FOCUS
"It is atways others who are surptus"
The referendumwith probably the most far-reaching consequences of the past two decades is currently keeping Swiss potiticians very busy - the Yes vote to the initiative on mass immigration is jeopardising the minimum consensus that currently exists in domestic politics regarding policy towards Europe. And an even more radical initiative on immigra- tion is already casting its shadow. By Jtirg Miittet
elements "The bear cannot bewashedwithout getting National Council debate in March: "If I must terminate the detrimental of r and that is, the its fur wet." Adrian Amstutz, the Swiss Peo could choose between the continuation of the bilateral agreements z ple's Party (SVP) parliamentary group the excessive immigration which is destroy free movement ofpersons and Schengen/ 'ElJ leader, quoted this old proverb in March ing this country and the bilateral agree- Dublin in particular as they are acces- accelerants' zor4 during the National Council debate on ments, I would choose the protection ofthe sion accelerants' , or eten'fire , just the implementation of the initiative on mass nation, full stop." and are damaging not direct democracy immigration. \[ith these words, Amstutz According to a Vox Analysis scientific but also our econom\'." This is the message neatly summed up the current situation and study on the referendum, most of those who from AUNS President and SVP National his organ- indirectly conceded that Switzerland non' supported the SVP initiatit'e v'ere well Councillor Pirmin Schn'ander on Gartenmann faces enormous challenges in domestic pol- aware that the adoption of the popular ini- isation's homepage. V/erner itics and over policy on Europe since the tiative might jeopardise the bilateral agree- (SV P), r he organ isation's executir e di rector. on the launch adoption ofthe new constitutional provision ments. The Yes voters therefore attached confirmed that itwasu.orking to autonomous control ofa popular initiative for a purelyfree trade on 9 February. At stake is nothing less than greater importance Switzerland's relationship with the Euro- of immigration than to good relations with agreement; the exact wording is currently firmlybelieves pean Union as a whole, irrespective of the the EU. This suggests that the bilateral ap- being tweaked. Gartenmann specific structure of Switzerland's future proach, whichwas supported in allprevious that 9 February marked the definitive start immigration policy. referenda, is no longer an undisputed issue of a fundamental debate or-er the EU. This The minimum consensus otrr the bilat among the Sii'iss pcople either. is also the lies oithe parties at the other end eral approach that has existed to date be The Campaign tbr an independent and of the px-rlidc.r, sp*,ctrum. the Sri rss Social tween practically all political parties in Neutral Switzerland (AUNS) group is lining Democratic Parn tSP) and the Greens. Switzerland is crumbling. The bilateral ap- up for a frontal attack. It is seeking to rescind Both are more commilted than er-er before proach has been regarded as the ideal solu the bilateral agreements and to simply gor' to closer relations itith the EU and no longer tion for Swiss policy on Europe since the ern relations with the EU by means of free rule out the possibilitv of EU accession. electorate rejected the European Economic trade agreements: "Both packages, 'bilater- Area (EEA) inrygz.Even the Swiss People's als r' and'bilaterals z', need to be replacedb,v Centrifugal forces are becoming stronger Party (SVP), which has traditionallyviewed an improved free trade agreement.'We do The Social Democrats v'rote in their zoro "the any further intelration of Switzerland into not want any further bilateral agreements manifesto that they sought rapid intro- the EU with great scepticism, essentially that are not in our nation's interests. And we duction of accession negotiations with the supported this policy. It did not question the principle ofthe bilateral agreements even A word cloud P E it.*-iiti.r? Eo won"eismw- ! during the referendum campaign on the Ehrndesvffimluns - popular initia- E .f; Referendum F mass immigration initiative, and officially it -*-y:** tives .Volk L""dT;,1?ffi"ffi j g SVP General =:fi'Jffi1"" has not changed its position. fi e",r,*r. Bundesrab ga;il!;i;-u", SChlUbSTll-:,HT'g Secretary Martin Baltisser says: "\[e have to govern relations with the EU bilaterally, but it is the specific content of the agree- fff;ls_dh1iff:diid'sl'ifr#Ll : E =t ments that matters." =E
A pincer attack on the ":::-ffiEE bilateral agreements It is nevertheless obvious that the SVP no lflliij?rlry Qlei longer sees the bilateral approach as a top '?fiiiilJapl:6 ff,AIti ElzffiI priority. Those on the right are seeking to seize the moment and steer the course of policy on Europe according to their own agenda. They are more than willing to ac $tBH$,.e*jl#rg€il';il wirksamen lrr€s g 'F cept further damage in relations with the I f; FE 3 EE sl i rnibiabiveArjerve,,$*"9 * g EU SVP parliamentary group leader Am- E < E ilE?B" : E E = E stutz made this perfectly clear during the € 7 L
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A spanner in tlte worfrs of the polhical sjtstewt In no other state do citizens have more co-determination rights than in Switzerland. Direct democracy is a successful modet. The change in the purpose and importance of popular initiatives nevertheless shows that Switzertand's politicat system is working less effectively than in the past. PopuLar initiatives are a "growth market" in politics, and business is very brisk at
EU". But they never really pursued this ob the moment. The figures speak for themseLves: 423 initiatives have been iaunched jective forcefully, not least in light ofthe scep- since the introduction of the popular initiative system in 1891. Signatures are cur- tical mood among the Swiss people. This is rently being collected for 9 initiatives, and 20 are either being considered by the how SP parliamentary group leader Andi' Federal Council and Parliament 0r are waiting to be put to the vote at referendum. Tschiimperlin expressed the position of the have made referendum stage since 1891, but only 21 have been party leadership: the primary objective must 189 bitts it to the be to implement the initiative on mass immi- adopted by the peopte. And here are the most interesting figures: 0nly 9 initiatives
