secretariat is parliament’s general service office. trips for members of parliament and visits to Switzerland by It makes the basic preparations for parliamentary work, man delegations from foreign parliaments, and is responsible for ages addresses and compiles lists. questions of protocol. The Information Service maintains contacts with the media, The Language Service provides translations for parliament in particular with accredited journalists, and with the general and the Parliamentary Services. The Interpreting Service en public. It also supports and advises council members, the par sures simultaneous translation of the statements made by liamentary bodies and the heads of service on information and members of parliament into the three official languages (Ger- media-related matters. man, French and Italian). The Public Relations Service produces communication material on parliament and organises events and guided tours of the Par resources, Security and Logistics liament Building. Together with the Federal Chancellery, it also The Personnel Service implements personnel policies and is the runs the “Political Forum of the Confederation” in the Käfigturm. contact for training and organisational development. The Internet Service maintains the parliament website and The Finance and Travel Service is responsible for the prepa offers information on a daily basis on the workings of parlia ration and the administration of the budget, accounting and ment and its various bodies. During parliamentary sessions, it controlling. It arranges for the allowances to be paid to mem broadcasts the debates. bers of parliament and organises their trips. The Legal Service provides advice and information on ques The Security and Infrastructure Service ensures compliance tions of parliamentary law. with security measures, plans and coordinates the use of the building and maintains the rooms and the technical infra Scientific Services structure in the Parliament Building. The activities of committees are an important part of parliamen The IT and New Technologies team is responsible for operat tary work. The volume and complexity of business is continuously ing and maintaining the entire IT infrastructure used by the increasing, which is why each matter is assigned to one of the com Parliamentary Services and the parliamentary groups’ secre mittees. The committee secretariats form the Committees Service. tariats. It provides all members with personal IT equipment. It plans the committees’ work, and provides them with technical, The Operations and Usher Service is responsible for the in organisational and administrative assistance, and advises them in frastructure of the federal chambers, committees and the par particular on procedural and jurisdictional questions. liamentary groups. The ushers are available to the chambers at The word “parliament” is derived from the Latin parlare, all times during meetings. They also accompany Council Presi to speak. However, it is often a case of no sooner said than for dents to public events. gotten. Every parliament therefore also needs a transcription The Project and Integration Management Unit is responsible service. The transcription service used by the Official Bulletin is for tasks in the areas of infrastructure, security, IT, document one of the most modern in the world: the statements of council management and e-parl. The e-parl project aims to make all members are recorded and relayed for publication on www.par documents necessary for the operations of the councils fully lament.ch almost in real time. available on the Internet.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 37 The WaY To The eNaCTmeNT of NeW LegisLaTioN or regaining control of invalidity insurance

Bringing in new legislation is a complex and at times protracted business. The process takes at least twelve months but it has been known to take as long as twelve years or more. how - ever, the number of new acts has significantly increased in recent years. on average, every week sees a new act come into force or an existing act amended. Below are the steps that were needed to reach the fifth revision of the federal act on invalidity insurance (iv):

Who: When: Who: When: Who: When:

0 3 FSIO 2004 7 Federal Council 22.6.2005

The first step is taken when someone thinks The federal Council instructed the federal The Federal Council examined the text and it is necessary for there to be a new act or social insurance office FSiO to draw up a submitted it to parliament on 22 June 2005. for an existing act to be amended. This may draft bill in consultation with the other of be a member of the public or an interest fices concerned. Who: When: group, members of parliament or sections of the administration, cantons or the federal 8 NC-CSSH 5./6. 9. 2005 Who: When: Council. The National Council Committee for social 4 Federal Council 24.9.2004 security and health NC-CSSh met to hear Who: When: This draft bill was approved by the federal a number of experts on 5 and 6 september NC-CSSH 4.11.2002 Council on 24 september 2004. 2005. it then unanimously decided to pro 1 CS-CSSH 20.2.2003 ceed with the fifth iv revision. The case in question involved two parlia mentary bodies: The National Council Com Who: When: NC- Who: When: mittee for social security and health 5 Various 2004 CSSh, and 9 National Council 20.–22.3.2006 The Council of states Committee for social The draft was then put out for consultation The National Council discussed the fifth iv security and health CS-CSSh. among the cantons, federal courts, political revision in the spring session in 2006. There Both submitted motions during the consul parties, business federations and other in was general consensus that the act needed tation procedure for the fourth iv revision: terest groups, which were then all able to revising but there was some debate about the one at the end of 2002, and the other at the submit their comments and propose amend question of funding. The Council therefore beginning of 2003. ments. decided to rule on this matter at a later date. They called for a limit to be placed on the There were around 140 submissions. only minor amendments were made to the increase in the invalidity ratio, i.e. for the federal Council’s draft. after a 14-hour number of people drawing a pension as a consultation procedure over three days, the percentage of the population as a whole, to Who: When: National Council accepted the revision on 22 be restricted. 6 FSIO 2005 march. if this ratio continued to increase, the fed eral Council would have to examine the ef The federal social insurance office FSiO fectiveness of the measures of the fourth iv summarised the proposals from the consul revision and take additional measures. tation process in a report und drafted a dis patch on the fifth iv revision.

Who: When:

2 Federal Council 2004

as the 2003 ratio had again increased and there was no sign of improvement for the foreseeable future, the Federal Council de cided in 2004 to tackle the fifth iv revision immediately.

38 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The LegiSLaTive BraNCh

Who: When: Who: When: Who: When: National Council 18.9.2006 17.10.2006 10 CS-CSSH 24./25.4.2006 12 Council of States 25.9.2006 15 Referendum committee –25.1.2007

The Council of states Committee for social The next stage was the process of ironing however, those opposing the revision man security and health CS-CSSh sat on 24 and out differences: the National Council stood aged, within a period of 100 days, to collect 25 april. after hearing various groups, it firm on the capital aid rejected by the Coun enough signatures against the amendment also unanimously decided to consider the cil of States and rejected the new article of the act, so a referendum had to be held. proposal and examine it in detail. 14a para. 5. The Council of states then discussed the remaining differences. it attempted to ac Who: When: Who: When: commodate the National Council’s position 16 People 17.6.2007 by changing the wording of article 14 para. 11 Council of States 22.6.2006 5 and limiting the duration of support, and it a popular vote was held on 17 June 2007. The Council of States discussed the fifth iv re-included capital aid in the draft bill. The proposal was adopted with a 59.1% revision on 22 June 2006. it also recognised “yes” vote. the need for revision with certain reserva tions regarding funding. Who: When: Who: When: The Council of states did not differ from the 13 National Council 2.10.2006 National Council on the main points but add 17 Federal Council 29.9.2007 National Council ed two new provisions: employers should finally the followed the Federal Council work with the iv office to seek solutions. decisions of the Council of states. The decided on 29 septem and the insurance should make a contribu as there were no longer any differences ber 2007 that the fifth iv revision would take tion to employers who continue to employ after fewer than three consultations, there effect at the beginning of the following year. staff who are eligible for invalidity benefits was no need for a conciliation conference (article 14a para. 5). between the two chambers. Who: When: Conversely, the Council of states rejected two provisions approved by the National 18 1.1.2008 Who: When: Council: capital aid and the adjustment of National Council/ as of 1 January 2008 the amended federal pensions paid out abroad to bring them in 14 Council of States 6.10.2006 act on invalidity insurance came into force. line with their purchasing power. The fifth iv revision was passed on 6 octo ber 2006 in the National Council with 118 Yes votes to 63 No votes and 3 abstentions. The Council of States also approved the revision with 35 votes for to seven votes against and two abstentions. as the invalidity insurance act is only an act and does not involve an amendment of the constitution, the people do not automati cally have to vote on it.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 39 The execuTive: Federal council and deparTmenTs or The Swiss government

40 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

or the first time in its hundred-and-sixty- eveline Widmer-schlumpf for accepting the elec year history, the Federal council currently tion to the government against the wishes of her F consists of members from five different party – and the subsequent founding of the Bdp parties: The exclusion last year of the canton means that a small grouping is also represented Graubünden section of the svp from the national in the Federal council. party – and consequently of Federal councillor

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 41 The Federal council

The swiss government comprises the seven members of the Federal council, who are each elected by the united Federal assembly for a four-year term of office. The president is elected for one year only and is regarded when in office as primus inter pares, or first among equals. he or she chairs the sessions of the Federal council and undertakes special ceremonial duties. The Federal chancellor acts as the govern ment’s chief of staff.

hans-Rudolf Merz Doris Leuthard vice-President of Moritz Leuenberger Pascal couchepin President of the Swiss confederation the Federal council Head of the Federal Department of Head of the Federal Department Head of the Federal Department Head of the Federal Department the Environment, Transport, Energy of Home Affairs of Finance of Economic Affairs and Communications Member of the FDP Member of the FDP Member of the CVP Member of the SP Federal Councillor since 1998 Federal Councillor since 2004 Federal Councillor since 2006 Federal Councillor since 1995

Micheline calmy-Rey eveline Widmer-Schlumpf ueli Maurer corina casanova Head of the Federal Department Head of the Federal Department Head of the Federal Department of Member of the CVP of Foreign Affairs of Justice and Police Defence, Civil Protection and Sport Federal Chancellor since 2008 Member of the SP Member of the BDP Member of the SVP Federal Councillor since 2003 Federal Councillor since 2008 Federal Councillor since 2009

The composition of the Federal council in terms of political parties

FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP The diagram shows the representation of FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP SP SP SP SP the political par ties in the Federal Council FDP FDP FDP FDP FDP SP SP SP SP SP since 1848 from the for ty years in which FDP FDP FDP FDP SVP SVP SVP SVP BDP SVP its members all came from the Radical FDP FDP LPS CVP CVP CVP CVP SVP BDP BDP FDP CVP CVP CVP CVP CVP CVP CVP CVP CVP Par ty to the current composition.

1848 1892 1916 1920 1929 1944 1959 2004 2008 2009

42 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

collegiality according to article 177 of the Federal consti tution, the Federal council is a collegial body, in which each member has the same rights and responsibilities. The national government convenes every Wednesday morning for ordinary meetings where members express their views on the matters at hand and pass resolutions. as a rule, the Federal council avoids putting mat ters to a vote, as it is normally clear from the discussion what the majority view is. deci sions are reached behind closed doors and must be presented in public unanimously, us Role of the Federal council As the highest ex ing the arguments that won the day in the dis ecutive authority of the country, the Federal council is primarily cussions. in other words, members who do not responsible for the activities of the government. It must continu share the opinion of the majority must none ously theless endorse the decisions of the council • assess the situation arising from developments in the State as a whole. and society and from events at home and abroad; • define the fundamental goals of State action and determine the resources needed to attain them; concordance comes from the lat • plan and co-ordinate government policy and ensure its imple in term “concordia”, which means unanimity or mentation; the popular expression “one heart and soul”. • represent the Confederation at home and abroad. unlike the consideration for the various re gions of switzerland, concordance is not stip Furthermore, the Federal Council must regularly and systemati ulated in the constitution, but has developed cally scrutinise the workings of the Federal Administration in over many years through switzerland’s highly order to ensure its efficiency and the legality and practicality of developed mechanisms for the protection of its activities. The Federal council also takes part in the legisla minorities. tive procedure by concordance, does not, however, imply • leading the preliminary proceedings of legislation; that everyone in parliament and in the govern • submitting federal acts and decrees to the Federal Assembly; ment is (or should be) in complete agreement, • enacting ordinances in so far as the Federal Constitution or but rather that all opinions are represented federal law empowers it to do so. and carry a weight that accords closely with the level of support that they enjoy among the Finally, the Federal Council drafts the budget and the State ac electorate. counts. It takes administrative action only in exceptional cases. The Federal Council generally meets for one ordinary session The magic formula is the each week and takes decisions on some 2000 to 2500 matters phrase used to describe the way in which the each year. In addition to the extraordinary sessions, which are Federal council has been constituted since convened at short notice as and when the need arises, a number 1959 when the seats allocated to parties rep of special meetings are also held each year, which are dedicated resented in the national government first cor to the consideration of especially complex and important issues. responded roughly to their share of the vote: The sessions of the Federal Council are chaired by the Presi the sp (26.3%), the Fdp (23.7%) and the cvp dent of the Swiss Confederation, or in his or her absence, by the (23.3%) each had two seats on the Federal Vice-President. They can last between one and ten hours. council, while the svp (11.6%) had one. The Departments and the Federal Chancellery prepare the This balance remained unchanged for 44 agenda, but it is the Federal Council that takes the decisions as a years. The 2003 national council elections collegial body. Each member of the Federal Council has one vote. saw the svp gain the largest share of the vote, The Federal Chancellor is entitled to propose motions and speak, thereby earning them a second seat in govern but has no vote. ment which they took from the cvp. however, in 2008 both svp members of government shifted allegiance to the newly-founded Bdp. since the beginning of the year, the svp has once again had a representative on the Feder al council in the shape of ueli maurer, whose seat was vacated by samuel schmid.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 43 orGanisaTion oF The Federal adminisTraTion or Where the 36 000-strong federal staff work

Staff: 3306 Staff: 2033 Staff: 2203 Staff: 11 595 Revenue: 82 139 200. – Revenue: 573 135 800. – Revenue: 130 850 100. – Revenue: 1 608 262 200. – Expenditure: 2 329 137 500. – Expenditure: 17 473 695 823. – Expenditure: 1 389 697 700. – Expenditure: 6 455 462 765. –

Department Head: Department Head: Department Head: Department Head: Micheline calmy - Rey Pascal couchepin eveline Widmer - Schlumpf ueli Maurer

Federal Department Federal Department Federal Department Federal Department of Defence, of Foreign Affairs FDFA of home Affairs FDHA of Justice and Police FDJP civil Protection and Sport DDPS

General Secretariat General Secretariat General Secretariat General Secretariat

Federal Office for Gender Federal Office Office of the Armed Forces State Secretariat equality FOGE of Justice FOJ Attorney General

Directorate of Federal Office Federal Office Political Affairs of culture FOC of Police Fedpol Defence

Directorate of Federal Office Public international Law Swiss National Library NL for Migration FOM civil Protection

Swiss Agency for Development Office of the Attorney General and cooperation SDC Swiss Federal Archives SFA of Switzerland OAS Sport

Directorate of Swiss Meteorological Federal Office corporate Management institute MeteoSwiss of Metrology Metas Armasuisse

Swiss diplomatic and Federal Office Federal institute consular missions abroad of Public health FOPH of intellectual Property IIP

Federal Statistical Swiss institute Office FSO for comparative Law SICL

Federal Social Federal Gaming insurance Office FSIO Board FGB

State Secretariat for education and Research SER

Federal institutes of Technology Group ETH Group

The colour - coded organisational units are Swiss Agency for Therapeutic mostly independent, which is why information Products Swissmedic on their staff, revenue and expenditure is not included in the respective department figures.

44 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

Staff: 8048 Staff: 1919 Staff: 1848 Staff: 195 Revenue: 59 511 922 749. – Revenue: 271 823 300. – Revenue: 815 297 100. – Revenue: 990 000. – Expenditure: 15 709 348 676. – Expenditure: 6 121 022 623. – Expenditure: 9 019 776 696. – Expenditure: 57 284 400. –

Department Head: Department Head: Department Head: Federal Chancellor: hans - Rudolf Merz Doris Leuthard Moritz Leuenberger corina casanova

Federal Department Federal Department Federal Department of the Federal chancellery FCh of Finance FDF of economic Affairs FDEA environment, Transport, energy and communications DETEC

Federal Data Protection and General Secretariat General Secretariat General Secretariat information commissioner

Federal Finance State Secretariat Federal Office Administration FFA for economic Affairs Seco of Transport FOT

Federal Office for Federal Office Professional education Federal Office of Personnel FOPER and Technology OPET of civil Aviation FOCA

Federal Tax Federal Office for Swiss Federal Administration FTA Agriculture FOAG Office of energy SFOE

Federal customs Federal veterinary Federal Roads Office Administration FCA Office FVO FEDRO

Federal Office of information Technology, Systems and Federal Office for National Federal Office Telecommunication FOITT economic Supply FONES of communications OFCOM

Federal Office for Buildings Federal housing Federal Office and Logistics FOBL Office FHO for the environment FOEN

Swiss Financial Market Office of the Federal Office for Supervisory Authority Finma Price Supervisor Spatial Development ARE

Swiss Federal competition commission Audit Office SFAO ComCo

Swiss Federal institute Swiss Alcohol for vocational education Board SAB and Training SFIVET

Federal Pension Fund Publica

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 45 Federal chancellery FCh

As staff office, the Federal Chancellery monitors the business Federal Council business and consultation procedures among processes of the Federal Council. Before an item of business is the federal offices, and for the archiving of the Federal Chan actually tabled, it passes through a variety of stages. The Fed cellery’s documents. eral Chancellery plays the role of coordinator, and acts as a hub The primary tasks of internal Services include human re to the rest of the Federal Administration and Parliament. The sources, finance and accounting, information technology, events Federal Chancellor is the government’s chief of staff and may management at the von Wattenwyl Haus and the Lohn country propose motions to the Federal Council. The Federal Chancel residence, and the authentication of signatures for foreign au lery is also responsible for informing the public of the decisions thorities. taken by the Federal Council in a timely and transparent man ner via the media. Federal council Sector For the Federal Chancellery, 2009 will be a year of consoli dation and renewal. One priority will be to not only maintain The Federal Council begins its weekly session at 9 am every the quality of the www.admin.ch and www.ch.ch internet platforms, but Wednesday in the west wing of the Federal Palace. The Section also to adapt to the future requirements of e-Government, i.e. for Federal council Affairs works together with the departments the electronic communication between the state and citizens. to prepare the items of business for approval by the Federal An important part of e-Government is e-Voting. Pilot e-Voting Council. It prepares an agenda, gathers the views on items of schemes are being conducted in several cantons. business awaiting resolution from all departments through a A further aim for the current year is to upgrade the system consultation process and submits them to the Federal Council. used to electronically enter official publications in the Federal The protocol of decisions and individual decisions are written Gazette and in the compilations of legislation. At the same time, up after the Federal Council meeting. all of the Federal Administration’s transactions should be proc The Legal Section has a control and advisory function in the essed and harmonised electronically. legislative process and advises the departments and offices on their legislation projects. The Section screens all motions put to the Federal Council for their legal and formal accuracy. In ad Federal chancellor Sector dition, it is responsible for specific legal fields, such as adminis trative organisation law, consultative procedure law and official The Planning and Strategy Section is responsible for the Federal publications law. Council’s political planning and accountability instruments, Federal acts and ordinances must be published in the official which include legislature planning, annual objectives, and the publishing bodies to enter into force. It is the task of the Official activity report. The section is responsible for coordinating the Publications centre to ensure that the Federal Gazette and both Federal Administration’s Forward Planning Staff and checking compilations of legislation are published swiftly and simulta the most important Federal Council business for consistency neously in the three official languages (German, French and with the current and planned overall policy. It also acts as a sec Italian). The Federal Gazette contains draft bills and decrees retariat to the Conference of Secretaries-General, the highest that parliament debates in the course of its legislative work, ex coordination body in the Federal Administration. planatory dispatches and Federal Council reports, referendum The Political Rights Section ensures that the political rights proposals and notices from the federal authorities. The Official that are typical to Switzerland can be exercised smoothly. It ad Compilation of Federal Legislation (AS) is published on a week vises initiative and referendum committees, formally conducts ly basis and contains the new and amended acts and ordinances. a preliminary examination of popular initiatives, verifies peti The Official Compilation of Federal Legislation (SR) is continu tion lists, organises federal votes and elections to the National ously updated and provides a complete overview of applicable Council and monitors pilot e-Voting schemes. law. The compilations of legislation are indispensable for legal The Federal crisis Management Training (cMT) unit of the Fed practitioners, but also for many private individuals, as is evident eral Administration trains senior staff from offices, departments from the some 500 000 online queries made each day. and the Federal Chancellery to manage crises and disasters, and The central Language Services ensure, together with the Fed conducts exercises. Supra-departmental cooperation plays an eral Office of Justice, that federal legislation and all other of increasingly important role. ficial publications are produced in a style of language that is The Records and Process Management Section is responsible accessible to the public. Through their own translations and the for mail service, for the distribution of information regarding revision of those carried out by the offices, they help to ensure

46 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

Federal Chancellor: corina casanova Vice-Chancellor: Oswald Sigg (until 31 March), Thomas Helbling, André Simonazzi (from 1 April)

Federal Palace West Wing, 3003 Bern 031 322 31 53 Information officers: Hansruedi Moser, Claude Gerbex www.bk.admin.ch

that government communications reach all language communi Federal Data Protection and information commissioner ties at the same time and in the same manner. The language services also ensure that important government texts are pub The Commissioner monitors data processing activities by fed lished in Romansh and in English. They maintain the Termdat eral agencies or by private individuals and organisations. In the terminology database, which is a multilingual electronic dic event of a violation, he can recommend that data processing tionary covering a wide range of legal, administrative and other methods be changed or discontinued. In addition, he provides specialised fields. It is a valuable tool for communication, ed advice to private individuals, federal agencies and the cantons. iting and translation. In carrying out all these activities, the He advises the federal offices and departments on how to apply language services act as the guardians of our country’s multilin the principle of freedom of information, which facilitates access gualism. to official documents, and conducts mediation proceedings in the event of conflict between those applying for access to infor information and communications Sector mation and the offices concerned.

Information and communication are key leadership tools for the Federal Council. Headed by the Vice-Chancellor and Federal Council spokesman, the information and communications Sector ensures, together with the relevant heads of department and their staffs, that parliament, the media and the public are con tinually provided with transparent information following the meetings of the Federal Council. This takes the form of press conferences that can also be viewed in real time online at http:// www.admin.ch/ch/d/conferenza, and through press releases which can be subscribed to at www.news.admin.ch or downloaded from www.admin.ch. In addition, it operates a media centre across the road from the Federal Palace. The Vice-Chancellor and his team (together with the spe cialists from the departments and federal offices and with the support of the language services) are responsible for the ex planatory notes issued by the Federal Council on popular votes at federal level. The e-Government Section operates the Federal Administra tion’s internet portal www.admin.ch and, on behalf of the Confed eration and cantons, the Swiss portal www.ch.ch. It also performs certain management and coordination tasks in the area of e- Government and is involved at the forefront of the development and implementation of the Federal Administration’s 2010 Inter net Strategy. The communication Support Section advises the Federal Ad ministration on strategic and conceptual communication matters. At the same time, it also produces a wide range of print and web products (sometimes with the help of external specialists) for the departments, federal offices and the Federal Chancellery. The best known of these products is the brochure you are reading. The Käfigturm, the Political Forum of the confederation, prima rily hosts exhibitions with political content and related discus sions. In addition to media conferences, the Käfigturm organ ises a regular series of lectures on topical or historical subjects. Details can be found at www.kaefigturm.admin.ch.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 47 Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA

Where exactly is Roatan?

oatan is the largest of the three Honduran islands in the Caribbean and is home to one of the five tourist police stations in the country. Esther Leupp makes sure that Ras few Swiss tourists as possible need to call on the police: She is responsible for issuing the FDFA’s travel advice. Too few people make use of this service, despite the fact that it is more necessary than ever. Increasing numbers of people fly off to exotic holiday destinations these days totally unprepared; they book their flight and hotel online, but completely over look basic matters such as visa regulations, compulsory vaccinations and adequate travel insurance. People who know very little about the country and its people, who take off regard less of risk and do not speak the language, could be in for a rude awakening when they reach their dream destination: they could have an accident or fall victim to crime – or end up in jail if they happen to break strict local laws. When drafting the travel advice (www.eda.admin.ch/reisehinweise), Esther Leupp and her team focus on safety information. They assess risks and recommend specific precautionary measures drawing on reliable sources, particularly reports from local embassies and consulates. The advice is continuously updated if the security situation in a country changes. Esther Leupp doesn’t provide news bulletins or weather reports, but she does give a lot of useful tips – such as the old rule of thumb for eating in tropical countries: “If you can’t peel it or cook it, don’t eat it.”

Esther Leupp is one of around 3700 federal employees in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA. Few people know about her work, but it benefits a great many people.