gration without jeopardising the existing bi- secured a majority of Yes votes in the first 100 years between 1891 and 1990, lateral agreements and their further develop whereas 13 have been approved since 1990. ment. If this cannot be achieved, "the Su'iss Popular initiatives have therefore had a significantly better chance of being sup- peoplc must bc gir en the opportunity to r ote on the future of relations s ith Europe". The ported by the people over the past 25 years than before that time. There is no clear, "all SP is demanding that options on polio- undisputed explanation for this. Silja Hdusermann, a professor of political science on Europe Lte eramined-. Trchirmperlin is at the Universiiy of Zurich, points out that until the early 1990s popular initiatives calling tbr the Federal Councii trr .|utiint -the -,,;ere mainly an instrument of the left used to take a position as a minority against possible cons€quences of EU accession and the continuadon ofbilateraiism rrith or n'ith the then practicaLLy closed conservative alliance. This tool was usually not enough out a new institutional solution" in a compar to secure majority support but it was a means of introducing new ideas into poli ative anrlysis. tics. Even unsuccessful initiatives triggered debates in many cases and sometimes The centrifugal forces within the govern- also reform processes that achieved their objective after several attempts. ing parties have therefore become much stronger. The SVP is distancing itself from Initiatives are today no longerjust used by the left and Greens but also by con- the EU more clearly than in the past and the servative and right-wing parties and institutions - in particular by the Swiss Peo- SP is no longer ruling out EU accession, while ple's Party (SVP) and the organisations associated with it. Initiatives are also often most of the other parties are al tempt ing to cLearly used as a marketing instrument for election campaigns and as a vehicle to f}'the tattered flag of bilateralism. This rep- resents a highly uncomfortable starting generate public outrage or to assert vested interests. position for the government. The new A paradox of the system
Popular initiatives are also often difficult to implement, especia[y when they are i $- o incompatible with other constitutional principles or international law. This then Ef E 5*00"*o causes indignation among the initiators: The SVP. in particular, exerts pressure -ffi* using enforcement also hiahl'H initiatives - it is threatening to use this tool in the case of the "initiative on mass immigration". The insistence on Literal implementation ffib6,H fr.r: 6 - .ipderb destroys the proven politicai culture of equilibrium and compromise of which F.t=p€Er Switzerland is so ilroud. "It is a of paradox," explains Hdusermann: "The s[#EBEs-EEE;fiq$#*"r,uinn,-,s kind Silja increasingly frequent D"".k"b'd I 3lJ-E use of the instruments is , Krankenversiche?unq of direct democracy an indication that Switzerland's r*rasserpramien \flfgfifunq - potiticat system is working less effectively." Swiss democracy is after all geared )h.bp Bh6hungo*eine " towards consensus. The rights of the people were initially intended to have a efs.dl€rum wirbschafb- "preventative effect": The potiticat'players were to reach viable compromises so dtrm **L*".#?lfi3gH"XtE, Enw-andenrng '*** that referenda and initiatives did not have to be deployed. There is now a "spanner $rassen SOZialg in the works" of this fragile mechanism. says Hiiusermann. She sees this as the enved political parties". JURG MULLER FOCUS Poputar initiatives which have been put to referendum (as at June 2014) 1e8o-1e8ei133,1;-:l!t-:,:,,r1-{J:,1:)ir).-gi}.):,.'O}ill L97o_1s791s7o-ts7s .:JJ.).:.)1r_Ijij:._),,)..)' t,). .l;|',:.; ,r ,;,,,{J_.O ,.-).:,1.f1"J.,,.;,,1 1e6o-1e6e 3l.l::t r&'r:rl: * *:. ifri I .. tt' 1950-1959 l;l..jt:r,l3l):'ri.rl f,. :: .... I XXt t ts4o-ts4s-L,L-* ,'l " . . 1930-1939 31- -, ,!'_'.: : ta 7920-1929 ;::'.. ' t:: 1910-1919 --.--: l. 1900-1909 I ]:-- ,:-) = acce*ea ' Q - rejec:ed 1890-18ee .f3.1 05 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 constitutional text obliges the Federal Coun- immigration of just r6,ooo people instead nistAnne Marie Reyr.vere equally involved cil and Parliament to introduce a ncw admis of around llo,ooo today. The initiative in Ecopop. sion system for all foreigners u.ithin three clearly stipulates, in the transitional provi 'lhe modern organisation is vcrv l'ell vears, which u.ill restrict immigration sions, that intcrnational agrce mer.rts utich :ru-arc thaf the clirection of its age nda also .,,.'-LtiJ g,, through marimum limits and quotas. contrlrlict tlie sc obiccti, e. rt ill 1-.:,', e t rt ,t'-.tra::l! t1 :r'rr-'ri., hlch it ;.y1;g1' --L The question is hol', if at all. this can be cithcr .intrtt.tq!l "- :urnllllrttu. . -. iflcF nrlc Iniira iar ca i\ rtli. i nis is prOfrablr reconcilcd with the agrcement u,'ith the EU u,ords, the Ecopop ir.ritiative is much more lhr the homepage stresses the tbllorving: on the free movement of persons. The Fed radical than the adopted SVP initiativc. It "Ecopop distances itself from all misan eral Council is planning to present an implc- would lay down specific figures in the con- thropic or xenophobic positions and wishes mentation concept by the end ofJune, and stitution and leavc even less leeway for ne to contribute towards helping all people by the cnd ofthe year the proposals are to gotiations u'ith the EU. Thc free novement le ad a dignified life irrespective of their na be formulatcd as articles of law u'hich rvill ofpersons would no longer have evcn the tionality." then enter the consultation process. The art slightest chance. will lie in introducing quotas without at the Ecopop, the term being a combination of Ecopop - "sinister ecologists"? same time infringing upon thc principle of ECOlogy and POPulation, is a prismatic This clear cut distancing from the political free mor.ement of persons. Discussions rvith organisation which appcals to a lvide range right does not quite work in practicc. Ecopop the European Union r.vill take place in par of groups, including critics of grou.th as was able to place an appeal for support for a1lel to the domestic political process. well as xenophobic factions. Ecopop per its initiative in the editorial section of Sch ceives itselfas a politically independent cn u.eizerzeit, the mouthpiece of the former Now comes Ecopop vironmental organisation which focuses on far right SVP National Councillor Ulrich But it is not iust the implementation of thc population issucs. lts homepage states: Schltier. Thc initiative organisers were also initiative that is causing a headache for the "Our goal is to prescrve the r-ratural envi- able to count on the support ofthe right- rpoliticians. The SVP has already threat- ronment and the quality of life in Switzer leaning AUNS during the collection of sig- encd an enforcement initiative if thc land and rvorldwide for futurc gcnerations. natures. This organisation distributed sig adopted popular initiative is not imple Ecopop has bccn committed to opposing nature forms among its nret.nbers. Ecopop mcnted in the way it belier.es it should be. the ovcrburdening of nature by an increas- also reccivcd official support u'ith the col And another initiative is alrcady heading ingly higher human population for over 4o lection of signaturcs from the Srviss Demo for the ballot box, the Ecopop initiative cn- years." A clear political categorisation of crats (SD), a far right partv and the succcs titled "stop overpopulation - safeguard our thc organisation is not possible. It was sor organisation to the N.\. The partv had natural environment". This is likely to bc founded at the time of the excessive inrmi launched its own initiatile on ercessive im put to the vote as early as Novembcr zor4. gration initiatives put forrvard byJames migration in zorr. As the collection of signa- i> N3 In specific terms, the initiative is calling Schr,r.arzenbach, but Ecopop reiectcd the turcs was not goitlg rvcll, the SD Executive for "the permancnt resident population not initiatives of his National Action (NA) Committee decided in sut.nmer 2or2 to to rise by more than o.z percent a year as a movement in thc r97os and r98os. In the abandon its own popular initiative and to ac- ddJ 2zt result of immigration on a three-year aver early days, NA Prcsident Valentin Oehen tively support the "more promising" Ecopop age". That would currently equate to net and Bernese SP city councillor and femi initiative. 1.20/. 1.7oto 1.0% 0.9% 0.8% 0.7 0/o 0.6% 0.5% "How many people o.4o/' can the Earth sus- tain?" is the ques- o'3v" tion that was posed by the Ecopop group on their poster when ih.;;;;ii;ilh; o'1'/' signatures for the in- o.o% itiative in Berne on 12 November 2012 -0.1./" 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 The combination of nature conservation is- of guaranteeing sun'ival. Therefore. in or- and is seeking to pla,v a kev role in the ref sues and immigration is not a new phenonl der to reduce ttamilr. size and population erendum campaign, Regula Rvtz, Co-Pres enon. A reactionary ecological ideologv has gro\\'th. rhe primarv focus must be on pro ident of the Greens, constanth'reiterates eristed since as far back as the r93os. Bal- moting the education of s-omen and girls. that the partv has no problem u.ith the thasar Gldttli, a Green Party National In an interview with the "Neue Zircher number ofpeople but rather a per capita Councillor inZurich. is currcntlv carr_ving Zeitung", Shalini Randeria, a professor of problem. The kcy factor is the ecological 'r'..r: itsearch tbr a book l'ith the u orking ti anth ropology and developmental sociology footprint not the number of people. How -L tle nneinliche Ok,:,logen" i Sinister Ecol- in Gener-a. clearlv outlines the attitude that ever, the view of the Green Party's grass -sinister ogistsi and har Jiscc,rered roors": leads to demands such as those made by roots is not yet clear. Representatives of -lt I ink Lrenveen cLln ser'\'rrion i sts. p,rlitici ans Ecopop: is always other people who are the Greens are also actively involved in preoccupied t ith popularion issues and eu- surplus: the poor, the foreigners. (...) It is Ecopop: Andreas Thommen, former party genicists. the representatir es oi a science never just a question offigures but ahvays leader in Aargau, is a member of both the u hich beliei es that the population ofpeople a matter of r,ho is allowed to reproduce and executivc commirree and the initiative l hose genetic make-up is desirable or l-ho is not." The issue of population is in- committee. deemed positive should increase u'hile the separable from that ofresource consump The position of the political parties is rise in the population of people u-hose ge- tion, points out the professor, as "the in- clear. Only the SVP is still tight-lipped, netic make-up is categorised as negati\.e is habitants of New York City consume more while all the others are opposed to the in undesirable and should be prevented. energr,in one day than the entire continent itiative. In the Council of States, which re- In this respect, the passage in the Ecopop of Africa". jected the proposal in March, the SVP ab initiative about birth control in the Third Immigration and conservation were also stained fromvoting. There are problematic \\rorld is particularly contentious. In a sec an issue in the ry79 Schwarzenbach initia aspects to the initiative, says SVP General ond development policy section, the initi tive. Even back then there was condemna- Secretary Martin Baltisser, "after all, it ative calls for Switzerland to use roVo of de- tion of Switzerland's urban development. does come from the left and green factions velopinent cooperation funds on "measures The SVP, which has made immigration its as well". He was nevertheless unable to aimed at promoting voluntary family plan prioritv issue, initially based its arguments foresee what view the party base will take ning". Urs Schwaller, a Council of States on abuse ofthe social security system and when it comes to drawing up the position member for the Christian Democratic Peo- criminality, but then discovered ecology statement. The party is clearly faced with ple's Party (CVP), calls this a "colonialview during the final push in the referendum a dilemma: The initiative is far too radi of tamilv planning in developing countries". campaign and displayed images of urban cal for business groups but it may well re- Derelopment policy organisations have sprawl on its posters. ceive support from the party's grass roots, aiso r.oiced severe criticism of this demand. likc any calls to restrict immigration. Ther belier.e that Ecopop is ignoring the Challenge for the Greens structural causes ofpopulation growth. It and for SVP =: the is generallr.recognised today that high There are major challenges facing the birth rates are primarily related to poverty. Grcens, in particular, whose leadership is =3 -\n abundance of children is seen as a means firmly opposed to the Ecopop initiative :tinc utirirn is;;dit.';ith th. "fii';R."i.*" Swiss peopte have no wish to etect Att act of wise the Federat Council self-restraint The Swiss people do not want to etect their government themselves. The No is more "popular etection of the Federal Council" initiative suffered an overwhelming committee discussed in Switzerland than the Federal Coun- defeat on 9 June 2013 with over 76olo of the etectorate voting against it. By Jiirg Miitter cil whose seven Federal Councillors enjoy permanent public attention. The Swiss People's Party (SVP), which The SVP argued that the elecdon of the Fe- Yet the Swiss have not seized the launched the popular initiative, went to deral Council by the people rather than Parlia- opportunity to elect their political great lengths to promote it, displaying giant ment would be in line with the proren model stars themselves by direct popular posters with the slogan "Trust the people" used to elect the cantonal gorernments. The election. Is that not contradictory? and providing every Swiss household with a rights of the people would be enlranced. the No, it is an act of wise self-restraint. "special pamphlet". The people should elect principle ofthe sovereigntyofthe peoplel ould The Swiss are not fiLted with unques- the Federal Council "to prevent Switzerland gain respect and the separation of poners tioning faith in authority, but they from collapse", this proclaimed in big letters. would be strengthened. The oppolrnts coun have a wel[-developed sense of the That was something of an exaggeration. At tered that popular election u'ould ultimatelv importance of batanced and stable any rate, theirfervour did not spread. The turn the members of the government into potitical institutions. Vehement crit- fierce referendum campaign failed to mate- pawns inpartypolitics, overshadon ing *re real icism is levelled at the members of rialise despite this being a fundamental is business ofpolitics. They also u-arned ofcons- national government from time to involring hugs coss. sue in terms of the organisation of the Su'iss tant election campaigning time, but there is also a high degree state. The initiative's opponents achieved of respect for the institution. De- their goal without any major anti initiative The SVP's heaviest defeat spite all the nay-saying. surveys in- propaganda. The defeat was not unexpected. but the mar dicate that the Federal Council en- gin came as a surprise to even'one. \o S\-P joys high-level and recently even initiative has ever been so comprehensir'e[' growing confidence. rejected. This is partly explained bv the fact The rejection of the Swiss People's that the SVP did not even completelr'suc Party (SVP) initiative for the popu- ceed in convincing its own supporters. \ ari lar election of the Federal Council ous partv figures and sections openlr- sup- (see article left) represents an im- ported a "no" r.ote. This defeat also indicates pressive that proposals based on mistrust of eristing vote of confidence in an ex- institutions do notgo downwells-ith the peo tremely successful political system. ple. Last vear, the popular initiatir e cailing There is no reason to disturb the for state treaties to be put before the people fi nely balanced equilibrium between was rejected by aroundT5Vo ofthe electorate. the people, Parliament and govern- The "sovereignty ofthe people instead ofof ment. That is precisely what a sys- ficial propaganda" initiative, which sought to tem of popular election would have muzzle the Federal Council, was relected br- done. a similar margin in zoo8. The "naturalisation There is no country in the world to be decided by the people" initiative u'as where the people have as much in- also resoundingly defeated in zoo8 n-ith just The Swiss people will remain spectators in the fluence as in Switzerland. Extensive election of the Federal Council under 64Vo opposing it. (comment right) use is also made of direct democracy, and this is a major factor in Swiss stabitity. After all, where specialist ASYTUM tAW TIGHTENED UP AGAIN issues are comprehensively debated Asylum applications may n0 longer be submitted to Swiss embassies, unruly asylum and decided upon by the people, seekers can be detained in special facilities, and federal government can open asylum there is also greater acceptance of centres without cantonal and communal authorisation. These amendments to asytum potiticat decisions. That is the cor- law were approved by the Swiss people on 9 June 2013 with over 78% voting in favour. nerstone of direct democracy. Popu- The referendum against the proposals had been called by left-wing groups. This is the lar election would not have en- fifth tine that asylum law has been tightened up in the past 25 years and five referenda hanced potiticat co-determination against the changes have failed. The overwhelming approval indicates that many on the but at most may have heightened left also supported Social Democratic Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga, who said = the poLiticai spectacle at the ex- >t the bil.l would hel"p to speed up the asylum process. Potiticat analyst Ciaude Longchamp pense of continuity in government. explained on Swiss television (SRF) that it was more a case of voters expressing their EE general discontent with asylum policy than approving a particular bill. (JM) JURG MULLER 12 ?rtes ll'15 Parliament, polarisation, political class and the popular vote Modern, pturalistic democracy and its fundamentatprincipl.e of poputar sovereignty cannot be achieved without potitical, parties or, to be more precise, without a party pol.itical. system. GEORG KO11LER However, it is evident that a National Council man- The size of the population, the complexity of social date cannot be combined with a full-time position control mechanisms and the need for various, some- in another profession. times very opposing, opinions to find permanent Group-specific interests do, of course, quickly representatives makes the democratic formation of emerge as a result of such professionalisation, and will and decision-making based on the model of the this is recognised by everyone concerned with the people's assembly or the Athenian polis assembly an res publica. "-\fter the elections everything remains impossibility. "Popular sovereignty", as the result of as belbre the elections" - 'All politicians only want the direct encounter between government and au- to sen-e rhe rrishes of their electorate" - "These peo- tonomous citizens, as a process between stakehold- ple are ultirnateir- oniv c.oncslned u-ith personal ers dealing u'ith one another directly so that pend- qail-. etc. are e-tamgies - il characteristic progres- ing issues are discussed and decided upon in lively Georg Kohler is a professor sion - of the pxrtrenaical ctuclusions rrhich the -peo- potiticat public debate by a society mindful of social solidar- emeritus of phitosophy at ple- and above all their selt-declared advocates the University of Zurich. He witt be ity, is impossible if the state is no longer a city or a dras, usuallv much too quickh-. from the fact that providing observation and analysis small region. politicians have become professional. for the Swiss Abroad throughout the And the state Switzerland's special very form of democratic 2015 etection campaign. ofaffairs in contemporary society has produced the governance also requires political parties. The years populist buzzword of classe politique as the name in which the national parliament, the actual forum for an upper stratum of people who unashamedlr' and objective of modern party formation, is elected and re- profiteer from democracy. newed, are consequently of great importance. Admittedly, in The disappearance of amateur politicians, rrho are deserv- considering the Swiss situation, parliamentary elections can- ing ofthe title, is certainly a serious problem for a nation long not be discussed without taking account of the impact of the committed to the notion of part-time contributions from more popular rights which constantly traverse Swiss parliamentary or less unpaid civic volunteers. Furthermore, the trend demon- democracy. strated by the political economy whereby public interest ori- This is clearly evident in three respects: firstly, with regard entation is sacrificed ifit no longer concurs with personal pro- to the classe politique; secondly, in the analysis of our politi- fessional interests is undeniable. "Classe politique,, - used cal system, which is essentially based on concordance but is critically denotes decadent developments which can be ob- facing increasingly acute polarisation trends; and, thirdly, in served in many parts of the rvorld. Somewhat different, how- addressing the issue of the nation's collective identity which ever, is the use ofthis category to discredit those people who, has been exigent for some years now. for commendable reasons, have dedicated themselves to the work undertaken at the national parliament as part of (semi) direct democracy. ,l The term "political class" is a polemically applied category The disdain now inextricably associated with the term I . but also the designation of a sociological fact. In a society classe politique almost always appears in conjunction v'ith si- places which demands on its leadership roles that can no multaneous praise for popular rights. This is because these are longerbe met through part-time engagementbut instead only seen as the remedy to the self-seeking offalse elites. This sort with great time commitment and personal specialist knowl- of thing is often heard in the election campaign getting under edge, a group inevitably has to emerge to professionally per- way. Such sentiment is dangerous, extremist and untypical of form the functions of the political system (which also includes Switzerland. On the one hand, such rhetoric undermines the the upper echelons ofthe judicial system and the public ad- trust of the public in their representatives and, on the other, ministration). It is not possible to explore this in detail here. turns popular rights, a single element of our constitution that ll'|r:s Revi;tr I itlruary 2!l ! I ll.'l I Phntl: rlljted '13 -,i',: or r', :-is \\'ell in the or-erall conreri,_,r lhe carefully balanced and the SVp perceives itself as their guardian and mouth_ s1':i-: :,: institutions, into the be-ali and end_all. Thirdly, it piece to express their needs. dis.::..s rhe fact that its critics are also part ofthe professional The price ofthis strategy, which often sees over halfofthe polinial class. electorate support the SVp, is nevertheless the aforementioned polarisation and therefore the dissolution ofthe long_practised consensus procedures which made the nation politically pre_ Polarisation has become a dominant trait of domestic Swiss J dictable, accordingly dull and, in many respects, economically L . politics over the past 20 years. The previous Swiss system attractive. of concordance democracy intended to ensure balance has, That is not a criticism but an observation. It is explained since the turn of the rentury, increasingly been transformed by the fact that the post-industrial transformation of civilisa_ into a dissenting communityrvhich onlv grudginglr- achieves tion, which further accelerated after the end of the Cold War, the compromises demanded br- institutional structures. A undermined the nation's traditional political culture and good example is the onsoii{ ci:pute ot-er the interpretation brought it into stark contrast with the previous functional re_ of the "magic formula-. :ae rot- or-er the party political allo_ quirements of its institutions. The forthcoming election cam_ :;::-n ofthe seven Federal Council seats. paign and its outcome are therefore also a plebiscite on the \-arious reasons exist tbr the change in the nation's politi_ SVP's political agenda and on Switzerland,s political culture r.- culture. The most significant is probably the changed per_ which is therefore under scrutiny. ieption ofS$'itzerland,s position in the European state system atter the epochal watershed of19g9. The small neutral coun_ trr-unile:sallv respected, ri.hich undoubtedly belonged to the r] "Who are we?" This is the question that underlies to a \\-e:t. b*::l:le the outsider nation u,hose 1 reputation no longer U . greater or lesser .:-rurred extent all ofthe main points ofcontention r--,-:.t-r - with its economic siqnificance. in the 2015 election vear. S-,:,':: :.: ::ld's new position in Eurr:,1 e i: a kel tactor in the Due to the political framervork conditions, :.:...' .: n-hich means -::ration,scollectiveiclentitr-andprovides anex_ the continental ones, to which Switzerland _ situated at the r,:l i:-t remarkable ;-.:.:r,-r increase in successful) consti_ heart of Europe - is exposed, this question must be answered tutirrnai iniriadles over the past decade. The role of popular more explicitly than in the past. This rlghts is because the old defi_ in the state of Siviss domestic politics has thus once nitions - a point ofreference for Su,itzerland and its foreign again come to the foreflront. and domestic policies have become fragile. \\-hile - Too many facts referenda the opportunitl,,to overthrow a law ap_ seem to contradict the established and entrenched notions proved bv parliament through popular decision_making in_ of identitr-. er,itably ensured consensus in the post_u-ar period oflg45 to Su-itzerland as an armed, neutral and republican society 199o (only laws "fit for referendum', made through compro_ that does no harm to anyone, a small state tvhose citizens do mise had a chance of succeeding at the ballot box), Switzer_ business *'orldri-ide but at the same time lir-e on the autono- land is today overshadowed by fierce disputes over emotion_ mous rock of their r-ery own democracy, on a small planet, so ally charged initiative proposals. to speak, which cuts itself offfrom the rest of the rvorld _ The can factthat constitutional initiatives are easier to or_ such a perception be in keeping n,ith the times? chestrate and win than before in the nen-media democrao- At the 2015 parliamentary elections, the people u.ili voice environment is explained by technological factors amongst their opinions on this matter one way or the other. It just re_ others. The mobilisation of support is easier to achieve dig_ mains to be seen whether they do so in a harmonious or in a itally thanvith the old analogue media. In addition, one of discordant manner. the federal parties, the Swiss people's party (SVp), is in any event extremely well organised and possesses a powerful party apparatus which operates u-ith instinctive under_ standing for those collective moods n-hich are not eas_ ily reconciled with official politics moods which are of_ ten an expression of anxiety and anger over general social developments, collective sentiments rvhich are .,people,, not directly political but can be politic i sed. The therefore become the antithesis of the classe politique, ELECIIONS 201 5 r:Li:* / fu 5r:ar,l ?ll r I |.ii Etectronic voting on track All eligible Swiss voters abroad are to be able to vote electronicalty in refer- enda and etections in the future, even if they do not reside in an EU or Was- senaar country. The Federal Council is lifting the existing restriction, accord- ing to its third report on electronic voting adopted in mid June. Swiss abroad residing in an EU statc or a country that has signed the Sflassenaar Agreement enabling the encrypted trans mission of electronic data, were permitted to take part in the previous electronic vot- ing trials. This covered 9o7o of the Swiss abroad. The other roughly roTo of Swiss abroad eligible to vote had no access to elec- The three electronic voting systems and the cantons taking part in the project tronic voting even ifthe canton on whosc elcctoral roll they were entered pror.ided this opportunity. phase and eligible Su.iss r-oters abroad *.ere On average, around r5o,ooo eligible r.oters The Federal Council has norvu.eighed up treated as a prioritv target group. per ballot had the option to use electronic the benefits and drawbacks and has dccided The svstems der eloped at the beginning voting and upto 6oVct of voters madc use of to waive the Wassenaar restriction from r of the year zooo bv the cantons of Zurich, the system. This high turnout via the In January zor,1. Eligible voters residing in Neuchitel and Geneya have been available ternet proves that the new chanr.rel meets a countries u.here the use ofencrvption tech to other cantons since zoog thanks to inter- genuine requirement, especially among our nologies is not pcrmitted will bc informed cantonal agreer-nents. Bcrne. Lucerne and fellow citizens abroad, and enjovs a high de of the possible consequences of voting on Basel-Stadt har e opted for the Geneva sys gree of trust. This is not something that line. The cantons will notify eligible Swiss tem. Fribourg, Solothurn, Schaff-hausen, St. could have been taken for granted. Whcn voters abroad and explain the issue and any Gallcn. Grisons. ,\argau and Thurgau are postal voting was introduced in 1992, it potential consequenccs (c.g. information deploving a lersion of Zurich's sr-stem. Uri, took sevcral years before a comparabl.v higli sheet with the voting documents and/or on Obrvalden and \ alais are planning to con- level ofacceptancc was achieved. their websitc). It v/ill then be at the discre duct trials from zo13. These threc cantons tion of the person conccrncd whether to have chosen the Geneva s\-stem. The can- Setting the course for the future vote electronically