48 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 49 Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for Directorate of Political Affairs safeguarding Switzerland’s interests abroad and for shaping and Head: Staff and budget: coordinating Swiss foreign policy. Its activities are based on the Michael Ambühl, State Secretary and included in figures for the State Secretariat Political Affairs Director following five foreign policy goals: • peaceful coexistence of nations The Directorate of Political Affairs is the central office for col • respect for human rights and promotion of democracy lecting and processing all the information needed to safeguard • safeguarding Swiss economic interests abroad Swiss foreign interests. It identifies the potential areas of crisis • alleviation of hardship and poverty in the world and tension, assesses Switzerland’s options, and develops for • preservation of natural resources eign policy strategies. The Directorate of Political Affairs is the office within the Department where Switzerland’s foreign policy is formulated and to which all Switzerland’s missions abroad General Secretariat report. The Directorate has four geographical and five thematic Secretary-General: Staff: Revenue: – divisions: Roberto Balzaretti 55 Expenditure: 14 510 200.– • Political Affairs Division I (Europe, Council of Europe, OSCE, As the FDFA’s staff office, the General Secretariat sup cross-border cooperation) ports the foreign minister in the management of the depart • Political Affairs Division II / The Americas ment. It plans and coordinates all departmental activities. • Political Affairs Division II / Africa and the Middle East It is also responsible for • Political Affairs Division II / Asia-Pacific • public relations • Political Affairs Division III (United Nations, Swiss activities in • supervising the embassies and consulates and monitoring fi international organisations, host-state policy, Francophonie) nancial management at the central office • Political Affairs Division IV (peace policy and human securi • achieving equal opportunities within the FDFA ty, human rights policy, humanitarian policy and migration, • implementing the Freedom of Information Act Swiss Expert Pool for Civilian Peace Building) • Political Affairs Division V (financial and economic issues; en vironment, transport, energy and science; cultural affairs) State Secretariat • Political Affairs Division VI (service for the Swiss Abroad and State Secretary: Staff: Revenue: – policy on the Swiss Abroad, consular protection, travel infor Michael Ambühl 281 Expenditure: 246 281 300.– mation and crisis management) The State Secretary is second in command in the depart • Secretariat of Political Affairs (analyses, documentation and ment – after the Head of Department – and is the first person planning; international security policy) to whom the Federal Council turns to discuss matters of foreign policy. He heads the Directorate of Political Affairs and is re sponsible for the development and strategic planning of foreign Directorate of Public international Law policy and for reporting to the political authorities. The State Director: Staff: Revenue: – Secretary deputises for the Head of Department when neces Paul Seger 43 Expenditure: 5 708 500.– sary, for example at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Committees International law governs the peaceful coexistence of of the National Council and the Council of States. He is also States. A foreign policy that adheres to international rules is responsible for maintaining regular contacts with his counter credible and predictable. International law is an important parts abroad and in Bern. Important dossiers include coopera guideline of Swiss foreign policy. tion with the UN, the development of Switzerland’s relations As the “legal conscience” of the FDFA and the Swiss gov with the EU as well as security and peace policy. ernment’s central office for international law, the Directorate The Integration Office, which is a joint office of the FDFA of Public International Law ensures that Switzerland meets its and the FDEA, reports to the State Secretariat. It coordinates international legal obligations both abroad and at home. It is in relations with the European Union and the European Free Trade volved in negotiating, concluding and implementing agreements Association (EFTA). based on international law and is committed to the promotion of and compliance with international law. It is also responsible for ensuring that Swiss legal claims vis-à-vis foreign states are enforced.

50 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

Department Head: Micheline calmy-Rey

Federal Palace West Wing, 3003 Bern 031 322 31 53 Information officer: Lars Knuchel www.eda.admin.ch

The DPIL deals with a wide range of topics, including neutral Directorate of corporate Management ity, human rights and international humanitarian law, the legal Director: Staff: Revenue: 40 214 200.– aspects of cross-border cooperation, dealing with the issue of helene Budliger Artieda 337 Expenditure: 242 133 500.– proceeds of corruption, and shipping on the Rhine and other The Directorate of Corporate Management has three inland waterways. main tasks: The DPIL also coordinates foreign policy measures for com- • It is responsible for managing and controlling resources (hu bating terrorism and is responsible for relations with the Princi man resources, finance, logistics, IT, etc.) and ensures they pality of Liechtenstein. are used effectively to achieve the department’s goals. • It manages the network of diplomatic and consular represen tations abroad. It takes measures to ensure the security of Swiss Agency for Development these representations and their staff, and is responsible for and cooperation SDC www.deza.admin.ch the communication channels and coordination between the Director: Staff: Revenue: – Swiss representations abroad and the head office in Bern. Martin Dahinden 527 Expenditure: 1 506 732 600.– • It ensures efficient and customer-friendly consular services Switzerland contributes to the alleviation of hardship and creates the conditions for results-oriented management in and poverty in the world, to respect for human rights, and to the Swiss representations abroad. the promotion of democracy and the peaceful coexistence of na In addition, legislation, the application of law and legal advice tions, as stated in the Swiss constitution. for the department (with the exception of questions of interna- The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) tional law) are included in the DCM’s remit. The Swiss Govern implements this mission. It conducts its own programmes, sup ment Travel Centre, which organises the official international ports the activities of multilateral organisations and contributes travel arrangements for the entire federal administration, is to the programmes of Swiss and international non-governmen also part of this directorate. tal organisations. The SDC’s activities are divided into four specific areas: • global cooperation Swiss diplomatic and consular missions abroad • regional cooperation Staff: Revenue: 41 925 000.– • cooperation with eastern Europe 2063 Expenditure: 313 771 400.– • humanitarian aid Some 150 missions represent Swiss interests vis-à-vis other Global cooperation works closely with the United Nations (UN), states and international organisations and provide services to the World Bank, regional development banks and other parties Swiss nationals and businesses abroad. The network includes involved in multilateral development cooperation. embassies, general consulates, and consulates, as well as mis Regional cooperation consists of bilateral development assist sions to multilateral bodies and SDC cooperation offices. ance in 18 (12 from 2012) partner countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Cooperation with eastern Europe comprises Switzerland’s assistance to transition countries in the West Balkans and the Community of Independent States of the former Soviet Union (CIS) and its enlargement contribution to the new EU countries. Humanitarian aid saves lives and alleviates suffering. Dur ing armed conflicts and in the aftermath of natural disasters, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit provides help and supports humanitarian partner organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Food Pro gramme. In addition to relief aid it provides reconstruction as sistance and is involved in the area of disaster protection and prevention. The work of the SDC focuses on ten topics: health, educa tion, water, rule of law and democracy, migration, agriculture and rural development, business and employment, environ ment, conflict prevention and transformation, and economic integration.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 51 Federal Department of home Affairs FDHA

Where the wind blows

he peak of the Weissfluhjoch rises to 2690 metres above sea level. And a few metres above that, Franz Herzog, an electro - Tnic and service technician from the Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, is working on some equipment. He has been commissioned by the Swiss Meteorological Insti - tute MeteoSwiss to set the wind gauge at the top of the mast of the automatic weather station to bear exactly due north, and check and adjust the other devices if necessary. The devices measure atmospheric humidity and temperature, short -wave solar radiation that hits the earth, long -range inf - rared radiation and daily sunshine duration. In addition, a nearby level area of roughly 50 square metres is used to measure the volume of rain or snow precipitation. The weather station above Davos, which can only be reached using the Parsenn mountain cableway is one of around six dozen such stations spread out around the country which continually transmit data to the MeteoSwiss headquarters in Zurich. The Weissfluhjoch station is part of the unified “SwissMetNet” established four years ago and which is due to include an additio - nal sixty stations by 2012. This modern ground weather network makes it possible to establish accurate forecasts and issue severe weather warnings, and is essential for the long -term study of cli - mate trends in Switzerland. In addition to SwissMetNet, MeteoSwiss also operates a pollen count network, which is important for people with allergies, as well as a phenological network to monitor cycles of vegetation growth.

Franz Herzog is one of the around 2300 federal employees at the Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA. Few people know about his work, but it benefits a great many people.

52 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 53 Federal Department of home Affairs FDHA

General Secretariat www.edi.admin.ch Literary Archive and the Graphic Collection. The Dürrenmatt Secretary-General: Staff: Revenue: 1 010 000.– Centre in Neuchâtel is also part of the Swiss National Library. Pascal Strupler 60 Expenditure: 37 477 400.– The General Secretariat is responsible for planning, coordination and controlling, and coordinates the decision Swiss Federal Archives SFA www.bar.admin.ch making process between the federal offices and the Head of Director: Staff: Revenue: 21 600.– Department. It provides consultancy services for the entire de Andreas Kellerhals 48 Expenditure: 18 928 000.– partment. Its Legal Service is also responsible for supervising The SFA evaluates, safeguards, catalogues and raises charitable foundations. The Federal Commission against Rac public awareness of the Confederation’s documents. It would ism, the Service for Combating Racism and the Bureau for the take 12 terabytes and a bookshelf over 50 kilometres long to Equality of People with Disabilities are affiliated to the General hold the entire inventory, which includes original documents Secretariat. such as the Swiss Constitution, deeds, photos, films, recordings and databases. In a democratic constitutional state, the archiving of such Federal Office records is essential for continuity and transparency and it ena for Gender equality FOGE www.gleichstellung-schweiz.ch bles citizens to exercise democratic control over government Director: Staff: Revenue: – and administrative activities and is the basis for research. Patricia Schulz 14 Expenditure: 8 174 700.– The main focus is currently to support the Federal Adminis Equal rights in the workplace and at home are the of tration’s services. In accordance with a Federal Council Decree, fice’s main concern. The FOGE now provides financial assist the SFA supports the Federal Administration by ensuring the ance to promote company projects to improve in-house equal smooth transition to e-Government. opportunities and, together with social partners, plays an active role in implementing equal pay for women and men. The Sec retariat of the Federal Commission for Women’s Issues is also Swiss Meteorological affiliated to this office. institute MeteoSwiss www.meteoschweiz.ch Director: Staff: Revenue: 36 547 600.– Daniel K. Keuerleber-Burk 285 Expenditure: 88 614 000.–

Federal Office of culture FOC www.bak.admin.ch In the first half of 2008, the Föhn frequently blew Director: Staff: Revenue: 4 340 000.– through Switzerland’s Alpine valleys, often bringing high Jean-Frédéric Jauslin 220 Expenditure: 215 664 700.– winds. This often resulted in accidents and damage to prop The FOC formulates the cultural policy of the federal erty. During the subsequent accident or damage investigation government. It promotes cultural life in all its diversity and cre by the authorities and insurance companies, MeteoSwiss pro ates the conditions to ensure that it can continue to flourish. It vides expert assessments on the meteorological incidents in its supports creative work in the fields of film, the visual arts and capacity as independent government authority. MeteoSwiss also design. Its tasks also include supporting and promoting the inter- issues weather forecasts and severe weather warnings around ests of the country’s various linguistic and cultural communities. the clock. It gives speedy and detailed information to disaster It supports umbrella organisations that represent cultural inter protection units, the media and the general public. MeteoSwiss ests. It ensures the preservation of historic buildings and monu operates telemetry ground stations, rainfall radars and vari ments, areas of local character and archaeological sites. The FOC ous remote sensing instruments at over 700 locations. Complex is the contact point for queries regarding looted art and the trans weather models use this data to calculate forecasts up to ten fer of cultural goods. The FOC manages valuable collections, in days in advance. cluding the federal art collection, and is responsible for supervis ing the Swiss National Library and the National Museums. Federal Office of Public health FOPH www.bag.admin.ch Director: Staff: Revenue: 23 772 500.– Thomas Zeltner 399 Expenditure: 2 200 145 200.– Swiss National Library NL www.nb.admin.ch Director: Staff: Revenue: 345 000.– The overriding aim of the FOPH is to promote and main Marie-christine Doffey 126 Expenditure: 37 385 023.– tain the good health of all people living in Switzerland. It seeks The Swiss National Library’s task is to collect, preserve, to increase awareness of health-related matters so that people catalogue and make available all printed and electronic publica can take responsibility for their own health. It also aims at a tions relating to Switzerland. In addition, the NL also houses a general improvement in people’s health through disease preven series of special collections, the most important being the Swiss tion and health protection campaigns and by curing illnesses

54 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

Department Head: Pascal couchepin

Inselgasse 1, 3003 Bern 031 322 80 33 Information officers: Jean-Marc Crevoisier, Katja Zürcher, Ariane Geiser www.edi.admin.ch

and alleviating suffering caused by disease and accidents. The State Secretariat for FOPH tackles issues such as epidemiology and infectious diseas education and Research SER www.sbf.admin.ch es, substance abuse and drug prevention, food safety, noise and Director: State Secretary Staff: Revenue: 2 315 500.– radiation protection, assessment and monitoring of chemicals Mauro Dell’Ambrogio 98 Expenditure: 2 068 174 700.– and toxic products, stem cell research and bioterrorism, and The SER is responsible for drafting and implementing health and accident insurance. federal policy in the areas of further and university education, research and space affairs. The most important education dos siers are the Swiss school-leaving certificate, the promotion of Federal Statistical Office FSO www.statistik.admin.ch cantonal universities and preparation for and assessment of the Director: Staff: Revenue: 1 056 000.– implementation of the federal performance mandate in relation Jürg Marti 533 Expenditure: 157 418 000.– to the Federal Institutes of Technology ETH. The SER invests Statistics help to create transparency in relation to so in the quality of Switzerland as a research location with re cial and political issues. The FSO therefore publishes informa sources for the Swiss National Science Foundation, academics, tion on the situation and trends in Switzerland in many differ non-university research institutes, Switzerland’s memberships ent areas of life. It provides the quantitative information needed in international research organisations and cooperation in in to understand the present and to plan for the future. The Statis ternational scientific programmes. tical Yearbook, Pocket Statistics and, most importantly, the new internet portal provide an overview of the available information and give links to more detailed statistics. The FSO ensures that Federal institutes of the services it provides are scientific, topical, user-friendly and Technology Group ETH Group www.ethrat.ch comply with data protection regulations, as set out in the guide President of the ETH Board: Staff: Revenue: – lines. Fritz Schiesser 12 000 Expenditure: 2 154 582 000.– The Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne as well as four research institutes: the Paul Scher Federal Social insurance Office FSIO www.bsv.admin.ch rer Institute, WSL (the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow Director: Staff: Revenue: 503 727 600.– and Landscape Research), Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories Yves Rossier 250 Expenditure: 12 641 714 100.– for Materials Testing and Research) and Eawag (Swiss Federal Switzerland has an effective and solid social insurance Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology) achieve academic system. It is an important element in upholding social peace, results at the highest level with roughly the 12 000-strong staff and therefore needs to be maintained in the future and under and nearly 20 000 students and post-graduate students as well difficult economic conditions. The FSIO ensures the reliability as a 580-strong professoriate. of this social insurance system within its areas of responsibil These institutions are grouped together under the ETH ity and adjusts it to the new challenges: old age and survivors’ Group, which the ETH Board strategically manages in its capac insurance (AHV), invalidity insurance (IV), supplementary ity as supervisory body. The ETH Board approves and supervises benefits, occupational pension funds, compensation for loss of the development plans, controlling and ensures coordination. earnings for people on national service and women on mater It draws up estimates and accounts for the ETH Group’s budget nity leave, and family allowances in the agricultural sector. In and coordinates the management and maintenance of its real addition, it is responsible at federal level for dealing with issues estate. relating to family, children, youth and old-age, generational re lationships and for general socio-political issues. The FSIO over sees the work of the executive bodies and is responsible for the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products regular adjustment of legislation to the changing social reality. Swissmedic www.swissmedic.ch To a certain extent it is itself the authority that implements the Director: Staff: Revenue: 76 260 000.– law, as for example in the area of incentive funding for supple Jürg Schnetzer 284 Expenditure: 74 750 000.– mentary childcare. The FSIO is currently concentrating on the The protection of humans and animals requires that all consolidation of Old Age and Survivors’ Insurance (amendment therapeutic products are officially monitored. Swissmedic en of the 11th revision, preliminary work on the 12th revision) and sures that only high-quality, safe and effective medicines are Invalidity Insurance (Additional Funding, implementation of made available. Full-scale testing of therapeutic products makes the fifth Invalidity Insurance revision), on structural reform in it possible to identify new risks at an early stage and ensure the occupational pension funds (improved supervision) as well as swift implementation of the appropriate safety measures. on the reorganisation of state pension funds and on the imple mentation of the Federal Act on Family Allowances.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 55 Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP

how heavy is a kilo?

According to the definition, a kilogram corresponds to the mass of the standard kilogram, which has been kept Ain Paris since 1889. The standard kilogram is a platinum iridium alloy cylinder measuring 39 millimetres in height and diameter. The official Swiss copy has, as is also the case in many other countries, gained in weight over time (or the original may have lost in weight, no-one is sure which). The deviation is 73 milli onths of a gram. At first glance that may seem like very little, but this devi ation when recorded in high precision measurements is com pounded over time at the level of less precise measurements. Ultimately each weighing is dependent on this standard. This poses a problem for precision measurement technolo gy in the long term, which is why scientists around the world are working on establishing a new definition of the kilogram. One of those scientists is Peter Fuchs, a physicist at the Fe deral Office of Metrology in Wabern, who heads the “mass” laboratory. The kilogram is the only unit of measurement that is still based on a prototype and not on a physical constant. The me tre, for example, is based on the speed of light. It is defined as the distance travelled by light in a specific amount of time, which amounts to approximately a three hundred millionth of a second. The standard metre which used to be used as the reference length is no longer in a laboratory, but a museum. It is quite possible that thanks to the research conducted by Peter Fuchs with his highly precise measuring equipment, the 120-year old prototype kilogram could soon suffer the same fate.

Peter Fuchs is one of the around 2400 federal employees at the Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP. Few people know about his work, but it benefits a great many people.

56 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 57 Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP

General Secretariat www.ejpd.admin.ch They are also responsible for organising the protection of hun

Secretary-General: Staff: 118 GS Revenue: 120 000.– dreds of foreign nationals who must be protected under interna Sonja Bietenhard ISC: 122 GS Expenditure: 67 851 700.– tional law, of local government officers and of federal buildings. Head of ISC: ISC Revenue: 61 064 300.– christian Baumann ISC Expenditure: 70 751 000.– They see to all the necessary steps involved in issuing passports Like traffic lights at a very busy junction, the General Secretari- or also issue entry bans. at is responsible for ensuring that the various parts of the FDJP Fedpol staff provide services to national and international work together as a team: it coordinates business for parliament partners, such as database operations to search for persons or and the Federal Council; it informs the public via the media or property and to identify persons and traces. Finally, they also internet of the Department’s activities; and it manages human formulate the necessary agreements for international police co resources and finances for the whole department. operation, such as Switzerland’s incorporation into the Schen The Information Technology Service Centre is a special unit gen area. which develops and manages security-related IT applications in the areas of justice, police and migration, such as search sys tems or criminal records. It is also responsible for monitoring Federal Office for Migration FOM www.bfm.admin.ch post and telecommunications. Director: Staff: Revenue: 34 093 500.– eduard Gnesa 640 Expenditure: 776 179 400.– The Federal Office for Migration is responsible for all Federal Office of Justice FOJ www.bj.admin.ch foreign nationals as well as asylum seekers and refugees. At Director: Staff: Revenue: 12 480 000.– the end of 2007, there were 1 570 965 people in possession of a Michael Leupold 204 Expenditure: 146 869 000.– residence permit or a permanent residence permit and 40 653 The Federal Office of Justice prepares decrees related to asylum seekers or provisionally admitted persons. This accounts the main areas of law, including the civil code, criminal code, for more than 1.6m people, half of whom are workers on which debt collection and bankruptcy law, international private law, the economy depends. as well as public and administrative law. The office also advises In 2007 the Federal Office for Migration ruled on 45 000 natu the other agencies of the Federal Administration on all legisla ralisation applications and over 9 500 asylum applications. It has tive matters. It is responsible for the supervision of the commer issued some 177 100 work permits and over 638 800 visas. cial register, the register of births, marriages and deaths, the The integration of foreign nationals is important; the basic land registry, debt collection and bankruptcy and the enforce rules for living together must be accepted. For the most part ment of sentencing and criminal records. It provides building integration works well, although there is always room for im subsidies for the costs incurred by the cantons for construction provement. In cooperation with several departments and offic work in connection with the implementation of criminal pen es, over 40 integration measures are being implemented, which alties and measures. Operational subsidies for youth welfare were approved by the Federal Council in its 2007 report on in services premises also help to ensure the quality of correctional tegration measures. The most important integration measures education work. relate to language skills, employment and education. The Federal Office of Justice represents Switzerland at in ternational level before the Strasbourg human rights bodies and in many other organisations and is the national agency dealing Office of the Attorney with international child abductions and adoptions. The Office General of Switzerland OAS www.ba.admin.ch collaborates with foreign authorities in the spheres of legal aid Office of the Attorney General Staff: Revenue: 590 200.– and extraditions. of Switzerland: erwin Beyeler 112 Expenditure: 35 956 200.– As the Confederation’s prosecuting authority, the Of fice of the Attorney General of Switzerland, which is part of the Federal Office of Police Fedpol www.fedpol.admin.ch FDJP, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting offences Director: Staff: Revenue: 6 785 000.– against the Confederation or that seriously affect its interests. Jean-Luc vez 829 Expenditure: 240 225 600.– Offences which come under federal jurisdiction are, for ex Fedpol staff carry out tasks in various areas to protect ample, espionage, abuse of office by federal employees, and the population and the Swiss constitutional state. They inves crimes involving explosives or radioactive material. As the fed tigate several hundred cases a year, for example, in which the eral investigation and prosecuting authority, the Office of the Confederation is responsible for prosecution. Terrorism, organ Attorney General of Switzerland also deals with cases of organ ised crime and money laundering are a top priority. Fedpol staff ised crime and terrorism, money laundering and bribery and also support the cantonal police in numerous procedures, such corruption, and white collar crime with major international or as the fight against internet child pornography. intercantonal implications.

58 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

Department Head: eveline Widmer-Schlumpf

Federal Palace West Wing, 3003 Bern 031 322 18 18 Information Officer: Brigitte Hauser-Süess [email protected] www.ejpd.admin.ch

Other tasks are the implementation of mutual assistance appli Swiss institute for comparative Law SICL www.isdc.ch cations by foreign prosecuting authorities and the promotion of Director: Staff: Revenue: 2 244 200.– cross-border cooperation in fighting crime. eleanor cashin Ritaine 32 Expenditure: 7 520 700.– This independent institute advises international organ isations, courts of law, law firms, authorities, companies and Federal Office of Metrology Metas www.metas.ch individuals in Switzerland and abroad on points of law on all Director: Staff: Revenue: 8 350 700.– national legal systems. It also provides Swiss law-makers with christian Bock 114 Expenditure: 35 062 300.– reference models and sources of inspiration for drawing up and Swiss goods and services are known for their high qual revising laws and international treaties. ity, precision and reliability. In order to reach this standard, our The institute library has 330 000 reference works in over 60 economy needs to be in a position to measure, test and assess languages for academics everywhere. the properties of its goods and services to the requisite degree The SICL holds several events each year on topical subjects of of precision. comparative law and regularly publishes its own research work. When assessing the precision of production, calculating electrical energy or keeping within the prescribed limits in the environment, the economy and society only function if the right Federal Gaming Board FGB www.esbk.admin.ch measurements are made correctly. Director: Staff: Revenue: 5 122 200.– The Federal Office of Metrology carries out Switzerland’s Jean-Marie Jordan 32 Expenditure: 9 281 800.– reference measuring, ensures it is internationally recognised The Federal Gaming Board supervises the 19 casinos and passes on the measuring data with the required precision that exist in Switzerland. It monitors the compliance with legal to research institutes, business and the general public. It is able guidelines, which are intended to guarantee patrons a fair and to calibrate the most precise measuring instruments, thereby enjoyable game. One of the Board’s central concerns is in par ensuring that Switzerland is able to measure and test to the ticular that casinos act professionally and implement the meas requisite degree. ures prescribed to prevent compulsive gambling. It ensures that the windfall that casinos pass on in the form of taxes does not entail human suffering and high social costs. The Federal Gam Federal institute of intellectual Property IIP www.ige.ch ing Board assesses the gaming tax, most of which flows into Director: Staff: Revenue: 41 378 000.– the AHV equalisation fund, thereby benefiting the population Roland Grossenbacher 215 Expenditure: 46 517 000.– at large. In addition, it fights unlawful gaming outside casinos. Is the coat of arms on Swiss army knives merely deco rative or is it a brand name? Are cosmetics “Swiss made” if, despite being developed in Switzerland, they are produced abroad? And what is the Swiss cross doing on Chinese pans? In a word: How much Swiss input does a product have to have for it to be branded as a Swiss product? The Institute is concerned with the legal aspects of this very topical and hot subject. All these questions relate to nothing less than Switzerland’s posi tioning as a business location and the good reputation of Swiss designations of origin. The Institute, commonly known as the patent office, pro tects not only (ground-breaking) inventions: for example, it also registers the design for a piece of furniture or the trade mark for a new drink and searches for existing inventions so that innova tive companies have greater legal leverage if someone wants to copy their intellectual property.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 59 60 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide Federal Department of Defence, civil Protection and Sport DDPS