or not. ton of\ aud has drarvn up relevant legisla In the third report on electronic voting, the The Wassenaar restriction came in for tion and intends to implement its first tri- Federal Council has set the course for the constant criticism from eligible Stviss r.ot als from zor.t,. lurich also plans to resume future development ofthe projcct as part .rs abroad and the Organisation of the Swiss trials u'ith clcctronic voting fiom zor4. A ofits e-government stratcgy, i.e. the exten '-:.:,-rad (OSA). Postal delivery of the vot clear majoritr of r8 cantons has therefore sion ofelectronic voting to all eligiblc vot :r- :raterial is often poor, particularly in decided in tar our ofintroducing electronic ers, including those in Switzcrland. The :: !. .ountries that have not signed the voting. lt is no longer a question ofwhether proven step by step approachbased on the r.:.rlcht. \btingrvas therefore made vir- but u'hen those eligible l ill be able to cast principle of "security over speed" will be tua,.,. :rlpossible for the Swiss abroad in their votc via the I nternet. continued. The cantons will only be able to cerrain i , -:tric-s.. The cantons primarilv focused on eligi- increase the number of voters in Switzei' ble Swiss voters abroad in the zoo6 to zot2 land allorved to participate in the trials af- Second trial phase also successful trial phase. Bv including eligible voters ter new. more rigorous sccurity rcquile The Federal Council s assessmcnt of the among the Su,iss abroad in other cantons, ments have been implemented. second trial phase of the project (zoo6 to valuable expcrience was obtained with a The changes focus on the introduction of zorz) was just as positile as the first. Elec manageable target group that stands to ben verifiability. This will enable checks to be tronic voting has proi'en itself as a third, cfit greatlv from electronic i'oting in light carried out to verify whether thc vote has supplementary channel for roting and has ofthe frequcnt problems rvith postal voting. been cast as intended and r.vhcther it has receivcd widespread acceptance among Some cantons also allowed some of their el- been submitted and counted correctly. those eligible to vote. Electronic voting u as igible voters residing in Srvitzerland to par This provides sufficient scope for thc idcn extended to new cantons in the last trial ticipate in the trials. tification of systematic manipulation in Lessons in democracy Political education in Switzerland could be better. To mark its centenary, the New Hetvetic Society is now launching a campaign and wants to set up a national centre of expertise for the promotion of potiticat education. By Reto Wissmann "Nobody is born a democrat. Democracy is a social idea, not a natural is insufficient support for projects, he says, and Switzerland urgently occurrence, and citizens therefore have to learn about it." That is the needs a national centre ofexpertise for political education. view of Professor Rolf Gollob, and he knows rr hat he is talking about. It is hoped that this focal issue, which looks to the future, will secure Gollob isthe national coordinator of the Council of Europet Educa- the Nerv Helvetic Societyt own survival, as Hans StOckli openly con- tion for democratic citizenship programme and works at the Zurich cedes (see interview). The society is fighting to change its image as an University of Teacher Education specialising in political education. old gentlemen's club and to counter a declining membership. It is now He also knows that awide range ofprogrammes and initiatives alreadv embarking upon a fresh start and has set itself ambitious targets. exist in relation to the topic. For example, the website www.politisch \rarious initiatives concerning political education are to take place ebildung.ch contains a long list of institutions and official bodies in in the eight local groups. The New Helvetic Society is seeking to Switzerland and abroad that focus on it. There is nevertheless a lack support, coordinate and raise the profile ofprojects ofother organ- ofcoordination and interconnectedness. "\flhen it comes to political isations. It is planning to give young people the opportunity to at education, the Ieft hand does not knowwhat the right hand is doing," tend national and cantonalvotes and elections as electoral observers remarks Rolf Gollob. Far too much energy is wasted. at kev locations. "This will enable them to discover how democracy The New Helvetic Society is now seeking to rectifu the situation. works at first hand," explains Hans Stockli. This part of the "roo To mark its rooth anniversary, the highly esteemed association is times political education" programme is supported by the Swiss Can- launching a campaign entitled "roo times political education". "The tonal Secretaries' Conference. importance of the issue is not in dispute," remarks Hans Strickli, Pres ident of the New Helvetic Society and a Council of States member Private funding required fbr the Su iss Social Democratic Partr. (SP). "\\'hat is lacking is the The main element of the "roo times political education" programme poliiicaln'i1l to implement the promises made on the soapbor.- There is nevertheless the establishment of a national centre of expertise. CUSTODIAN OF NATIONAT UNITY The New Helvetic Society - a Meeting ures, journaLists and academics from the Swiss Abroad (0SA) was founded in Place for Switzerland celebrated its cente- French-speaking Switzerland as weLi as 1916 thanks to the New Helvetic Society. nary in Biel in February. However, the ori- politicians and entrepreneurs from the The society later supported Switzerland's gins of the organisation go back much German-speaking part drew upon the prin- accession to the League of Nations, backed further. Back in 1762, proponents of dif- ciples of the HeLvetic Society and founded an initiative to preserve the Rhine Falls ferent faiths came together to form the the New Helvetic Society in Berne. The and contributed to the creation of the Helvetic Society in Schinznach Bad. Their driving forces included the Fribourg author cultural foundation Pro Helvetia, the Stap- goal was to turn Switzerland into a mod- and controversial admirer of authoritarian ferhaus museum at Lenzburg Castle and ern federal state. regimes Gonzague de Reynold as well as the ch Foundation for Federal Cooperation. Educated men from the middle classes the Bernese writer Carl Albert Loosli. Ideologically, the New Helvetic and aristocracy worked on federal coopera- The primary reason for its foundation Society's stance has fluctuated throughout tion, religious tolerance and the develop- was the threat to internal unity posed by the years mainly between a national con- ment'of a national identity in the most im- the globat politicat crisis. The organisation servative outlook and a policy of openness portant pan-Switzerland association of the became weil-known nationwide thanks to to the world. day. Its founders included the Basel town the "Unser Schweizer Standpunkt" (0ur The New Helvetic Society had 2,540 clerk Isaak Iselin. the Zurich doctor Hans Swiss Standpoint) speech by Carl Spitteler, members at its peak in 1920. while today Caspar Hirzel, the Lucerne councillor Jo- the poet and Nobel laureate for literature. there are stilt 850 in eight active local seph Anton Felix von Balthasar and the Local groups soon emerged in various cit- groups. In 2007, it merged with Rencontre Bernese professor of law Daniel von Felten- ies of Switzerland as well as in Paris, Ber- Suisse, another civic association from berg. Ten years after it had achieved its lin and London. Across party-political French-speaking Switzerland. Its officiat objective with the signing of the federal boundaries. the New Helvetic Society advo- title has since been the "New Helvetic constitution of 1848, the Helvetic Society cated multilinguaLism as well as the con- Society - a Meeting Place for Switzerland". was dissolved. servation of national heritage and of the wrl-w.politischebildung.ch In February 1914, shortly before the out- unique characteristics of the respective break of the First World War, litelaly fig- parts of the country. The Organisation of Source: Historical Dictionary of Switzerland "O?,rr cuantr)t needs fiis co/tesive force" Four questions for Hans Stockli, President of the New Helvetic Society and the Bernese Council of States member for the Social Democratic Party (SP). SWISS REVIE\f: W4at has been the Ne,*, Helvetic Societl's greatest ac/tievement over t/re pa$ ioo Jears? HANS STOCKLI: The greatest, biggest and most permanent pro- ject of the New Helvetic Society u.as the foundation of the Organi sation of the Swiss Abroad. It has also plaved a significant role in the establishment ofvarious institutions for federal cooperation. How ever, the New Helvetic Society has ahvays been a major factor in Switzerland's unity. lt has advocated solidarity between rich and poor, Swiss and foreign citizens, young and old, urban and rural ar eas, employers and employees, as well as productive cooperation be- tween the political parties and, in particular, the various linguistic Young people at the anniversary of the New Helvetic Society practising groups. the art of political argument The New Helveric Socierl enjojred ts heydal at the time of the two "We will go from door to door to raise private funding for this," savs worldwars. What is its purpose nclay? Hans Stcickli, "and we will canvas all the political parties for support The society has far fewer members today than in the past. Like all and set up a cross party lobby group for the project." This should other civic societies, we also had to question our raison d'6tre and result in the creation ofa national centre for political education with concluded that there was still a need for the society. The preserva- a broad based trustee structure and a federal government mandate. tion and strengthening of Switzerland, the nation forged by the will The need for this is highlighted by international comparative stud- of the people, is something u.e hare to fight for evcry dav. These days, ies on the political knorvledge and understanding of r5-year olds. In we primarily focus our acri\.iries on the political education of the zoo3, Switzerland only finished in rgth position among z8 partici young generation and ofnewly naturalised Swiss citizens. \7e aim to pating countries. The Swiss evaluation published at the time was en- help ensure that people who acquire new political rights and obliga- titled 'Adolescents without politics". The study organiser, Fritz Oser, tions in our direct democracy are well equipped to exercise them as complains of "political illiteracy" in schools, which he says is surpris responsible citizens. ing in a "model democracy". Three years later, a survey was con ducted in Switzerland among r,joo school pupils in Year 9. The re The societl's cowtnemorative publication says that it has become a "bour sults were sobering virtually nobody was able to namc the three geois associationfor - dignitaries and senior citizens". How do 1ou intend powcrs at federal level correctly. And almost ToVo thought that the to woz,e awa-y from that? 'We Federal Council decided whether a referendum is accepted. want to and need to extend our membership and circle of in fluence. This is another reason why rve wish to address issues that Lowering the voting age concern young people and to stimulate their interest in successful The turnout among young adults at elections and referenda is also coexistencc in Switzcrland. The baton should be passed on to the unsatisfactory: only just ove r 3oVo of fi to 21 ycat olds took part in next generation. the last national elections. The average turnout stood at just under "We 5oVo. must generate interest in politics among young people," Whjr are yu personalll cownitted to this socie1,? declared Federal Chancellor Corina Casanova at the New Helvetic As a young SP town councillor and court president in Biel, I was asked Society anniversary event in Biel at the beginning ofFebruary. A po- by the then head of human resources at Omega and a Free Democrat, fitical culture must be created where young people are included more. Roger Anker, whether I was interested in joining a local group of the The Federal Chancellor sees a lowering of the voting age from 18 New Helvetic Society that was driven b,v critical patriotism. I have al to 16 as a means of achieving this. This measure has already been in ways had a strong interest in national policv issues and the New Hel- troduced in Austria and several German federal states. "This would vetic Society is, in myview, a cohesive force that our country most def- make it possible to close the gap between theory at school and prac initelyneeds. As a former president of the tou'n of Bie1, Switzerlandt tice at the ballot box," explained Corina Casanova. A great deal of largest bilingual town, I understand scepticism nevertheless exists in Switzerland. Thc canton of Glarus the vital importance of the coexist \: already has a voting age of i6, and the idea has been voted on in 18 ence of diFlercnt Iinguisric groups. =E cantons but rejected in all of them. and this makes my taskas President of the NewHelvetic Societveasier. =E Hans Stiickli, Gouncil of States mem- ber and President of the New Helvetic =-E RET0 WISSMANN is a freeLance journalist. He lives in Biel Society ,:r1*::':: POLtTICS Swiss President in year of destiny Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter is Swiss President in a crucial year for Switzerland. Responsible for policy on Europe, probabty the government's thorniest issue, he must put relations with the f,uropean Union on a new footing. By Jiirg Mtiller Changes of direction in the Swiss Presidency, which rotates annually, #:I,-,..