Search, boy!

ome two hundred years ago Bernese troops e stablished a defensive position here against SNapoleon’s army of 12 000 men that was advancing on the town. In the Battle of Grauholz, despite fierce re - sistance, the barely 900 -strong contingent fell to the all - powerful enemy. The French victory in 1798 brought down the Ancien Régime in Bern, marking the end of the old Confederation. The ruins where Captain Andrea Schwarz trains her dog Orco to look for people buried under rubble, are clearly more recent – and man -made. They are part of the Sand military camp in Schönbühl, which is mainly used for the training and deployment of the armed forces’ pack animal, veterinary and dog handler units. Before being recruited, Andrea Schwarz had to take an aptitude test as did Orco her dog. As a military dog handler, Captain Schwarz has to complete a very time -consuming off -duty compulsory training and work programme with her dog each year so that she and her canine colleague are ready at any time to spring into action as a well -rehearsed team. Orco is one of the 450 or so dogs that provide a service for the Swiss Armed Forces. Effectively a first response unit, he and his mistress are available in the event of disasters for searches by civilian and military rescue forces – both in Switzerland and abroad.

Andrea Schwarz is one of the around 12 500 federal employees in the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS. Few people know about her work, but it benefits a great many people.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 61 Federal Department of Defence, civil Protection and Sport DDPS

General Secretariat Office of the Armed Secretary-General: Staff: Revenue: 2 458 000.– Forces Attorney General www.oa.admin.ch Markus Seiler 306 Expenditure: 138 954 785.– Armed Forces Attorney General: Staff and budget included in the The Head of the DDPS has a very wide range of respon Brigadier Dieter Weber General Secretariat figures sibilities and is supported in his daily work by the General Sec The Office of the Armed Forces Attorney General AFAG retariat, which is a team of specialists from very varied fields ensures that the military justice system can fulfil its task in that also plans for the middle and long term. The GS manages, dependently of armed forces command and of the administra coordinates and monitors the use of Department funds in the tion. The Armed Forces Attorney General is the highest mili areas of personnel, finances, legal affairs, IT, and area planning tary prosecutor. He supervises the proper conduct of criminal and environment policy. It is also responsible for communica- proceedings and is also responsible for pursuing suspected war tion, the Library Am Guisanplatz, translation services, the DDPS criminals, under the Geneva Convention, regardless of their na Damage Compensation Centre and Information Security and Fa tionality and the location of the crimes they commit. cility Protection (ISFP). For administrative purposes, the following are also affiliated to the GS: Defence www.armee.ch • The Directorate for Security Policy (DSP), which is responsible Chief of the Armed Forces a.i.: Staff: Revenue: 359 544 400.– for security policy strategy, coordinates the department’s in Major General André Blattmann 9775 Expenditure: 5 141 011 800.– ternational contacts, provides security policy support of armed The second D in DDPS stands for defence. Defence is the forces operations in Switzerland and abroad, and armed forc largest division in the department and is led by the Chief of the es planning and defence procurement, and deals with arms Armed Forces who holds the rank of lieutenant general (three control and disarmament policy. star general). The Defence sector consists of the Armed Forc • The Strategic Intelligence Service (SIS), which procures and es Planning Staff and the Armed Forces Joint Staff, the Land analyses – mainly for the national government – political, eco Forces and the Air Force, the Armed Forces College, the Armed nomic, military and techno-scientific intelligence from abroad Forces Logistics Organisation and the Armed Forces Command on developments that either pose a risk or offer an opportu Support Organisation. nity for Switzerland. The Armed Forces Planning Staff has to look ahead and plan • Parts of the Service for Analysis and Prevention (SAP). The SAP for tomorrow’s armed forces and the military equipment they recognises in good time threats, arising for example from ter require. The Federal Council then submits these requirements to rorism, espionage or violent extremism. parliament for approval in the annual armaments programmes. • The Staff of the Federal Council Security Committee (SFCSC). The Armed Forces Joint Staff is in charge of planning and en The Security Committee comprises three federal council sures the required level of readiness of the forces and opera lors (defence minister, justice minister and foreign minister) tions, whether for the security for the WEF Annual Meeting in whose business is first examined by the Security Steering Davos, peace support in the Balkans (e.g. by means of Swisscoy Group. Both committees are supported by the SFCSC by means in Kosovo) or disaster relief for avalanches, flooding or forest of regular situation assessments and assistance in crisis man fires in Switzerland or abroad. agement at federal level. The Commanders of the Land Forces and the Air Force, also The General Secretariat also looks after the three world-famous lieutenant generals, bear overall responsibility for training the Geneva Centres: the Geneva International Centre for Humani Land Forces and the Air Force and for preparing ground and air tarian Demining, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy and the units for action. Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces. The militia officers and professional militia men and women are educated and trained at the Armed Forces College. Logistics involves maintenance, medical services, transport, infrastruc ture and the supply and return of arms, equipment and food. The command and control support organisation provides all necessary electronic support services.

62 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

Department Head: ueli Maurer

Federal Palace East Wing, 3003 Bern 031 324 50 58 Information officers: Jean-Blaise Defago, Martin Bühler, Sebastian Hueber www.vbs.admin.ch

civil protection www.bevoelkerungsschutz.ch Armasuisse www.armasuisse.ch Director: Staff: Revenue: 11 942 000.– Chief of Defence Procurement: Staff: Revenue: 1 218 405 800.– Willi Scholl 241 Expenditure: 135 584 300.– Jakob Baumann 933 Expenditure: 865 738 780.– The P in DDPS stands for civil protection. Civil protec Armasuisse is the DDPS competence centre for procure tion is an integrated system to provide crisis management, pro ment, technology, real estate and geodata. It ensures that the tection, rescue and assistance. It is designed to ensure coordi armed forces and civil protection are supplied with the systems, nation and cooperation between the five partner organisations: vehicles, equipment and properties that they require. Armas the police and fire services, the health service, technical opera uisse is one of two federal government procurement centres. tions and civil defence. A joint management body is responsible There is scarcely a household in Switzerland that does not have for coordinating and managing operations in the event of disas some armasuisse product such as the high quality products pro ters and emergencies. duced by the Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo) or the Responsibility for civil protection lies mainly with the can personal equipment of a Swiss Soldier. tons. The federal government, in particular the Federal Office Armasuisse is undergoing a restructuring phase and will for Civil Protection (FOCP) takes care of the general planning work more closely with its client, the armed forces. Armasuisse and coordination of NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical will in future comprise the Corporate Management Staff, the threats) protection, early warning and alerting systems and Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo), the Central Services other emergency procedures, training and protective infra and the following areas of competence: structure. The federal government is responsible particularly • Advanced command and control and reconnaissance systems for issuing instructions in the event of increased radioactivity, (e.g. procurement of simulators) emergencies relating to dams, epidemics and livestock epidem • Land systems (e.g. procurement of armoured vehicles) ics, and armed conflict. • Air systems (e.g. procurement of aircraft for the Confederation) The National Emergency Operations Centre in Zurich is re • Purchasing and cooperation sponsible for warning and alerting the authorities and emer • Science and technology, and gency services. The Spiez Laboratory is Switzerland’s specialist • Real estate (manages in the region of 26 000 properties and institute for protection from nuclear, biological and chemical 26 000 hectares of land belonging to the DDPS) threats and hazards. Its services are often required by the UN As Armasuisse is responsible for arms and equipment during and other international organisations. their entire life cycle, it is also responsible for their liquidation.

Sport www.baspo.ch Director: Staff: Revenue: 15 912 000.– Matthias Remund 340 Expenditure: 174 173 100.– The S in DDPS stands for Sport. The Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO) promotes sport and physical activity for the whole population. Its activities focus on the positive effects of sport and physical activity: health, education, performance and society. The FOSPO devises and develops national sports policy and implements the resulting tasks. The Swiss Federal Insti tute of Sports in Magglingen is responsible for training, and re search and development. It also runs the national sports promo tion programme Youth + Sport in which around 800 000 young sportspeople in 60 different disciplines take part each year. In Magglingen, above Biel, and in Tenero near Locarno, the FOSPO runs state-of-the-art education, training and course cen tres for use by universities, associations, clubs and schools.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 63 Federal Department of Finance FDF

What have we got here then?

ccording to the customs declaration this container is laden with exactly ten million cigarettes produced and packaged in ADagmersellen bound for export to the Middle East. The manufacturer has registered the consignment at the Klein - hünigen customs office and is expecting clearance for export as usual. Customs officer Denise Ulmann at the Basel Rhine port contai - ner terminal decides to take a closer look. When inspecting merchandise she checks that all the details regarding the product, such as value, weight, quantity and many others are correct. If so, she releases the consignment and writes up her report. Of course Denise Ulmann doesn’t unload the whole container or open up each box; she has no grounds to suspect that there is anything amiss. As a rule she and her colleagues have to limit themselves to spot checks. Given Switzerland’s huge volume of foreign trade it isn’t possi - ble to do anything else: Each year our country exports and imports goods to the value of around CHF 200 billion. Exports channelled along the Rhine alone amount to six and a half million tonnes a year. If Denise Ulmann wanted to inspect each and every gram – that’s roughly how much a cigarette weighs – she might as well give up.

Denise Ulmann is one of the around 9200 employees at the Federal Department of Finance FDF. Few people know about her work, but it benefits a great many people.

64 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 65 Federal Department of Finance FDF

General Secretariat Federal Office of Personnel FOPER www.epa.admin.ch Secretary-General: Staff: Revenue: 4 100.– Director: Staff: Revenue: 93 000.– elisabeth Meyerhans Sarasin 106 Expenditure: 115 401 100.– Barbara Schaerer 93 Expenditure: 140 906 910.– On a Tuesday evening in the Bernerhof, all the lights There is a person behind every success – this is just as are burning and the offices are a hive of activity. The depart true in the federal administration. It is a large employer with ments are submitting their final comments on the items of busi well-qualified and motivated staff who not only bring exper ness concerning the FDF for the next morning’s Federal Council tise to the job, but also creativity and breadth of vision. Around meeting. In the General Secretariat, the finishing touches are 36 000 work within the federal administration in a wide range being made to the proposals. of fields, some of which are unique. The GS plans the items of business and supports Federal As a modern and attractive employer, the federal adminis Councillor Hans-Rudolf Merz. The general public is informed tration also contributes to the country’s strong standing in in through the department’s communications. Improvisation ternational competition among locations for work. In order for would be out of place here, not least due to the different lan that to remain the case, FOPER continuously adapts its human guage versions: all information regarding Federal Council af resources policy to ensure that the federal administration can fairs is provided simultaneously in German, French and Italian. continue to attract and retain the best people for the job. The Federal Strategy Unit for Information Technology is also affil iated to the GS. It draws up the principles for the further devel opment of information technology in the federal administration Federal Tax Administration FTA www.estv.admin.ch and coordinates cooperation between the federal government, Director: Staff: Revenue: 44 834 491 000.– the cantons and the communes in the field of e-Government. urs ursprung 980 Expenditure: 6 077 921 500.– Why does the server at the fast-food counter ask you if you would like your hamburger to eat in or take away? It’s not Federal Finance Administration FFA www.efv.admin.ch just to know whether or not to put the food in a bag. The tax on Director: Staff: Revenue: 2 577 761 949.– your hamburger to go is lower than if you eat it in the restau Peter Siegenthaler 214 excl. Swissmint (27) Expenditure: 6 966 253 866.– rant – 2.4% instead of 7.6%. That does seem a bit complicated, and CCO (566) but there are other issues and problems, too, which is why the The FFA is the custodian of the federal coffers. The old rule “not FTA has prepared a complete revision of the VAT Act that is now to spend more than you earn” also applies here. In 2001, vot being debated in parliament. And this is only one of its many ers instructed the Federal Council and parliament not to run up tasks. Overall, it is the FTA that is responsible for collecting the any further debt. The debt brake therefore requires spending not bulk of federal revenues. to increase more quickly than revenue. The FFA has to comply with this requirement when it draws up the budget for the com ing year. The FFA also draws up a financial plan for the three Federal customs Administration FCA www.ezv.admin.ch following years to give political actors sufficient time to make Director: Staff: Revenue: 11 031 700 000.– the appropriate changes. The financial plan lists all the agreed Rudolf Dietrich 4427 Expenditure: 1 368 098 700.– and envisaged expenditures. This allows sufficient time to decide Switzerland generates every second franc abroad. It can whether projects need to be halted or if new sources of revenue only do this if the international movements of goods and peo need to be sought. ple flow smoothly. The FCA therefore tries to keep the time it Through its transparent accounts, the FFA ensures that par takes to cross the border to a minimum. At the same time it liament and the people can see how their tax money is being ensures that the applicable legal requirements are met. In ad spent and whether their decisions are being implemented. In ad dition it levies a number of consumption taxes such as VAT, tax dition, the FFA also oversees the legal framework of the Swiss fi on mineral oil or tobacco. The FCA is also responsible for check nancial centre and represents the country’s interests with regard ing precious metals, issuing motorway vignettes, collecting the to international financial and monetary issues. mileage-related heavy vehicle charge and other tasks. The Border Guard is the uniformed and armed section of the FCA and is the largest national civilian security organisa tion. Its duties include conducting searches for people, vehicles and other objects, fighting drug smuggling and document for gery, identity checks and traffic police duties, as well as customs services and fighting smuggling in general.

66 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

Department Head: hans-Rudolf Merz

Bernerhof, 3003 Bern 031 322 60 33 Information officers: Tanja Kocher, Danièle Bersier www.efd.admin.ch [email protected]

Federal Office of information Technology, Supervisory Authority Finma. It was created through the merger Systems and Telecommunication BIT www.bit.admin.ch of the Swiss Federal Banking Commission (SFBC), the Federal Director: Staff: Revenue: 322 527 600.– Office of Private Insurance (FOPI) and the Anti-Money Launder Marius Redli 896 Expenditure: 320 550 100.– ing Control Authority. There is currently an intensive exchange of personal data from residents’ registers between the communes, the can tons and the Confederation. Around 100 different applications Swiss Federal Audit Office SFAO www.efk.admin.ch used to manage residents’ data are linked to the Sedex (secure Director: Staff: Revenue: 1 011 000.– data exchange) data exchange platform in order to prepare for Kurt Grüter 86 Expenditure: 21 060 300.– the 2010 census, which will primarily be based on registry and As the Confederation’s supreme audit institution, the administrative data.Sedex and numerous other applications op SFAO has the right to request information from all federal em erate using digital certificates. So far the FOITT has issued over ployees about their work. It endeavours to identify deficiencies 50 000 such certificates that are being used productively by the and weaknesses from a critical distance. It achieves improve cantons and the federal administration. As a recognised pro ments in the performance of federal activities by convincing vider of digital certificates, the FOITT is making a significant staff of its expert recommendations. The SFAO relies on dia contribution to IT security and is a pioneer in the use of legally logue because its recommendations are more likely to be ac recognised digital signatures in public administration in Swit cepted. zerland.

Swiss Alcohol Board SAB www.eav.admin.ch Federal Office for Buildings Director: Staff: Revenue: 291 175 000.– Alexandre Schmidt 149 Expenditure: 30 685 000.– and Logistics FOBL www.bbl.admin.ch Director: Staff: Revenue: 744 334 100.– The SAB regulates the market for alcohol by means of Gustave e. Marchand 653 Expenditure: 699 156 200.– taxes, controls and restrictions on trading and advertising. Al Why are most of the offices in the Federal Administra cosuisse, the SAB’s profit centre is responsible for trade in etha tion filled with the same light grey furniture? It is because fed nol (high grade alcohol). eral employees are not allowed to simply purchase their desks As part of the total revision of the Alcohol Act, the questions and chairs from any furniture manufacturer that takes their of a liberalisation of the ethanol market by lifting the federal fancy. Offices would have more of a personal touch, but this monopoly and the possible privatisation of Alcosuisse will be would be costly. Standardised items purchased in bulk are less examined. The general conditions for the domestic production expensive than individual purchases. Large numbers of quotes of spirits will also be established along with an adjustment of have to be requested – a thousand desks, ten pallets of ballpoint proven provisions on prevention. pens, tonnes of printer paper – and the contract is awarded to the best value bid. This is one of the responsibilities of the FOBL, which also maintains and manages the federal govern Federal Pension Fund Publica www.publica.ch ment’s properties. Director: Staff: Revenue: 32 500 000.– Werner hertzog 120 Expenditure: 29 000 000.– The Publica Act entered into force on 1 July 2008. That Swiss Financial Market completed the switch from a defined benefit plan to a contribu Supervisory Authority Finma www.finma.ch tory plan and the organisation’s restructuring as a collective in Director: Staff: Revenue: 94 600 000.– stitution. With a total of 9 different pension schemes Publica has Patrick Raaflaub 268 Expenditure: 94 600 000.– entered a new era. Switzerland has one of the world’s leading financial Pension scheme members will also have to contribute their markets. The financial sector is therefore extremely important share to future financial stability. The new regulations require for the country’s economy. In view of the dynamic developments that institution has sufficient funds to meet its promised pay in the financial markets and the ever increasing complexity of ments, which as a result of the change of structure could lead financial market supervision there was a need to improve the to significantly higher contribution payments for older pension institutional structure of the existing supervisory authorities. scheme members in the coming years. Since the beginning of 2009, supervision of the core areas of the financial sector (banks, insurance companies, stock exchange etc.) is undertaken by a single body, the Swiss Financial Market

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 67 68 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide Federal Department of economic Affairs FDEA

it’s sunny enough…

… even if the sky appears slightly overcast. The sun shines 40 000 billion kilowatt hours a year on Switzerland, which amounts to 220 times more energy than we currently use. We need to make far better use of this immense free extra terrestrial power station. That is precisely the thought of Alain Dietrich from the Innovation Promotion Agency CTI, which is part of the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology OPET. Accompanied by two executives from Oerlikon Solar, Jürg Steinmann (right) and Michael Schmidt, Mr. Dietrich examines the photovoltaic installation on the roof of the company in Trübbach. Do the newly developed thin-film silicon solar modules meet expectations? Are they as efficient as predicted in the project de scription? Will they reduce power production costs as expected? Is further federal funding justified to develop these modules for the market? As project manager in the field of engineering technology at the CTI, Alain Dietrich is interested in helping companies rapidly convert new knowledge from research into products. This is why the CTI supports cooperation between universities and business. The 26 gigawatt hours of solar power a year currently produced cover only around 0.03% of the country’s electricity consumption. However, with its 400 square kilometres of roof area, Switzerland could produce roughly a third of its heating and electricity requi rements through solar energy!

Alain Dietrich is one of the around 2200 federal employees at the Federal Department of Economic Affairs FDEA. Few people know about his work, but it benefits a great many people.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 69 Federal Department of economic Affairs FDEA

General Secretariat www.evd.admin.ch Seco also contributes to the sustainable development and in

Secretary-General: Staff: Revenue: 24 874 300.– tegration of countries from the South and East into the world Walter Thurnher 180 Expenditure: 101 466 800.– economy and to the reduction of social and economic disparities The General Secretariat is the staff and coordination of in the enlarged EU. fice of the Department and supports and advises the head of The Swiss Accreditation Service SAS which is now affiliated Department in her daily work. Its brief also involves planning, to Seco is responsible for the accreditation of public and pri coordinating and monitoring the department’s activities and it vate inspection and conformity assessment bodies in accordance is responsible for overseeing the results and assessing the ef with internationally recognised standards. fects of its decisions. The General Secretariat provides human resources, finances and logistics, accounting and translation services for the whole department, as well as IT services. Federal Office for Professional The Federal Consumer Affairs Bureau and the Central Office education and Technology OPET www.bbt.admin.ch for Civilian Service are also affiliated to the General Secretariat. Director: Staff: Revenue: 2 300 000.– Swiss consumers have access to over 22 million different prod ursula Renold 135 Expenditure: 1 157 163 200.– ucts and services. The Federal Consumer Affairs Bureau takes Education, research and innovation are essential for the account of the interests of consumers and of the economy as a economic, societal and social development of our country. The whole. In order to publicise consumer concerns, it also promotes OPET deals with all three areas: It is the federal government’s access to objective information. competence centre for vocational and professional education Last year, almost two thousand Swiss men were approved and training, Universities of Applied Sciences and innovation for civilian service. These men were able to demonstrate cred promotion. In this way, the OPET plays its part by training well ibly that they would be unable to perform military service for qualified workers and making Switzerland an attractive loca reasons of conscience. The Central Office for Civilian Service tion in which to do business. Together with the cantons and the makes these decisions at its seven regional centres throughout professional associations, the OPET aims to ensure a high-level the country. It is also responsible for the recognition of the in of vocational training. It coordinates the universities of applied stitutions in which the service is to be performed and provides sciences, which not only train future managers, but are also advice to both the individuals and the institutions concerned. involved in applied research and development. The Innovation Promotion Agency CTI acts as a bridge between science and so ciety. It supports research projects, the transfer of knowledge State Secretariat for economic Affairs Seco www.seco.admin.ch and technology between universities and businesses and the re

Director: Staff: Revenue: 12 638 600.– cruitment of people with innovative ideas for new companies. Jean-Daniel Gerber 416 Expenditure: 942 626 800.– Seco is the Swiss Confederation’s central office for all core issues of economic policy. Its stated aim is to promote sus Federal Office for Agriculture FOAG www.blw.admin.ch tainable economic growth by creating an appropriate regulatory Director: Staff: Revenue: 205 048 300.– and economic framework. Manfred Bötsch 958 Expenditure: 3 717 135 444.– Employers and employees should be able to benefit from Switzerland has 1 065 118 hectares of farmland, growth-oriented policies, the removal of barriers to trade, and 1 560 000 head of cattle in its pastures and 188 024 people em the reduction of Switzerland’s relatively high prices. On the do ployed in the agricultural sector. Each year, the federal gov mestic front, Seco acts as an interface between business, so ernment provides agriculture with financial support of around cial partners and government. It supports the regionally and CHF 3.4 billion. FOAG works to ensure that the country’s farm structurally balanced development of the economy and ensures ers produce high quality foodstuffs in a way that is both sus the protection of employees. Through its labour market policy tainable and market-oriented. Its aim is to have a multifunc it contributes to the prevention and tackling of unemployment tional farming system that contributes towards meeting the and consequently to upholding social peace. SECO also helps to food needs of the population and maintaining the basic neces ensure access to all markets for Swiss goods and services and sities of life as well as towards the settlement of rural areas. It investment. In terms of foreign economic policy, it is active in must also seek a socially acceptable balance between develop the formulation of efficient, fair and transparent rules for the ments in domestic policy and the need to respond to changing world economy. Switzerland’s relations to the European Union external factors. The FOAG deals with the development of rural and to the European Free Trade Association are coordinated by areas and promotes agricultural research. the Integration Office, a joint office of the FDFA and the FDEA.

70 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

Department Head: Doris Leuthard

Federal Palace East Wing, 3003 Bern 031 322 20 07 Information officers: Christophe Hans, Evelyn Kobelt, Simone Hug www.evd.admin.ch

Federal veterinary Office FVO www.bvet.admin.ch The FHO works closely with property developers to ensure that

Director: Staff: Revenue: 4 633 100.– there is an adequate supply of affordable housing and that chang hans Wyss 153 Expenditure: 66 671 879.– ing needs are taken into account. The ageing population, chang A tourist carrying 200 kilos of ape meat is stopped at ing family and household structures and new lifestyles and forms the airport and another tries to illegally import souvenirs made of work also have an impact on housing. The FHO also seeks to of tortoise shell. Bluetongue has spread to Switzerland and has reconcile the interests of landlords and tenants in the area of triggered the need for a vaccination campaign for cattle, sheep tenancy law. and goats. Animal rights activists are calling for stricter laws governing livestock farming while farmers are opposed. The tabloid press calls for “effective measures against fighting dogs” Office of the Price Supervisor www.preisueberwacher.admin.ch

– many dog owners complain that they are being harassed by Price supervisor: Staff: Revenue: – “dog haters” even though they behave properly. Stefan Meierhans 14 Expenditure: 2 100 000.– All these situations have one thing in common: they are all People used to worry about the cost of a cup of coffee. difficult issues covered by the FVO: animal health, animal pro Now it tends to be doctors’ or hospital bills, gas and water rates, tection, food safety, species protection checks at border points or rubbish disposal and postal charges. Price supervision is and international cooperation in all these areas are dealt with aimed at protecting consumers from excessive pricing. It moni by FVO employees on a daily basis. Many of these are emotive tors price trends and blocks or eliminates improper price in issues and that is how it should be as a federal office is there for creases that have not been determined under free market condi people with thoughts and feelings. tions.

Federal Office for National competition commission ComCo www.weko.ch economic Supply FONES www.bwl.admin.ch Director: Staff: Revenue: 282 000.– Rafael corazza 47 Expenditure: 11 432 800.– Delegate: Staff: Revenue: 85 000.– Gisèle Girgis-Musy 30 Expenditure: 8 151 600.– It is often the case that medicines are more expensive in Switzerland buys virtually 100 per cent of its raw mate Switzerland than abroad, that businesses put pressure on their rials, 80 per cent of its energy, around one third of all its food, suppliers and that companies merge. Such business transactions and a large proportion of essential therapeutic products from can have an adverse effect on consumers and other companies. abroad. In cooperation with the private sector, FONES ensures ComCo monitors these transactions, prohibits illegal cartels and that people in Switzerland have supplies of vital commodities in intervenes in cases where free competition is restricted. Its stat a crisis situation. ed aim is to ensure unrestricted market access for businesses in Supplies of food, energy supplies and therapeutic drugs are Switzerland and open borders with foreign countries. guaranteed by protecting imports, setting up compulsory re serves and making full use of domestic production. In addition, it is FONES’ task to ensure the availability of transport capaci Swiss Federal institute for vocational ties, sensitive industrial products and information technology education and Training SFIVET www.ehb-schweiz.ch infrastructure. It also takes measures to ensure the equitable Director: Staff: Revenue: – distribution of scarce commodities. Dalia Schipper 180 Expenditure: 320 088 400.– The SFIVET is the federal government’s competence centre for basic and continuing training of VET/PET profession Federal housing Office FHO www.bwo.admin.ch als and conducts research and evaluations in a wide range of

Director: Staff: Revenue: 22 244 000.– fields related to professional training. Peter Gurtner 47 Expenditure: 127 806 900.– Every year at the SFIVET’s three locations: Lausanne, Luga- At Switzerland’s latitude it is impossible to survive with no and Zollikofen, as well as in Zurich, a total of 600 VET/PET out accommodation. Housing is therefore a basic need. However, professionals obtain a diploma or a certificate, and 6000 expert an apartment is also a capital asset. Each year around CHF 24 examiners are trained. Around 40 new education ordinances billion is invested in housing construction. Living costs are the are monitored and more than 20 research projects are carried greatest items of expenditure for households. Tenants pay some out every year. CHF 25 billion a year in rent and around CHF 18 billion is paid by house owners to creditors by way of mortgage interest payments.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 71 72 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide Federal Department of the environment, Transport, energy and communications DETEC

exactly 1140 litres per second

hat is the volume of water that flows in the Riale di Pina - scia on this nice day in June, shortly before it flows into the TVerzasca; that’s around half the average flow rate. As is often the case, an average does not necessarily tell you very much. At times, this stream slows down to barely a trickle; a violent storm however can turn it into a raging torrent. A seven hundredfold variation in flow is not uncommon for a mountain stream. That is precisely why the work of engine - er Andrea Crose from the Federal Office for the Environment’s Hydrology Division is so important. Six times a year, he measures the Riale’s water level and flow rate near Lavertezzo and calibrates the automatic hy - drometric station. This continually transmits the readings to a central database, which also gathers and analyses data from the 260 or so other measuring stations in Switzerland. Having all this data makes it possible to respond rapidly in extreme situations and plan the construction of protective barriers in good time. Here in Switzerland, the water levels of rivers and lakes can often change significantly and extremely quickly depending on the weather and the time of year. Due to the fact that rain fronts can be blocked by the Alps for days on end, Switzerland has twice as much precipitation as the rest of Europe, amounting to an average of 1429 litres per square metre and year. The water level readings generated by the nationwide mea - suring network form the basis of flow forecasts, which can be critical in extending the time available to implement protec - tion measures in the event of flooding.

Andrea Crose is one of the around 1900 federal employees at the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications DETEC. Few people know about his work, but it benefits a great many people.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 73 Federal Department of the environment, Transport, energy and communications DETEC

General Secretariat www.uvek.admin.ch Federal Office of civil Aviation FOCA www.aviation.admin.ch

Secretary-General: Staff: Revenue: 125 000.– Director Staff: Revenue: 10 155 000.– hans Werder 75 Expenditure: 68 349 600.– Matthias Suhr 237 Expenditure: 107 024 646.– DETEC’s federal offices are located in Ittigen and Biel. “Safety first” is the FOCA’s overriding principle. The The office directors meet at the General Secretariat (GS) in Bern FOCA uses a system of certificates and inspections to guaran several times a year as it is not unusual for several offices to tee the implementation of high-level safety standards measured have a common interest in ongoing business. The meeting pro against a European cross-section. A Safety Management Sys vides an opportunity to discuss these issues at the highest level. tem, designed to recognise and minimise risks, serves as the The GS serves as the staff office for the Head of Department. basis for the supervisory activities. It plans and coordinates all departmental activities. In addition, In order to further improve air safety, Switzerland operates it also exercises the role of owner with regard to Swiss Post, a system of non-punitive reporting. This principle allows pilots, SBB, Swisscom and Skyguide and supervises the implementa air traffic controllers, mechanics and ground crews to report er- tion of the strategic aims set out by the Federal Council. rors and accidents without being prosecuted by the FOCA. This The Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Tel approach places greater emphasis on learning from incidents evision, the Public Transport Accident Investigation Office, the that compromise safety than on penalising those at fault. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, and the postal services FOCA is performing pioneering work with its system of non- regulation authority (PostReg) are all affiliated to DETEC. punitive reporting: only a few countries in Europe operate this type of system.

Federal Office of Transport FOT www.bav.admin.ch

Director: Staff: Revenue: 6 432 000.– Swiss Federal Office of energy SFOE www.bfe.admin.ch Max Friedli 248 Expenditure: 4 708 774 250.– Director: Staff: Revenue: 14 041 700.– In a series of popular votes the Swiss population has Walter Steinmann 227 Expenditure: 207 861 700.– repeatedly approved measures to transfer transalpine The Federal Council’s energy policy is based on the fol heavy goods traffic from road to rail. Switzerland completed lowing four pillars: improvement of energy efficiency, promo the first stage of this process with the opening in mid-June 2007 tion of renewable energy sources, the replacement of existing of the Lötschberg base tunnel, one part of the New Rail Link large-scale power stations as well as increased international co through the Alps (NRLA). The tunnel is now fully operational operation. The SFOE has the task of substantiating these prin and almost running at capacity. The NRLA, which is the corner ciples and developing the conditions that will still guarantee stone of traffic transfer policy, also consists of the Gotthard and sufficient safe and environmentally friendly energy supplies in Ceneri base tunnels, which are still under construction. the future. The huge NRLA project is coordinated by the Federal Office The Energy Perspectives 2035 serve as the basis for the of Transport. It carries out the tasks determined by the Federal SFOE’s energy policy. The report shows that the supply of en Council and parliament, monitors compliance in terms of cost ergy, heating fuels and vehicle fuels can only be secured in the and deadlines and issues the necessary authorisations. long term with new, more effective regulations, procedures and The FOT is effectively the office for public transport. Swit promotion programmes. The SFOE has specified part of these zerland has a comprehensive and reliable transport network new measures in its plans of action. Its aim is to significantly ranging from intercity trains to trams, buses, cable cars and reduce energy consumption in Switzerland by 2020, to improve paddle steamers. The FOT makes sure that the network contin the energy efficiency of appliances and engines and to signifi ues to be modernised and is operated safely. cantly increase the share of renewable energies. Plans to expand the network are in preparation. The new The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) is the line across Zurich is already under construction, and prepara federal regulatory authority in charge of nuclear safety and the tions for the transboundary urban rail system in Geneva and safety of Switzerland’s nuclear power plants. The ENSI took up the new Stabio-Arcisate railway line are well advanced. Journey its duties as the successor organisation to the Federal Nuclear times between Geneva and St. Gallen should be reduced by half Safety Inspectorate (HSK) in 2009. Its duties remain the same, an hour by 2030. Public transport timetables will be further however, the HSK was part of the Federal Office of Energy, and improved with additional services. Targeted line extensions and the new ENSI is an independent organisation. more railway hubs will result in even better connections for many public transport users.

74 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide The execuTive

Department Head: Moritz Leuenberger

Federal Palace, North Wing, 3003 Bern 031 322 55 11 Information officer: André Simonazzi (until 31 March) Dominique Bugnon (from 1 April) www.uvek.admin.ch

Federal Roads Office FEDRO www.astra.admin.ch Federal Office for the environment FOEN www.umwelt-schweiz.ch

Director: Staff: Revenue: 709 638 200.– Director: Staff: Revenue: 29 000 000.– Rudolf Dieterle 360 Expenditure: 3 021 977 000.– Bruno Oberle 385 Expenditure: 797 687 200.– FEDRO ensures the flow of traffic on Swiss roads. FE We all want to live healthy safe lives. We also want to DRO is mandated by the Federal Council and parliament to solve be able to enjoy the beautiful countryside and mountains. We the following problems: which national road sections need to be naturally also expect a sound economy to allow us to lead com extended? Which road sections need to be resurfaced? Which fortable lives. tunnels need to be brought in line with the latest safety stand But what does all that have to do with environment policy? A ards? What is the most effective way of using available funds? great deal, especially in an Alpine country like Switzerland where Swiss roads should also be safe. FEDRO is actively involved in nature itself can be a threat. Flooding, rock slides or avalanches the federal action programme to improve road safety, Via sicura. make that blatantly clear. The FOEN helps to ensure that the can The aim of the programme is to significantly reduce the number tons, communes and residents are prepared for these things – be of people killed or injured in road accidents. In order to achieve it in the shape of forests to protect roads and housing, or maps in this, it is important to take into consideration the people and cars dicating the areas where natural hazards are most likely to occur. on the road. This is why, for example, FEDRO sets the require Health also has a lot to do with our environment: it is easier ments that drivers of 40-tonne trucks need to fulfil to ensure they to breathe when there is no fine particle dust or ozone in the air. transport their cargo safely and in an environmentally friendly People who are not bothered by noise have a better quality of life. way. FEDRO also modifies technical requirements affecting car Varied landscapes are not only beautiful, they are also important design (e.g. bumper height/shape) to reduce the risk of injury to for tourism. The FOEN therefore also contributes to a healthy pedestrians or cyclists. economy because it helps ensure the long-term use of landscapes, The increasing volume of traffic on the roads also has to water, soil, air and forests. be guided intelligently. FEDRO operates a traffic management system, which is run from a control centre in Emmen. The sys tem allows the authorities to modify the flow of traffic on the Federal Office for national road network and ensure efficient and sustainable use Spatial Development ARE www.are.admin.ch oder www.raumentwicklung.ch of the limited road network. Director a.i.: Staff: Revenue: 20 100.– christian Küng 61 Expenditure: 17 083 800.– In Switzerland, a square metre of land is built on every Federal Office of communications OFCOM www.bakom.admin.ch second. On the one hand this is due to the fact that people are

Director: Staff: Revenue: 45 885 100.– becoming increasingly mobile, which creates the need for more Martin Dumermuth 255 Expenditure: 91 018 500.– space to build roads and railway lines. On the other, there is Competition for customers on the Swiss telecommunica- an increasing demand for housing, not least due to the annual tions market is intense. The Swiss are benefiting as a result. Call increase in population, which amounts to the size of a medium rates are falling and there is an ever wider range of services. sized town. This leads to an increased loss of recreational space. OFCOM sets the general rules in the telecoms market so that The Federal Constitution however stipulates that land should be everyone has access to fairly priced and high quality phone and used appropriately and economically. internet services. ARE weighs up these many demands on scarce land re This competition can, however, also have unpleasant conse sources. The “Swiss spatial plan” provides a reference for spa quences for individual customers. Aggressive methods are used tial planning. Together with the revised Spatial Planning Act, it to land sales with new customers, calls to 0900 numbers can defines the framework of Switzerland’s future spatial and traffic give you a surprise when you get your phone bill, and young development. people get into debt with expensive ring tone subscriptions The Federal Constitution declares sustainable development without their parents knowing. OFCOM has taken measures to – finding a balance between environmental, economic and so help by setting up a telecommunications arbitration board to cial interests – to be a national objective. ARE coordinates these settle disputes between service providers and consumers with activities and collaborates closely with the cantons and com out having to go through the courts. munes. Today, a third of the Swiss population lives in a com In addition to allocating frequencies for radio and television mune that is involved in a sustainability process. stations, OFCOM also sees that the individual channels do not In addition, ARE is also involved in shaping transport policy, infringe the conditions of their licence. From 2008, private lo primarily focusing on projects in urban areas particularly af cal radio and television companies will receive a greater share fected by traffic and urban sprawl. of licence fee revenues. OFCOM ensures that these revenues are distributed fairly between the regions.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 75 The Federal CourTs or The Judiciary

76 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide or most people a paper chase is a children’s People involved in money laundering often invest The task of following this paper trail of invoices, game. For the justice authorities, it involves money in businesses where the turnover is not receipts, transfers and bank records until a com F the tedious and often long-winded work of transparent, for example, in boutiques, brothels, plete chain of evidence of criminal scheming can following each and every lead in an effort to con real estate agencies, second-hand shops, res be produced is extremely laborious, but not fu vict money launderers. Money laundering is the taurants and travel agencies. In a second step, tile, as the case described on the following page illegal channelling of money acquired from drug they move the alleged profits around in a series shows. trafficking, for example, into the legal economic of transactions until it becomes virtually impos cycle so as to cover up its origin. sible to retrace the money’s origins.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 77 The Federal CourTs The Third Power The Federal supreme Court as the highest court in switzerland and the federal courts of first instance embody, at the federal level, the judiciary, one of the three state pow ers, the others being parliament, the legislature, and the Federal Council, the executive. Through their legal decisions, these courts contribute to the development of the law and to its adaptation to changing circumstances. The decisions of the Federal supreme Court and the final rulings of the Federal Criminal and administrative Courts may be referred to the european Court of human rights in strasbourg.

The Federal Supreme Court must provide legal President of the Vice President of the redress, ensure the uniform application of federal law, and devel Federal Supreme Court: Federal Supreme Court: op the law in keeping with changes in the ways people live their Lorenz Suzanne lives. And it has jurisdiction in Switzerland as the court of final Meyer Leuzinger-Naef instance in almost every legal field: SVP SP

Public law First Public law division The Federal Supreme Court hears appeals against cantonal de Michel Bertrand Jean cisions in matters of public law and legislation as well as viola Féraud Reeb Fonjallaz tions of political rights (the right to vote, popular elections and FDP President FDP SP votes). The two public law divisions rule on cases in these areas. Heinz Niccolò Ivo Aemisegger Raselli Eusebio CVP SP CVP

Civil cases First Civil law division The Federal Supreme Court hears appeals against cantonal Kathrin Vera Rottenberg Christina court judgements in civil matters (private law, contract law, Klett Liatowitsch Kiss-Peter commercial law, intellectual property, etc.). In disputes relat SP President SP FDP ing to property, the value of the claim must amount to at least Bernard Gilbert CHF 30 000, or to CHF 15 000 in employment and tenancy cases. Corboz Kolly The two civil law divisions rule on disputes in these legal fields. FDP CVP

Criminal cases Criminal law division The Federal Supreme Court hears appeals against cantonal Dominique Hans Hans judgements in criminal cases or against judgements of the Fed Favre Wiprächtiger Mathys eral Criminal Court. SP President SP SVP

Roland Max Pierre Schneider Ferrari SVP FDP

Social law First Social law division The Federal Supreme Court, in particular the two divisions for Rudolf Jean-Maurice Martha social law, deal with appeals in public matters against judge Ursprung Frésard Niquille Eberle ments of the cantonal insurance courts. SVP President SP CVP

Susanne Marcel Leuzinger-Naef Maillard SP CVP

Subsidiary constitutional appeal If the foregoing appeals are not admissible, action can be taken against violations of constitutional rights by means of a subsidi ary constitutional appeal.

78 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide THE JUDICIARy

The 38 judges and the 19 part-time judges carry out their From the offence duties in one of the seven divisions of the court in lausanne to final verdict or in lucerne. The united Federal assembly appoints federal court judges In July 2002, switzerland’s then ambassador according to linguistic, regional and party-political criteria; to luxembourg was arrested on suspicion of they serve a term of office of six years. They are assisted in having accepted under dubious circumstanc their work by a staff that is 250 strong. es a total of 2.4 million francs from a drug ring and then having transferred it, some of it even through his own accounts. The office of the attorney General and the Federal Crimi nal Police launched a criminal investigation. Second Public law division as the initial suspicion was confirmed, the office of the attorney General passed the Robert Peter Florence Müller Karlen Aubry Girardin files on to the office of the Federal examining CVP President SVP GPS Magistrates for a preliminary investigation, which then examined the matter in greater Georg Thomas Andreas yves Merkli Zünd Donzallaz detail and subsequently returned the files GPS SP GLPSVP along with its report. as the justified grounds for suspicion Second Civil law division against the accused were corroborated, the office of the attorney General filed charges Fabienne Lorenz Laura Hohl Meyer Jacquemoud with the Federal Criminal Court. after the FDP President SVP CVPGLP indictment had been received, the presiding judge of the criminal chamber set a deadline Elisabeth Luca Nicolas Escher Marazzi von Werdt for the defendant and the injured party for CVP FDP SVP the submission of evidence. he subsequently decided on the evidence to be submitted and set the date and time of the main trial. The hearings began on 9 May 2005 at the seat of the Federal Criminal Court in Bellin zona. due to the severity of the possible sen tence, the court sat as a panel of three judges advised by a court clerk. on 2 June 2005, based on the evidence and the findings of the trial, the court found the defendant guilty of aggravated money Second Social law division laundering, forgery of documents, embezzle ment and reduction of assets to the prejudice Martha Ulrich yves Brigitte of creditors. he was acquitted on the count of Niquille Eberle Meyer Kernen Pfiffner Rauber

SP President SVP GPS participation in a criminal organisation. The convicted offender filed an appeal Aldo Hansjörg against the verdict with the Federal supreme Borella Seiler FDP SVP Court. It upheld the verdict on all counts ex cept that of forgery of documents. The Federal Criminal Court reached a new verdict on the points overruled on 4 april 2006. as a renewed appeal by the defend Federal Supreme Court 1000 Lausanne 14 ant against that decision was rejected, the 021 318 91 02 verdict of the Federal Criminal Court became e-mail: [email protected] www.bger.ch final.

The Swiss Confederation a brief guide 79 The Federal Courts of first instance THE JUDICIARy

The Federal Administrative Court is the lat The Federal Criminal Court is the general crimi est of the federal courts. It began its duties in 2007 and has its nal court of the Confederation, and has its seat in Bellinzona. seat in Bern. In 2012, it is planned to move the court to a per It sits in judgement as a preliminary instance of the Federal manent location in St. Gallen. Supreme Court. The main task of the Federal Administrative Court is to sit It is independent in its activities but is subject to the ad in judgement on public law disputes that fall within the juris ministrative supervision of the Federal Supreme Court and the diction of the Federal Administration. These primarily involve supervisory control of the Federal Assembly, which appoints the appeals against decisions taken by federal or, in certain excep judges of the Federal Criminal court, of whom there are current tional cases, cantonal courts. However, the Federal Administra ly fifteen. They have a basic term of office of six years. Around tive Court is also a court of first instance for actions based on 35 members of staff assist them in their work. federal administrative law. In accordance with its duties, the Court is organised into one In certain cases, decisions of the Federal Administrative criminal chamber and two appeals chambers. Court may be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court. In more than half of its cases, however, it issues the final judgement as Criminal Chamber the court of last instance or of sole instance. The Criminal Chamber is the court of first instance for offences that are subject to federal jurisdiction: felonies and misdemean Organisation ours against federal interests, explosives offences and cases of The Federal Administrative Court employs 74 judges and a fur whitecollar crime, serious organised crime offences and money ther 280 members of staff. laundering offences that do not fall within cantonal jurisdiction The court is organised in five divisions, with each having or which have an international element. In addition, the Court two chambers, and a General Secretariat. has jurisdiction over offences under the Federal Acts on Civil The divisions are responsible for dealing with the appeals Aviation, Nuclear Energy and Pipelines. and claims. Each division deals with cases in a particular legal field. First and Second Appeals Chambers • The First Division is responsible for appeal proceedings in ar The First Appeals Chamber hears appeals against official acts eas including the environment, transport, energy and taxes. and/or omissions by the Office of the Attorney General of Swit • The Second Division focuses on proceedings relating to educa zerland or the Federal Examining Magistrates. In addition, it tion, competition and the economy. rules on coercive measures in federal criminal proceedings and • The Third Division deals mainly with proceedings in the field on extensions of periods on remand, and deals with conflicts of immigration, social security and health. of jurisdiction between cantonal prosecution authorities or • The Fourth and Fifth Divisions operate exclusively in the field between the prosecution authorities of the Confederation and of asylum law, in particular in relation to questions of refugee those in the cantons. The President of the First Appeals Cham status and deportation orders. ber is responsible for approving telephone surveillance opera tions and covert investigations. In most of these fields, the judgements of the Federal Administra The Second Appeals Chamber deals with matters relating to tive Court can be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court; in a international mutual assistance in criminal matters, i.e. appeals few areas, and in particular in relation to asylum matters, the relating to the extradition of persons who face prosecution or decisions of the Federal Administrative Court are final. who have been convicted, mutual assistance in foreign criminal proceedings as well as execution of penalties based on foreign Federal Administrative Court Schwarztorstrasse 59, PO Box, 3000 Bern 14 convictions. 058 705 26 26 www.bvger.ch Decisions of the First and Second Appeals Chambers may be challenged in the Federal Supreme Court wthin 30 days. The decisions of all three chambers are normally published on the Court’s website.

Federal Criminal Court PO Box 2720, 6501 Bellinzona 091 822 62 62 www.bstger.ch

80 The Swiss Confederation a brief guide Text and editing Information services of the Federal Chancellery, the Departments and Parliamentary Services; Jeanmaire & Michel AG

Concept, design, composition Jeanmaire & Michel AG, www.agentur.ch

Photography Jürg Waldmeier, Zurich Federal Council photo, pages 40–42: Michael Stahl, Bern Parliamentary photos: Senn & Stahl, Bern

Party landscape, page 21: Michael Hermann, Geographical Institute, University of Zurich

Editorial deadline 31 December 2008

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