-, nr" rri.ly as glaringly ohvious as on this occasion. DeFencc Minister Ueli Maurerconstantlyplayedonvariationsofthethemeof"David ,: versus Coliath", little Switzerland against thc world's maior powcrs, r' l in his presidential appearances. By contrast, Didier Burkhalter has :':'r: udopr"d the maxim oF"switzerland and thc world" For his presidcn tial year during which hc aims to ftrcus particular attcntion on open ing up Switzerland's outlook. Openness is hardlywhat the Free Democrat from NeuchAtel, elected Swiss President in impressive style, is known for. He is regarded as an introvert and does not seek the big stage. He will nevertheless appear in the spotlight more than any other Federal Councillor in zor4. This is not just because he will represent Switzerland to the outside world, but also because he will take over the presidency of the Organization for Security and Co operation in Europe (OSCE) at the same time. Burkhalter is also responsible for the government's most contentious policv area, namelv relations u'ith Europe . and he has set himsclf antbi tious targets here. He intends to put relations with the EU on a neu'foot ing this year. He will not only have to overcome foreign policy pidalls but also political obstacles domestically. Even Burkhalter himself is call. ing it a "year ofdestiny". Burkhalter has focused on Europe in his for- eign policy at a much earlier stage than his predecessot Micheline Calmy- Rey. He has placed a greater emphasis on neighhouring countries and is attempting to create a more favourable climate for Switzerland in Brus- sels through closer relations with individual EU member states. Didier Burkhalter, born in 196o, was elected to nationalgovernment as Pascal Couchepin's successor in zoo9, taking over the Federal De partment of Home Affairs (FDHA) from him. After Minister of For eignAffairs Calmy-Rey stepped down, he became head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Burkhalter was elected as a member ofNeuchitel's municipalgovernment at the age ofjust3r and served there until zoo5. He became aNational Councillor in zoo3 and a Council of States member in zoo7. He has three adult sons. Lustenberger and Germann etected Presidents Christian Democrat Ruedi Lustcnberger (r95o, ter session. Formally Switzerland's highest of- ter carpenter and father offive adult children, pictured lefQ was elected President of the Na- fice holder, he comes from Entlebuch and is has sat on the National Council since 1999. He tional Council at the beginning of the last win seen as an affable figure. Lustenberger, a mas- belongs to the conservative wing of the Chris- tian Democratic Peoplet Party (CVP) politi cally but is regarded in manl' quarters as a bridge builder between difrerent factions. Hannes Germannofthe Swiss Peoplet Party (SVP), born in 1956, who is the new President ofthe Council of States, has also gained a rep ;< utation as a consensus politician. The primary =E school teacher, economist and business journal- trA ist from the canton ofSchaffhausen is also Pres ident of the Association of Swiss Communes. 1t+ ir*l.iiie s Calm, composed and undogmatic - Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga Concert pianist Simonetta Sommaruga has been ptaying the poLitical. keyboard virtuoso for years. As President of the Svrrss Confederation in 201 5, the head of the FederaI Department of Justice and Police is responsible for some of the most contentious issues. JURG MULIER The new Swiss President nevertheless seems to be spurred on b1' September 2013: The Swiss Social Democratic Party- (SP) was cele- challenges. The minister shows no sign of emotion or an_xiety, even brating its 125th anniversary with a huge public celebration in in the most testing moments. She always appears cool and composed Berne's historic centre. The news spread through the crowd like and exudes a calm ofdeep concentration and focus. Even during wildfire - in a few minutes there would be a surprise event at the heated public debates, she does not betray any more emotion than nearby "Progr" cultural centre. The hall was packed to the rafters, an almost undetectable slight twitch of the facial muscles. And even and there \\,as a great sense of anticipation amongst the crowd. The though she occasionally speaks very frankly, she always maintains two SP Federal Councillors, Minister of fustice Si- a rather detached friendliness. monetta Sommaruga and Minister of Home Af- fairs Alain Berset. stepped onto the stage, sat Tiie.ess,'v striving for perfection dou-n at the piano and delighted the audience s-ith their piano duet, Sommaruga rvas wearing The neu'Srviss President is the ideal exponent of a long, black evening dress and Berset a black tux- the art of netrvorking, who attempts to engage all edo with a borv tie. parties in the decision-making process and per- It was a spectacle that you would have ex- sistentlr endeavours to reach a compromise. pected to see in a bourgeois classical concert hall When she suffers setbacks. she conducts herself rather than at a public celebration held by the So- like a model pupil, or perhaps a musician tire- cial Democrats. A trained pianist, Sommaruga lessly striving for perfection. She starts afresh, re- does not suffer stage fright. With her understated and elegant ap- flects on the issue again and tries a neu'approach. pearance, she even appeals to representatives ofthe most conserv- She still plar-s the piano regularly but has not performed as a pi- gave ative factions. This her a decisive advantage over her rival fac- anist for sorne time. During her career. Sommaruga for a long time queline Fehr. the SP National Councillor from Zurich, in the vote to held the positir:n of chief erecutive and then president of the Swiss replace the retiring SP Federal Councillor \,ioritz Leuenberger in Consumer Protection Foundation, rvhich made her a u-el1-known September 2010. and popular figure with large sections ofthe public. She gained ex- perience on the executive in the commune oi l.,oniz. a suburb of -r:l-headed minister dealing with emotive issues Berne, from 1997 to 2005. and also held a seat on the \ational Coun- cil from 1999. In 2003. thanks to her popularitr, she rvon one ofthe The ailocation of departments provided a bumpier ride than the elec- tu-o Council of States seats in the canton of Berne for the Sp. With tion. The fact that Simonetta Sommaruga had to take or-er the Federal the exception ofa short period in the 19S0s, these seats had always Department of fustice and Police (FDfp) against her wishes and the been held by conservatives. wishes partv presi- of her sparked a sharply worded protest from Sp The S4-vear-old politician, who grew up in the canton ofAargau dent Chri:tian le\Tat. Ii u-as clear even then that few plaudits could and is married to the author Lukas Hartmann, is no slave to the party. :e rr r:naltlie FD[P. rvhich is a politicalminefield. Sommaruga not only On the contrary, as the co-author of the so-called Gurten manifesto in bears responsibiiitl'for several popular initiatir-es appror,ed by the 2001, she was long regarded as a rebel within the party. The left-wing, Srriss people rvithcompler implementationproblems. but also forthe liberal document questioned various traditional social democratic emotive issues of asylum and immigration policr'. \\-hile the imple- principles and said that the SP's voter base was in the centre rather mentation of the SVP initiative against mass immigration adopted in than on the left. This infuriated prominent colleagues and the party February 2Ol4 is a Herculean task in itself. the Federal Councillor is establishment rvho sawthis as "neo-liberal pandering" to the conserv- also driving forward the restructuring ofthe refugee system at a brisk atives. Sommaruga was treated with disdain in some circles. However, pace. The dispatch on major asylum reform rvas submitted to parlia- the SP was obviously unable to overlook her popularity and cleverly ment in September. The main objective is much faster procedures. To took advantage of it. What has remained nevertheless is Simonetta goal, achieve this six large-scale federal asrlum centres will be built. Sommarugat reputation as an independently-minded politician. The search for sites, n'hich rvas due to be completed by the end of last year, is proving ''SWISS difficult. JURG I'4ULLER IS AN FD]TOR WITH THE REVIEW'' S;: :; l.f eir / at Iri;:,i :ll ! i ll.1 / Phlil: (eysicn: