THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD

FEBRUARY 2008 / NO. 1

A world without poverty remains a dream

Christophe Keckeis – “Do your duty, then step aside”

Diego Mathier crowned 2007 Winemaker of the Year

EDITORIAL CONTENTS 3

Stable Swiss democracy obody seriously thought that would be voted off the Federal Council. So it was all the more astonishing when it actually happened N and Blocher’s seat went to fi nance chief Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf. While the left of the council celebrated after the votes were counted, there was conster- nation and disappointment on the right. While it was an open secret that the Minister for Justice would not get the votes of the Social Democrats, the Greens or many members of the Christian Democrats in his re-election attempt, the fact that Blocher did not get the backing he needed from the Liberal Democrats to secure his re-election was completely unexpected. Most political commentators agreed that Christoph Blocher was not voted out for Ex-Federal Councillor Christoph Blocher in his new/old function. By cartoonist Peter Schrank in the Basler the way he ran his department. On the contrary, he was widely credited for the effi cient Zeitung. and cost-conscious management of the Department of Justice. Nor was his political stance likely to have been the reason why many Liberal Democrats wanted him off the Federal 5 Mailbag Council. His sometimes uncouth manner and high-handed attitude would seem to explain his political demise. Such a domineering, omnipresent member of the Federal 5 Council, who was unsuited to our country’s collegial system of government, was no longer Books: Max Daetwyler – Apostle of Peace acceptable to many centre-right politicians. 7 In his departing speech to parliament, Christoph Blocher apologised for his frequent Images: William Tell, a star of advertising verbal attacks and asked for forgiveness from anyone he may have offended in the last four years. 8 is providing less and less The role the SVP will take up on the opposition benches will not become clear un- development aid til the next parliamentary session. We will also soon fi nd out how SVP Federal Council- lors and Eveline Widmer–Schlumpf – who are not being supported by Regional news their party – will operate in a party-political vacuum. Christoph Blocher – the SVP’s Vice-Chairman and fi nancial backer – will become the party’s head 11 of research, strategy and campaign management. The 68-year-old How Federal Councillor Blocher will therefore continue to play an important role in Swiss politics. was voted out Rolf Ribi’s article on Swiss development cooperation starts 12 with a quotation by Christoph Blocher, who repeatedly questioned Notes from Parliament its benefi ts. Blocher was vehement in his criticism of the 14 CHF 400 million in aid sent to Africa each year. Interview: Christophe Keckeis, the Swiss The fact is that Switzerland is contributing increasingly less army’s commander-in-chief, takes stock Heinz Eckert funds to development work, as the statistics show. In 2006, Swiss development aid amounted to 0.46% of GDP. Among the twenty-two OECD donor 16 OSA news countries, Switzerland‘s contribution to aid ranks eleventh, well below the 0.7% proposed by the UN. 18 The ousting of Christoph Blocher from the Federal Council is unlikely by itself to A profi le: Diego Mathier, Winemaker of the Year for 2007 result in an increase in Switzerland’s contribution. All that will happen is that discussions will be somewhat calmer and the issue will cause more argument than controversy. 19 Otherwise everything will remain as it always has been. Why? Because Swiss democ- News in brief racy is inherently stable. HEINZ ECKERT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cover: Water is a coveted asset in Nepal, too. Photo: Helvetas 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. IMPRINT: “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss abroad, is in its 35rd year of publication and is published in German, French, Italian, English and Spanish in 20 regional editions. It has a total circulation of 400 000. Regional news appears four times a year. ■ EDITORS: Heinz Eckert (EC), Editor-in-Chief; Rolf Ribi (RR), René Lenzin (RL), Alain Wey (AW), Gabriela Brodbeck (BDK), responsible for “Notes from Parliament”, Service for the Swiss Abroad, DFA, CH-3003 Berne Translation: CLS Communication AG ■ POSTAL ADDRESS: Publisher, editorial offi ce, advertising: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne, Tel.: +4131356 6110, Fax: +4131356 61 01, Postal account (Swiss National Giro): 30-6768-9. Internet: www.revue.ch ■ E-MAIL: [email protected] ■ PRINT: Zollikofer AG, ■ ■

SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW CH-9001 St.Gallen. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please advise your local embassy or consulate. Do not write to Berne. Single copy: CHF 5 SWISS REVIEW February 2008 / No. 1 ted byimageryrefl ecting thefourcore activityareas ofSoliswiss. emphases andcolouring.Thefamiliarvisuallanguageissupplemen- they canderivefrom Soliswiss products. and understandwhatSoliswissisallabouttypeofbenefi ts We lookforward tofeedbackfrom around theworld!» and Spanish,ourmessageswere madeshorterandsnappier. languages. Checkitout!Visit usatwww.soliswiss.ch launched anattractive,user-friendly websiteinfi To coincidewithits50thanniversary, Soliswisshas www.soliswiss.ch nowinfi Advertising feature The websitelayoutisbasedonhorizontallevelswithdifferent graphics allowthemtoimmediatelyidentify provided bySoliswiss.Clear, contemporary userstocheckouttheservices Internet «The aimofthenewwebsiteistoinspire responsible forthegraphics visuelle Gestaltung,Zurich, Bosshard GrüningerWBG, AGfür Hans GrüningerofWeiersmüller then expandedtoincludeEnglish,Italian German andFrench versions.Thiswas Thefiis theInternet. rst versioncontained way ofpublicisingourattractiveproducts the world.Thefastestandmostconvenient «Our memberslivein144 countriesaround overall responsibility forthenewwebsite Felix Bossert,Director ofSoliswisswith ve languages ve makes fi nding informationchild’s play.» mation ontopicsofinterest and detailsofspecialSoliswissoffers. boxes adjacenttotheproduct pagesprovide regularly updatedinfor- as direct access,forexample, todamageclaimsforexistingclients. streamlined content,particularly forpotentialpolicyholders,aswell in Soliswissproducts.» The ultimategoalofreading istoelicitaresponse –toinstil trust that couldberead andunderstoodwithaslittleeffort as possible. in thenewSoliswisswebsite,ourteamtriedtocomeupwithtexts standable aspossible.Facedwiththecomplexissuescontained being noticed.Text shouldtherefore beassimple,shortandunder- the essentialstodetails.» content. Thisguidestheuserasheorshenavigatessmoothlyfrom but entertainingmannersoastoenablevisitorsprioritisevisual Textual andvisualinformationisgraphicallyappliedinacontrolled The new-lookSoliswisswebsitewithitscontemporarystructure Plus anewfeature: To enhancethequalityofcontentevenfurther, This includesaneasy-to-followproduct rangestructure and of Soliswissproducts. for informationandenhancethepresentation mouse-clicks. Inshort:To simplifythesearch offer usersmore informationwithfewer «The mainaimofthenewwebsitewasto and design Zurich, responsible forconsulting Patrick SchürmannofAdwired AG, have adiffi cult time with thevisual,texts «In anageobsessed of textualcontent ble fortheediting experts, responsi- Alice Baumann,text Robert Roosand MAILBAG BOOKS 5

Switzerland extends beyond fortunately does not refl ect In the course of the 20th century, war and tyranny cost more the German-speaking part the rich diversity of all the than 160 million people their lives. Confl lict and mass de- What are we to make of a country‘s parts. struction seem to be the fate of mankind. A small Swiss with “Swiss Review,” which is sup- DAVID J. L. BONGARD a fl owing white beard spent 60 years trying to stem the seem- posedly a publication for ingly relentless tide of senseless killing: Max Daetwyler trav- Swiss people abroad, when it Campaign advertising elled half the world with his white fl ag, waging a non-violent is only a pale refl ection of I already expressed my views campaign for peace. Switzerland and its diversity? against advertising by political It all began on 5 August 1914 with a thoroughly un-Swiss Issue No. 5 for October 2007 parties in the “Swiss Review” incident on the parade ground of Frauenfeld barracks, when is a particularly good example in the run-up to the parlia- fusilier Max Daetwyler, the second youngest of twelve chil- of there being little of interest mentary elections. I was dren born to a respected family from Arbon in Eastern Swit- for French-speaking or Ital- pleased to read the letter by zerland, refused to take the oath of allegiance just as the ian-speaking Swiss in the Georg Ehret from the USA First World War was breaking out. Responding to his com- “Swiss Review”. You would who was spot-on when he re- manding offi cer, this fusilier with six military refresher

think that Switzerland stops ferred to “manipulation of vot- of his conscience Voice courses behind him said, “I am against the war. I will not at the German-speaking ing.” Your editorial comment, swear the oath.“ He was the fi rst Swiss man to refuse to take the boundaries! Apart from the “All parties were free to place oath, for which he was temporarily sent to a lunatic asylum and fact that the editorial and all ads” has to be considered in subsequently declared unfi t for service. But this was to be the start of the background articles, the light of the election report of Daetwyler’s lifelong mission for world peace. With his legendary with the exception of one, on page 14 where RR says: white fl ag, he travelled half the globe, preaching his grand idea of were written in German and “It (the Swiss People’s Party - friendship and brotherhood in Moscow, Washington, New York, Ge- published as approximate SVP) clearly has unlimited neva, Berlin and Cairo. His image went around the world. Time and translations, the topics too of- fi nancial resources, which it again, Daetwyler would seek an audience with those in power, but ten overlook our country’s does not have to disclose.” neither in Moscow nor in Washington was he ever able to meet the minority-language areas in The right-wing political great and powerful in person. spite of the intentions indi- propaganda received as much While Max Daetwyler was dismissed by some as a deviationist cated by the front-page claim. “understanding” abroad as fool, others marvelled at his selfl ess dedication and the depth of A good example in this issue UBS’s loss of billions of francs his conviction. His only moral authority was the voice of his con- is the article by Rolf Ribi enti- or the infamous “grounding”. science, which he followed throughout his life. And nothing could tled “Swiss newspaper market Both damage the image of break his will and determination to campaign for an end to sense- in fl ux” which aims to carry “Idee Suisse”. Your publica- less wars throughout the world. He even served countless prison out a “review of Switzerland’s tion should steer away from terms and submitted himself to six psychiatric assessments. It was newspaper landscape.” In the politics and focus on provid- not until after his death in 1976 that he was recognised as a Swiss three pages that make up the ing factual reports. Otherwise, icon of the 20th century. article, only three lines ad- the “Swiss Review” is OK. Journalist Stephan Bosch has examined the extensive collec- dress the situation of the The report on Einsiedeln tion of Max Daetwyler’s personal effects in the Federal Archive in press in French-speaking Abbey was very interesting. Berne and has written an extremely accurate, objective and enter- Switzerland, while Italian- BRUNO NEIDHART, CONSTANCE, taining biography entitled “Max Daetwyler: Der Friedensapostel“ speaking Switzerland is over- GERMANY (Max Daetwyler: Apostle of Peace). He portrays a long life shaped looked completely. Worse by numerous dramatic events, family crises and an unceasing cam- still, the drawing by a French- Thank you paign for peace. Daetwyler’s biography has also become an impor- speaking caricaturist (Chap- As a Swiss person from tant historical record, refl ecting the thinking and world view of patte), which is about a abroad, I look forward to re- Swiss offi cialdom in the period from the First World War until the French-Swiss subject of na- ceiving each copy of the mag- death of the Apostle of Peace. Attempts were repeatedly made to tional interest – the victory of azine, which keeps me up to have Daetwyler committed for psychiatric treatment, but his local the Alinghi catamaran in the date and in touch with my be- community in Zumikon defended their America’s Cup – is published loved Switzerland. I am privi- fellow citizen, pointing out, quite legiti- in German. It must be recog- leged to know Switzerland mately, that he was a man who did no-one nised that articles written by and the fi rst time I went, I dis- any harm. journalists of Swiss-German covered for myself what peo- Stephan Bosch’s book is as engross- mother tongue determine ple say in Argentina: Switzer- ing as a good novel. EC how our country is looked at, land is a tidy, clean, 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. limiting Switzerland to the meticulous and friendly coun- German-speaking part. For a try – please keep it that way! publication that is supposed Thank you! STEPHAN BOSCH: Max Daetwyler: Der Friedens- apostel. Mit der weissen Fahne um die Welt. to be for the Swiss abroad HUGO KLINKE, BUENOS AIRES, Rüffer & Rub, Zurich, 2007. Available in German

SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW community as a whole, it un- ARGENTINA only. 6 MAILBAG

Swissair in the dock A double-dose of irony sheep in a country of black This can happen only in a I am always reading with inter- Thanks for your special issue ones. Swiss consulate est the “Swiss Review”. It is al- about the federal elections. It To me, this hilarious episode is The consulate general in Bor- ways the special contact with reminded me of a typical illust- deaux which is to be closed the old country. one reason ration of the was my „lifesaver“ in Fall 2005. Your article “Swissair in the (amongst sev- immeasurable I visited a friend in Toulouse dock” caught my special inter- eral) why I left ethnocentrism for a weekend prior to leaving est. I am highly surprised to Switzerland as (or, in this for Morocco the following read about the outcome of the soon as I case, lingua- Monday morning on an offi - trial of Buelach ZH. I am reached my centrism) of cial visit (for the World Bank). shocked to read that the 19 de- 18th birthday. the powerful On Saturday morning I just fendants including several This special is- Swiss-German could not fi nd my passport in former executives of the air- sue contained majority estab- my friend‘s home though I still line were cleared and received advertisements lishment. had it when arriving in Tou- compensation, as much as half from every “Why would louse from Zurich. I immedi- a million Swiss francs in the Swiss political we need to ately called the Swiss Embassy case of Mario Corti. party, yet only translate our in Paris which drew my atten- I agree with the former em- one of those parties, when ads? Everyone in the world tion to the consulate general ployees and creditors who were submitting the text of their speaks Swiss German, right?!” in Bordeaux. I phoned the of- furious at the outcome, saying ad to The Magazine for the CHRIS DUFOUR, NEW YORK CITY, fi ce - supplementing my justice had not been done. Zu- Swiss Abroad, felt it necessary USA French with the best “Zueri- rich’s public prosecutor should to translate from German Duetsch” - explaining my be forced to resign and I hope (a language which I do not Swiss Newspaper market situation. If I made it before that Zurich’s Supreme Court speak nor understand) to in fl ux 1 p.m. and brought a couple will have to rule on the affair. English (the international lan- In his excellent report on the of photos, I was told that Years ago I used Swissair for my guage of the Swiss abroad): Swiss media, Rolf Ribi over- I should be able to receive an worldwide travelling wherever the SVP/UDC! looked one of the most dis- interim passport. My friend possible and I was always very For all of their reputation turbing developments of re- drove at the maximum permis- proud of my decision. I consider of racism and close-minded- cent years: The sible speed from Toulouse to Mario Corti a commercial ness, apparently they were the re-introduction of censorship Bordeaux after I had obtained “criminal” who should be pun- only ones interested in talking and political “brainwashing” the photos. We arrived just in ished for the bankruptcy. to me (and believe me: I am by large media conglomerates, time. The consular offi cial had I am interested to know the anything but their target audi- in turn owned and directed by already obtained all the rele- reaction of the Swiss people to ence ...) And since a double powerful global players. vant data from his counterpart the shameful decision of the dose of irony is always better I believe it was George Or- in Bern. He also was most court of Buelach and last but than a single one, I noticed at well who wrote: “Omission is courteous. It was a masterful not least to the Swiss Govern- the bottom of the SVP ad the worst kind of lie”. This is performance. As my French ment’s opinion that justice is that their “international pres- exactly what we are con- friend said with envy: “this absolutely necessary. ident” lives in South Africa! fronted with these days. could happen only in a Swiss WERNER GRETHER, LOS OSOS, CA, This is too precious. I wonder BRUNO HÄFLIGER, MIAMI, consulate”. USA how he likes being the white FLORIDA HANS WYSS, WASHINGTON, USA

Advertisement www.revue.ch We look forward to your online visit. 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW IMAGES 7

Advertising with Tell Since the 19th century, William Tell has been used time and again as a propaganda tool, being depicted variously as a moral or political symbol or even a caricature. Some 100 or so Tell posters from the Graphic Art Collection are currently being exhibi- ted in the Swiss National Library in Berne. The “Tell im Visier” exhibition will run until 30 March 2008. 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Images: Swiss National Library, Swiss National Images: Berne 8 SWISS DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

“Make poverty history” A world without poverty is an age-old dream for mankind. The United Nations Millennium Declaration pledges to halve the number of people suffering from extreme poverty by 2015. “Make Poverty History” is the battle cry of development organisations worldwide. Switzerland too must now reassess its development cooperation activities. By Rolf Ribi

starving by 2015.” The main aim of the petition is to gradually increase public development aid to 0.7 per- cent of GDP, and to ensure that these funds are used to help the world’s poorest people as well as to protect the environment. “Fighting poverty is humanity’s duty and it makes political common sense,” says Melchior Lengsfeld of Helve- tas. The call for a 0.7 percent deve- lopment aid contribution from in- dustrial nations was made back in 1970 by the United Nations and is still regarded as a global yardstick today. How much is being contri- buted by wealthy Switzerland, whose banks manage one third of “We are contributing CHF 400 million in de- barriers.” According to Ambassador Masri, in the world’s private assets? Switzerland only velopment aid to Africa alone. I don’t want African history Europe stands above all “for makes an average contribution when it co- to comment on the benefi ts. As a business- the slave trade, colonisation and the plunde- mes to development aid. Of the 22 member man, I don’t see any. I don’t know what we ring of our mineral resources”. He believes states of the OECD’s Development Assis- should do about Africa. One option would that development aid means the settling of a tance Committee (DAC), our country is ran- be to leave it to its own devices.” These historical debt, and is in Europe’s interests as ked 11th with a development aid contribu- words spoken a year ago by Federal Coun- well as Africa’s. “Otherwise, the stream of im- tion of 0.46 percent (15th in absolute terms). cillor Christoph Blocher (since voted out of migrants to Europe will never stop.” Other countries such as Sweden, Norway, the offi ce) before the National Council’s Com- Netherlands and Luxembourg, have already mission on Development Aid sparked out- Petition for more aid reached and even exceeded the 0.7 percent rage. The controversy surrounding federal coun- target. In 2005 the 15 “old” member states of Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey cillor Blocher’s comments underlines just the European Union agreed to increase their swiftly responded: “The idea of leaving Af- how contentious development cooperation development aid contribution to 0.56 per- rica to its own devices shows great ignorance with third-world countries is. Development cent by 2010 and 0.7 percent by 2015. of what is going on there. Development aid is currently a big issue in Switzerland. in Africa is necessary and good.” Walter Fust, Under the slogan “0.7% – Together against Switzerland under pressure Director of the Swiss Agency for Develop- Poverty!” – Helvetas and sixty other civil- Switzerland is under a certain amount of ment and Cooperation, echoed her senti- society organisations have been collecting pressure. In 2000, all UN member states, in- ments: “The Africans must decide on their signatures for a petition to Parliament and cluding Switzerland (see box), agreed to own development. But to leave Africa to its the Federal Council. This “petition of the eight development goals for 2015. The eighth own devices is no solution.” people” calls for an increase in Swiss deve- goal specifi cally requires “more generous pu- The Swiss Federal Council also received a lopment aid to 0.7 percent of the GDP. It blic development aid.” Addressing the UN response from the Tunisian ambassador, has already been signed by well over 100,000 General Assembly at the 2005 UN summit 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. Khadija R. Masri, who represents the 53 citizens. on the progress made in meeting these “mil- member states of the African Union at the “Poverty is a scandal” reads one line in the lennium goals,” Swiss President Samuel United Nations in Geneva :“Africa will not be petition. It calls on parliament and the govern- Schmid said: “Switzerland intends to incre- able to help itself unless Europe is prepared ment to step up their commitment “to halve ase its public development aid contribution SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Cartoon: Alliance Sud/Burki to reduce agricultural subsidies and lift trade the most extreme poverty and the number of after 2008.” 9

Nothing much will come of this. If anything, SDC‘s aid for the South goes to 14 hunger and desperation are part of their the reverse is more likely. The Federal Coun- priority countries which include some of the every day lives. cil has promised on several occasions to in- poorest in Africa, Latin America and Asia. There are lots of facts and fi gures on world crease development aid to 0.4 percent by The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, poverty: 980 million people live in extreme po- 2010. using economic and trade policy measures, verty, surviving on less than a dollar a day. The government has even resorted to tin- focuses on 10 priority countries, mainly in More than 850 million people are starving kering with statistics to achieve this goal. Ex- Africa. Swiss humanitarian aid mainly goes worldwide. Every second someone dies of mal- penditure on asylum seekers, spending on to various international organisations (such nutrition. Every year, six million children peace building, the provision of military ma- as the UN‘s World Food Programme and the starve to death before they reach the age of terials and, above all, debt relief for Iraq and Offi ce of the UN High Commissioner for fi ve. More than a billion people have no access Nigeria have been included as development Refugees), the International Red Cross to clean drinking water, and more than 2.5 bil- aid. Aid suddenly rose to 0.44 percent for (CHF 98 million), to the Swiss Humanita- lion do not have access to sanitary facilities. 2005, without a single additional franc going rian Aid Unit and to Swiss non-governmen- Every minute a mother dies during childbirth to the poorest countries. tal organisations (CHF 27 million). or pregnancy due to a lack of medical care. In November 2006, the Federal Council What about the private development aid Every thirty seconds someone dies of malaria, decided to increase all federal expenditure provided by the many NGOs? And how ge- despite this being a treatable disease. (except on education) by a maximum of 2 nerous are the Swiss when it comes to dona- percent a year. This means that public deve- tions? Private Swiss aid to developing coun- Criticism of development aid lopment aid would still only reach 0.37 per- tries – i.e. the contributions of development “Developing countries all lack public infra- cent of GDP by 2015. This approach has organisations and other charitable bodies – structure, access and the right to water, edu- come in for criticism. Bastienne Joerchel of reached CHF 413 million or 0.08 percent of cation, healthcare services and employment Alliance Sud - the Swiss Alliance of Develop- the GDP two years ago. The private contri- opportunities,” explained Peter Niggli, CEO ment Organisations - said: “If it stands by its bution made by development organisations of Alliance Sud, the Swiss Alliance of Deve- decision, Switzerland will be the only coun- – mainly through direct donations from the lopment Organisations. There is no lack of try in Europe whose policy is not in line with general public – amounted to CHF 55 per ca- critics of development aid, despite the enor- the millennium goals. This would be very dif- pita – the second highest total of all DAC mous human need in the third world. Some fi cult to justify internationally.” Eveline countries. of the most common criticisms (and the re- Herfkens, director of the UN millennium sponse to them) are: campaign, maintains: “In my view, recognis- Is development aid really needed? ing the millennium goals is a moral obliga- Yes, without question. There is extreme po- There is still tremendous poverty in the tion.” verty in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Wil- third world despite half a century of deve- liam Easterly, one of the fi ercest critics of lopment aid. Unfortunately, that is true. De- An overview of development aid state development aid, said: “There are three velopment aid has nevertheless achieved a According to the OECD, worldwide public billion people in the world living on less than great deal, in particular in terms of health- development aid for 2006 stood at USD 104 two dollars a day. The need is endless.” That care and education but also in terms of bio- billion. Switzerland’s USD 1.55 billion cont- means that three thousand million people are logical farming, mini-credit lending and de- ribution may not be decisive in global terms, fi ghting for day-to-day survival. Poverty, mocratisation. Fewer people live in extreme but it is nevertheless much appreciated (as Economiesuisse - an umbrella organisation

for the Swiss economy - points out). 1.1 Federal development aid is mainly mana- 1.0 ged by the Swiss Agency for Development 0.9 and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Sec- retariat for Economic Affairs (Seco). These 0.8 are the fi gures for 2006: CHF 1.1 billion for 0.7 UN target: 0.7% development cooperation, CHF 0.3 billion 0.6 for humanitarian aid, and CHF 0.15 billion 0.5 for cooperation with Eastern Europe. If help 0.4

for asylum seekers, spending on peace buil- 0.3

ding and debt relief are factored in, total pu- 0.2 blic development aid stands at a good CHF 0.1 2 billion. Around three-quarters of this is 0 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. spent on bilateral aid for countries and regi- UK USA Italy Total Spain Japan Greece ons, in particular in Africa and Asia, and a France Ireland Canada Austria Norway Finland Sweden Belgium Portugal Germany Denmark Australia Switzerland

quarter on multilateral aid for UN organisa- Netherlands Luxembourg New Zealand tions and other international development SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Chart: OECD 2007 organisations. Development cooperation: Switzerland versus other countries (Source OECD 2007) 10 SWISS DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

poverty today (though nevertheless 19 per- MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS cent of the world’s population). Life expec- tancy has risen, child mortality has dropped All of the world’s nations, in- signifi cantly, diseases such as smallpox have cluding Switzerland, signed been wiped out and others, such as polio, re- the United Nations Millen- duced. Illiteracy has fallen sharply and more nium Declaration in 2000. children complete primary education. Hu- Eight Millennium Develop- manitarian aid has helped millions of people ment Goals oblige govern- to survive. The living conditions of millions ments to fi ght the most ex- of people have improved thanks to aid on the treme poverty and help the ground. world’s most needy by 2015. The good news comes from Asia, while the This declaration provides a bad news is from Africa. Poverty is on the in- global framework for interna- crease in sub-Saharan Africa, and the num- tional development coopera- ber of people living in extreme poverty is ris- tion. The fi rst and best-known ing. Poverty is so persistent in Africa because goal is the elimination of Advertising campaign run by Swiss relief agencies for the “0.7% – of the growing population. Fighting poverty extreme poverty and hunger. Together against poverty” project is not always the motive behind state deve- The other goals are to achieve lopment aid. Donor countries are often more universal primary education, ternal health, combat AIDS, partnership for development concerned with strategic and economic inte- promote gender equality and malaria and other diseases, (which will also ensure more rests (such as access to raw materials and empower women, reduce ensure environmental sustai- generous public development markets). child mortality, improve ma- nability, and build a global aid).

Development aid does not contribute to eco- nomic growth in the recipient countries. True and false. Developing countries in Asia, There is some validity in this argument. De- pital out of Africa is estimated at around such as China, India and Vietnam, are achie- velopment aid has sometimes led politicians USD 30 billion a year: more than the total ving high levels of economic growth. They and people on the ground to develop a hand- public development aid for the continent have open markets and can sell their goods out mentality. Today‘s development organi- (USD 25 billion). Africa’s assets abroad are on the global market. They are also politi- sations recognise this problem. “Develop- higher than its foreign debt. The Swiss Na- cally stable. However, the environmental and ment cooperation is a way of helping the tional Bank reported CHF 13 billion in fi du- social costs of this economic growth are poor to help themselves. It is based on enab- ciary deposits from Africa, mainly for tax enormous, as the example of China illustra- ling them to develop their own initiatives and evasion purposes. tes. assume joint responsibility,” say Helvetas. Traditional development aid is aimed at Aid is only provided when the local popula- Aid is in our interest the meeting the needs of people. The main tion is actively involved in a project. At the Micheline Calmy-Rey, Swiss Federal Presi- aim of development cooperation is not eco- same time, those living in poverty need all dent in 2007, insists that “Development aid nomic growth. It is economic and social de- their strength to survive day-to-day. is an ethical duty and also in our interests. velopment from the bottom up. “A society When human rights are being violated, hun- that meets basic requirements - such as wa- Development aid only benefi ts the corrupt ger is widespread and people are left with no ter, nutrition, education, peace, democracy elite and does not reach the poor. There is hope, the danger of confl ict and terrorism and the rule of law - provides a good founda- some truth in this too. Mismanagement and grows. Development policy is also an invest- tion for a strong and growing economy,” say corruption are rife in Africa, the world’s poo- ment in our own security and future.” Helvetas in their “Poverty is not Destiny” rest continent. This is why development aid publication. organisations have adopted a cautious ap- Access to other markets is vital for third proach. They select their partners carefully, DOCUMENTATION Peter Niggli: Nach der Globalisierung. Entwicklungs- world countries. The developing countries and project management always includes politik im 21. Jahrhundert. Rotpunktverlag, 140 pages are calling on industrial nations to abolish monitoring and fi nancial controlling. The CHF 18, Euro 11.50 / William Easterly: Wir retten die Welt zu Tode. Für ein professionelleres Management farming subsidies and to get rid of import du- development organisations work specifi cally im Kampf gegen die Armut. Campus Verlag, 388 pages. ties. According to development critic Wil- with the local population and not with the CHF 44, Euro 24.90 (the original American edition liam Easterly, ”It is truly scandalous that elite. Building solid partnerships, developing “The White Men’s Burden” was published in 2006 by The Penguin Press, New York) / www.deza.admin.ch there is still so much protectionism against a local presence and fostering good gover- (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. exports from poor countries.” nance, democracy and legal stability are all Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) / www.seco- cooperation.admin.ch (State Secretariat for Economic part of the work carried out by development Affairs, Federal Department of Economic Affairs) / Development aid stops third world coun- organisations. www.alliancesud.ch (Alliance of Swissaid, Catholic Lenten Fund, Brot für alle, Helvetas, Caritas, Heks) / tries from devising their own initiatives The outfl ow of capital, not least to Swit- www.evb.ch (The Berne Declaration. Development SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Photo: Alliance Sud and taking on responsibility for themselves. zerland, is another problem. The fl ow of ca- organisation for global justice) / www.millenniumcam- POLITICS/FEDERAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS 11

Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf replaces Christoph Blocher has been appointed Parliament ousted Justice Minister Christoph Blocher after Swiss President All of the other six Federal Councillors were four years in offi ce, electing Grisons fi nance director re-elected. In order of years in offi ce, they Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf to take his place in the national are: (SP), Pascal government. Despite having two federal councillors, the Couchepin (FDP), Samuel Schmid (SVP), Micheline Calmy-Rey (SP), Hans-Rudolf SVP feels it is no longer represented in the government and Merz (FDP) and (CVP). has gone into opposition. By René Lenzin Parliament appointed Valais-born Couchepin as President of Switzerland for the second time since 2003. Merz becomes Vice-President in place of Blocher, who was in line to take up the rotational position. The Federal Council elections produced velopment. He will refrain from returning Former Vice-Chancellor Corina Casanova quite a turn-up. Although the Swiss People‘s to the National Council for the time being. (CVP) is the new Federal Chancellor and Party (SVP) strengthened its position in the An immediate return would only be possi- therefore the government’s chief-of-staff. National Council elections basing its cam- ble if one of Blocher’s fellow party mem- She was elected by parliament to succeed paign around Christoph Blocher, the party’s bers volunteered to step down and all une- Annemarie Huber-Hotz (FDP), who had leading light lost his seat on the Federal lected candidates on the SVP list of the held the offi ce since 2000. Council after just one term in offi ce. He was canton concerned passed up a promotion defeated by a narrow majority by Eveline opportunity. Widmer-Schlumpf, who accepted the posi- tion after brief consideration. The shock re- DAUGHTER OF A FEDERAL COUNCILLOR AND A DIRECTOR OF FINANCE sult was brought about by the Social Dem- While Eveline Widmer- weaknesses and cutting ther, , was part ocrats, the Greens, most of the Christian Schlumpf was not a member taxes. The new Federal Coun- of the national government as Democrats (CVP) and some Liberal Dem- of parliament before her elec- cillor is a dyed-in-the-wool Transport and Energy Minister ocrats. Widmer-Schlumpf won 125 votes tion to the Federal Council, federalist. She is said to be from 1979 to 1987. On 1 Janu- from this coalition, while Blocher could only she was nevertheless a famil- very affable, but also some- ary, his daughter succeeded secure 115. This was reminiscent of the iar fi gure in Bern. In 1998 she one who drives a hard bar- Christoph Blocher as head of events of 2003, when Blocher forced Ruth became the fi rst woman to be gain. the Department of Justice Metzler of the CVP out of offi ce. elected to the Grisons can- The Doctor of Law, who will and Police. RL Blocher said he felt both disappointed and tonal government where she be 52 on 16 March, is married relieved after the results were announced. took over the department of with three grown-up children. He claimed that while the defeat hurt, it fi nance. She achieved na- The life of a Federal Councillor meant he would once more enjoy more po- tional recognition as head of is nothing new to her. Her fa- litical freedom and be able to express his all cantonal fi nance direc- opinion without taking into account deci- tors. She was also the driving sions he did not support but had to accept force behind Switzerland’s as part of the government. In the run-up to fi rst cantonal referendum the election, the SVP declared that it would and successfully fought the go into opposition if Blocher was voted out. federal government’s tax-re- The party stuck by its pledge, withdrawing duction proposals, which support for SVP Federal Councillors Sam- were rejected by voters in uel Schmid and Widmer-Schlumpf and an- May 2004. nouncing that it would fi ght unacceptable Widmer-Schlumpf fought decisions of the government and parliament for women’s rights and was with even greater conviction than before. considered a role model for What this opposition policy will look how a woman could reconcile like, and just how uncompromising the family life with a career. Al- SVP’s stance will be, was still unclear on though her political roots going to press. However, details have were with the socialist-lib- emerged about Blocher’s future role in pol- eral Grisons democrats, her 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. itics. He confi rmed that he would remain politics represent solid mid- in politics immediately after the election dle-class values. She put the results were announced. As the SVP’s Vice- canton’s fi nances back on an Chairman and fi nancial backer, he now even keel and succeeded in SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Cartoon: Widmer/Tagesanzeiger, ZürichCartoon: Widmer/Tagesanzeiger, plans to oversee the party’s strategy and de- reducing Grisons’ structural 12 NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

Electronic voting parliamentary initiatives in lot projects could be ap- it is used – provided at least 1999 and 2000. The Federal proved. Safeguards against fi ve successive trials have for Swiss people Chancellery is responsible for misuse of the e-voting system been successfully carried out living abroad – implementing the project. had to be in place. Each of the and the system is not a look at the past In 2002, the Federal Coun- systems developed by the pi- changed. cil submitted a preliminary lot cantons also had to be The trials are restricted to and the future. report to parliament on the tested at least once in a fed- no more than ten percent of With the coming into force risks and opportunities of e- eral referendum. the electorate (494,000 citi- on 1 January 2008 of voting and its realisation in In 2003, Geneva became zens throughout Switzerland) changes to the political Switzerland. Parliament then the fi rst canton in Switzer- until the end of the legislative rights of Swiss abroad, the gave the Federal Council the land to allow its electorate to period in 2011. cantons are required to go-ahead to revise legislation vote online in a federal refer- centralise their electoral accordingly, and to carry out endum. Electronic voting was What about the Swiss registers. These measures pilot projects with the aim of subsequently used seven times abroad? will help to create the determining the feasibility of for federal referenda in se- Up to now, Swiss citizens liv- necessary conditions that e-voting in Switzerland. lected communities in the ing abroad have not had the will allow all of our compa- three pilot cantons. All of opportunity to vote online, triots abroad to vote online. Pilot projects these tests proved successful primarily for security reasons. Between 2003 and 2005 the and went without a hitch. Even with today’s IT stand- Background Federal Chancellery carried ards, there is still a risk of data E-voting allows voters to par- out projects in cooperation Follow up misuse during transfer. Com- ticipate in elections and plebi- with three pilot cantons – Ge- In 2006 the Federal Council plex organisational, technical scites via the Internet and to neva, Neuchatel and Zurich – concluded in a second report and legal precautions have to sign initiatives and referenda based on contractual agree- on the e-voting trials that e- be in place before e-voting electronically. The e-voting ments negotiated between voting was feasible in Switzer- can be adopted. This is the project owes its origins to the these cantons and the Federal land. Parliament took note of only way to guarantee a secret Federal Council’s 1998 strat- Council. Voting rights had to this second report and ap- ballot for Swiss voters abroad egy to create an information be verifi ed and the secret bal- proved the legal amendments when they vote online, and to society in Switzerland, and to lot guaranteed before the pi- required to further develop prevent votes from being man- e-voting also for Swiss voters ipulated, changed or misdi- abroad. rected. Some foreign states do PREVENT MULTIPLE SENDING OF “SWISS REVIEW” The know-how gained not allow encrypted data to “Swiss Review” is sent free of charge to all adults registered with a Swiss representa- from the pilot projects has be sent electronically, while tion abroad. As a result, households with several adults receive several copies of the been made available to all others monitor Internet traf- magazine, which has a signifi cant effect on our costs. Swiss cantons. Cantons fi c. It is not simply a matter of Among other things, “Swiss Review” provides information about important political events and developments in Switzerland. The “Notes from Parliament” section interested in the tried-and- providing Swiss voters abroad contains information on changes to legislation and the rights and obligations that tested systems can adopt one with voting documents. The directly concern and affect Swiss nationals living abroad. The dates of federal refer- of the developed systems or technical systems and proc- enda and elections are also published. There has been an online edition of “Swiss Review” since 2003, and the regional combine elements of differ- esses also have to work per- sections have also been available electronically since January 2007 under “Regional ent systems under federal fectly. This includes the rele- news”: www.revue.ch supervision. They must, vant technical security however, meet the costs measures and system modifi - Would you like to stop multiple copies being sent and help us to reduce our costs? If so, please complete, sign and return the slip below to your Swiss embassy themselves. They must also cations. or consulate general abroad. You can also contact these authorities online: apply to the Federal Council www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home/reps.html for approval to test e-voting The electoral register issue I have access to a family member’s copy of “Swiss Review” or I read it online. in federal elections. Direct democracy in Switzer- I therefore no longer require my own copy. The amended legislation land has evolved over the cen- that provides for the develop- turies to meet different re- Surname ment of e-voting also allows gional needs, which explains the cantons of Geneva, Neu- why the electoral registers First name chatel and Zurich to continue vary widely from one canton using the practice in federal to another. There are signifi - Address 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. referenda. The Federal Coun- cant differences, not only be- cil can authorise the cantons tween the cantons but also Date of birth to use e-voting for a certain between the 2,700 communi-

Signature period – subject to restric- ties. These individual elec- SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Translated from GermanTranslated from tions on when, how and where toral registers have worked 13

perfectly well until now. But Review” featured a report on A new subsection 2bis to be the Federal Constitution. smaller communities now fi nd this. incorporated into article 129 These would require the nec- it diffi cult to provide the of the Swiss Federal Constitu- essary legislation to be en- technical infrastructure Outlook tion would introduce a mini- acted within three years of needed to allow their resi- The Federal Council does not mum tax rate on the high in- adopting the new article 129 dents to vote online. It is want to be over-hasty in roll- comes and assets of people subsection 2bis. In case of de- therefore indispensable to ing out e-voting and has living alone, which would be lay the Federal Council would draw up standardised elec- therefore decided to put se- at least 22 percent for in- have to establish the imple- toral registers dedicated to curity before speed.There comes over CHF 250,000 and menting provisions by decree. Swiss abroad in one location must not be any risk that one at least 0,5 percent for assets The cantons would also be per canton, in order to make day a federal referendum has over CHF 2,000,000. These given a time frame within e-voting available for Swiss to be repeated due to fl aws in rates may be increased for which to amend their consti- citizens living abroad. Only the e-voting system. Expen- people living in the same tutions. seven cantons currently keep sive compensation claims household. A new transitional provi- such centralised systems for from campaigning organisa- The initiative also aims to sion to article 135 of the Fed- Swiss abroad: Lucerne, Zug, tions would be the conse- prevent tax rates being re- eral Constitution would also Basel-Stadt, Appenzell-In- quence. Even more impor- duced as incomes or assets in- be created to govern fi nancial nerrhoden, Vaud, Neuchatel tantly, the confi dence of our crease: in other words it equalisation between the can- and Geneva. citizens in our system of di- would not allow any degres- tons. Cantons that were The legislation requiring rect democracy would suffer sive tax models. This would obliged to amend their tax cantons to centralise their immense damage. bring an end to the misuse of rates and systems in line with electoral registers entered Electronic voting will tax competition at the ex- the new article 129, subsec- into force on 1 January 2008. therefore be introduced in pense of people on low and tion 2bis, and collected more The cantons now have 18 stages. The fi rst stage is to average incomes. Although taxes as a result, would have months to amend their laws. standardise the electoral reg- the initiative provides for a to make additional contri- This process will be com- isters in line with federal re- minimum tax rate, it allows butions under the system pleted by mid-2009 at the quirements, and then to in- the cantons and communities of fi nancial equalisation earliest, unless a cantonal ref- troduce e-voting for to determine their own taxa- among cantons. erendum opposing the referenda. The next stage will tion policy up to a taxable in- changes is called. Once the see the introduction of e-vot- come of CHF 250,000. Hence cantons have amended their ing for National Council elec- the minimum threshold tax laws, the individual communi- tions. Then, and only then, rates could also be exceeded. ties must implement the will the most complex stage New sections 8 and 9 would changes. This will involve the be implemented, enabling the also be added to article 197 of defi nition and construction of electronic signing of people‘s the transitional provisions of interfaces, programming, data initiatives and referenda. transfer, and carrying out Further information on checks (between communities the e-voting project can be as well as between communi- found at: www.bk.admin.ch/ PEOPLE'S INITIATIVES ties and cantons) to ensure themen/pore/evoting/index. No new initiatives have been launched since the last issue. everything has been com- html?lang=de Signature forms for current initiatives can be downloaded from pleted and is working prop- www.admin.ch/ch/d/pore/vi/vis_1_3_1_1.html erly. The Federal Department of Fair taxation Foreign Affairs is supporting RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICIAL FDFA INFORMATION PAGES: the Federal Chancellery and for everyone GABRIELA BRODBECK, SERVICE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD/FDFA, BUNDES- the cantons so as to speed up The Swiss Social Democratic GASSE 32, CH-3003 BERNE, TEL. +41 31 324 23 98, FAX: +41 31 324 23 60 the introduction and make it Party launched a federal WWW.EDA.ADMIN.CH/ASD, [email protected] also available to Swiss abroad. popular initiative campaign The federal authorities are in November 2006 entitled Advertisement currently working closely “Fair taxation – stop misuse with the canton of Neuchatel, of tax competition,” other-

2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. which aims to offer its citi- wise known as the fair zens living abroad the option taxation initiative. of voting electronically at one of the next referenda. The initiative concerns very Translated from GermanTranslated from SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW The 05/07 edition of “Swiss high income and assets. 14 THE FUTURE OF THE SWISS ARMY

Christophe Keckeis – “Do your duty, then step aside.” Admired by some and condemned by others, Christoph Keckeis stepped down as commander-in-chief of the Swiss army at the end of last year. The former military supremo talks about national defence and Switzerland in an interview with Heinz Eckert.

Swiss Review: Would you agree that whole of Swiss society serves in the army, army is not prepared for a conventional war the Swiss people have become less supportive the level of education is very high. National today. But it doesn’t have to be, and that ap- of the army? Is there no direct threat? service is also considerably less expensive plies to all European armies. In Switzerland Christophe Keckeis: I don’t believe than a professional army. It also provides a we must also accept that the army now has the Swiss people are less supportive of the higher standard of soldier as it is not made a different role today to the one it fulfi lled army. More than two-thirds have a positive up of people who are unable to do anything during the Second World War. It’s time to perception of it. It’s true that there is no ob- other than enter the army. stop dreaming about tanks and artillery vious threat. But because today’s dangers guns. We no longer have to defend our bor- are more widespread and more complex, How fi t for duty are the young men who have ders against an enemy. The Swiss army is in the new role of the army is more diffi cult to enter military service? Is it true that fewer great shape to carry out all its other du- for people to understand. Terrorism and or- and fewer young men are up to standard? ties. ganised crime are today the main threats No, that is an inaccuracy that keeps reap- worldwide. The army is needed to counter pearing in the media. We are very pleased And what are these duties? these threats. Just because we are not faced with the number of men fi t for duty. In 2005 They might involve unrest within Swit- with conventional military aggression, that it was 61 percent, and a few percent higher zerland, demonstrations, riots or terrorism: doesn’t mean there is no danger. last year. Then there are the 18 percent who the kind of problems that often occur in do non-military service. What does concern other countries. The army must support How do we counter these threats? us is the enormous differences between the the police in certain circumstances or even We need to improve information levels cantons. While around 80 percent of those be able to take over the role of the police, and have a debate on security policy. It’s as- eligible for service are fi t for duty in central for instance in security operations. The tonishing that not everyone is aware how Switzerland and Canton Appenzell, cities football season causes problems nowadays important security is to Switzerland. It is like Basel are well below average. due to the rise in hooliganism. The forth- vital to the banks, the insurance companies, coming European Cup Championship also the economy as a whole and the prosperity You were given the task of carrying out poses major challenges. of the entire whole country. This is some- a reform of the army in 2003. How successful thing that has to be debated and put on the was it? You came in for constant criticism over agenda. It amazes me that many business We carried out the most far-reaching re- operations involving Swiss soldiers abroad. leaders no longer appreciate the value of the form of the army ever and met 80 percent Politicians often forget that operations army. Security is a priceless asset and must of our targets. The remaining 20 percent abroad are part of the federal constitution. be guaranteed. are well-defi ned challenges that we must Under the army reform it is our duty to tackle over the coming years. What matters commit battalions of soldierssolders abroad Are business leaders also to blame for the fact to me is that all of our efforts were success- for peace-keeping operations. that military service has become less attrac- ful. We have made tremendous progress in tive in terms of career prospects? recruitment and have improved security Did you feel that you were sometimes Not solely. But there are lots of foreign analysis. We were not able to increase the let down by politicians? CEOs who are not familiar with the Swiss number of professional soldiers for fi nan- As head of the army I understand the army and national service system and can- cial reasons, and that is fatal in my view. We primacy of politics and have to accept not understand why their employees have are simply not getting the funding that we the decisions of parliament. However, the to repeatedly serve in the armed forces. An- need. We receive CHF 600 million less a fact that the defence budget was cut in yone unable to work because of military year, yet our responsibilities are the same. the year following the reform certainly service is seen as a loss. didn’t make the job any easier. The debate 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. You have said that the Swiss army is not on keeping ammunition and military-issue Does that mean the national service system equipped for a crisis situation. What did you weapons at home is detrimental to the no longer meets modern requirements? mean by that? army. The army is being used as a scape- No, not at all. I fully support national I have been widely misquoted on this. goat in both cases for what is a social prob-

SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW service and hope we can maintain it. As the What I actually said was that the Swiss lem. 15

Opinion on the army is in- creasingly divided. Some peo- ple would like to see it abol- ished, others still want an army like the one in the Sec- ond World War. That is exactly right. This is why we urgently need a de- bate on security policy: a topic which in recent years has been neglected. Support for maintaining security lev- els has been declining in Switzerland, and many peo- Stepping down: Christophe Keckeis, commander-in-chief of the Swiss army. ple can’t see things as they really are. We are not an island and could army one. A decision on this requires a great team spirit has suffered. Soldiers are now just as easily be a terrorist target as other deal of consideration. If parliament dis- much more concerned with themselves countries. But we just won’t accept that cusses this issue in spring, its complexity than with the group. Lots of commanding here. We are still doing very well for our- should not be underestimated. Just think of offi cers are too soft and do not demand selves and sometimes we lose sight of things. the shooting clubs up and down the coun- enough discipline. A national military serv- People criticise my zero-tolerance stance try and the organisational problems the ice army refl ects the society it serves. More on smoking pot in the army, saying that it’s army would face if weapons had to be stored discipline is needed. You wouldn’t believe just part of life today. I simply can’t under- in arsenals. We would not have the space, how many complaints I get from people stand that. the staff or the money to do it. It would cost about how untidily soldiers are dressed or millions of francs. We should be focusing on about their behaviour in public. This type You have also been criticised for favouring what other measures can be taken. of thing immediately creates the impression internationalism and for destroying the Swiss that these young men are just as sloppy army. What do you have in mind? when carrying out their military duties. Yes, but I was just carrying out political The lack of discipline that has taken hold And that is certainly not the case. Stand- decisions or what was set out in the consti- in civilian life should not be allowed to spill ards are generally very high. But the image tution. It wasn’t my idea to reduce the over to the army. High standards of disci- of the army is tarnished by a lack of disci- number of troops from 800 000 to 220 000. pline must be set for soldiers. We should pline. That I’m in this position now is just part of also consider making data protection less history. stringent . We should know which soldiers What do you plan to do when you retire? have previous convictions and what for, so I’d like to spend a lot of time travelling. The key debate still centres on the purchase of that they can be dealt with accordingly. As I’ve had no time to do that in recent years. military aircraft. Does Switzerland actually things stand, all that we are allowed to know I’d like to go to Patagonia, then to Namibia need an air force? about soldiers’ previous convictions is the and Zimbabwe, and also to Mongolia and I believe we do. We are responsible for our law that applied and the sentence that was China. Then I’ll take my time looking at the own airspace which requires protection and given. It is staggering how many soldiers options available to me. But I’ll be leaving surveillance. Aeroplanes are needed for that. have criminal records today. my colleagues in peace to get on with their 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. jobs - I very much believe in doing your Where do you think military weapons should Has discipline in the army suffered duty, then stepping aside. be stored in future? generally? If someone is killed with an army-issue Nowadays people are always on the tele- SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Foto: RDB Foto: weapon, that is a social problem – not an phone or writing text messages. I believe 16 OSA NEWS

“Switzerland with- children from Latin America and a photographic exhibition out borders” is the on the theme of “Borders”. theme of the 86th Workshops involving various Congress of the experiments should also be well worth a visit. Swiss Abroad Sunday’s programme will also be good for the soul. It in- The 86th Congress is fast cludes an ecumenical church approaching. This year we will service followed by a tour of be meeting in Fribourg from Fribourg’s picturesque Old 22 to 24 August. “Switzerland To w n . without borders” – this year’s Many details have yet to be theme at the most important fi nalised. You can fi nd out meeting of Swiss abroad – much more by fi lling in the is very apt for the cosmopoli- Congress venue Fribourg form below to order the Con- tan host canton. gress information pack. Rest and many other political, eco- Abroad. The plenary session assured you can rely on the 08 The Congress will tackle issues nomic and ethical issues will be will take place on Saturday. Congress to feed the mind, concerning Schengen and the addressed at the next Congress. Various well-known fi gures warm the soul and of course free movement of people in the It is important that the experi- from Switzerland and abroad tickle the palate. For more in- light of the prospective Euro- ences of Swiss people abroad will discuss the opportunities formation visit www.aso.ch. pean policy agenda (extension are taken into account. After and risks of free movement of of free movement of people to all, they have followed similar people. As before, one of the More money for Rumania and Bulgaria, the fu- debates in their countries of highlights of this year‘s event ture of free movement of peo- residence and have fi rst-hand will be the attendance of a Swiss schools abroad ple, joining the Schengen area). experience of the consequences member of the Federal Coun- There are many issues that of opening up borders. cil. We are pleased that Federal Swiss schools abroad can concern us in this respect. Are Councillor Moritz Leuen- continue to provide their we heading for a future without Federal Councillor Leuen- berger will be joining us. valuable service. The Council national borders? What would berger will be guest of honour of States followed the lead of happen to Switzerland? What The Congress will offi cially Plenty to warm the soul the National Council on the about our security? What ef- open on the evening of Friday There will be lots of interesting review of the federal budget, fect would withdrawing from 22 August at the Forum Fri- things going on at this year’s approving a CHF 20 million the agreement on free move- bourg following the meeting of Congress thanks to the OSA. federal subsidy for Swiss ment of people have? These the Council of the Swiss There will be a visit by Swiss schools abroad.

This increase from CHF 16.1 86TH CONGRESS OF THE SWISS ABROAD, 22 TO 24 AUGUST 2008 million to CHF 20 million will help raise quality standards in Please send me the information pack on the 86th Congress of the Swiss Abroad in Fribourg (please use the 17 offi cial Swiss schools block capitals). abroad. A requirement analysis conducted by the Federal Last name: First name: Commission for the Promotion of the Education of Young Street/no.: Swiss Abroad estimated that Postcode/city: CHF 20 million in state fund- Country: ing was needed to maintain Tel: Fax: quality standards in the schools and to fi nance their growth. E-mail: The budget is seen as a Please complete and return the form to the following address by 30 May 2008. Organisation of the Swiss “rational decision” rather than 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. Abroad, Congress, Alpenstrasse 26, CH – 3006 Berne. For organisational reasons, the registration dead- as a “Christmas present.” line for the Congress is the end of June. The registration form is included in the Congress information pack “Good Swiss schools abroad that can be ordered using the form above. The Congress information pack can also be ordered by e-mail convey an excellent image from [email protected]. Please remember to give your full postal address. of our country,” said Derrick SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Photo: Keystone Widmer, Chairman of the 17

Impressions of the 2007 Easter camp in Fiesch: An après-ski fondue party

Committee of Swiss Schools The Easter camp for young Organisation of the Swiss have the opportunity to take Abroad. Experience has shown people aged 14 and above will Abroad advantage of our arrangements that pupils who attend these be held in the sports and holi- at least once. It has therefore schools retain strong ties with day centre in Fiesch. Young Youth Service set up a special fund for subsi- Switzerland for the rest of Swiss people from all over the Tel.: ++41 (0)31 356 61 00 dised contributions. An appli- their lives. Irene Spicher, the world will meet in the home [email protected] cation form can be requested Committee’s Managing Direc- town of the reigning world ski- www.aso.ch when registering. tor, added: “To fi nance their ing champion, Daniel Albrecht, More information on the growth, the schools have al- from 22 March to 29 March 2008 summer camp holiday camps and the applica- ready had to make some signif- 2008. This is a fantastic oppor- tion form are available at www. icant sacrifi ces. Further cut- tunity to spend sun-fi lled days Young Swiss abroad aged aso.ch (under “Offers for Chil- backs would have threatened on snowy peaks and to enjoy 8 to 14 are invited to join dren and Young People”). Reg- their very existence.” the famous alpine panorama of our two-week summer camps istrations are dealt with on a the Aletsch region with views between July and August fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. A warm welcome of Switzerland’s largest glacier 2008. Please register your child as and the Matterhorn. The place quickly as possible. If you have to Switzerland where you will be staying in Fi- There are still some free places any questions, please don’t hes- esch offers lots of alternatives available for our summer itate to contact us. The Organisation of the Swiss to winter sports. An indoor camps. As before, between 30 Abroad (OSA) offers young pool, climbing walls, an indoor and 50 kids from around the Foundation for Swiss abroad some interesting sports hall and outdoor facili- world will attend each camp. Young Swiss Abroad opportunities for getting to ties are there for your enjoy- The parents‘ contribution of Alpenstrasse 26 know Switzerland. The new ment. CHF 900 covers all the costs of CH 3006 Berne summer brochure, packed OSA’s study programmes al- the stay. Tel: +41 31 356 61 16 with holiday and educational low you to fi nd out all about The Foundation for Young Fax: +41 31 356 61 01 programmes for young people, Switzerland. Swiss Abroad would like all E-mail: [email protected] has just come out. Also, there The Swiss education system Swiss children living abroad to www.aso.ch are still places available for is explained, and there is an op- the Easter camp in the Valais. portunity to visit Switzerland’s We would be happy to provide best schools and universities to ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD you with more information. make valuable contacts. Our services: And there’s lots more going ■ Legal Department Switzerland was blessed with on besides for young people. ■ Youth Service an abundant early snowfall this Visit our website at www.aso.ch ■ Association for the Promotion of Education for Young Swiss year. The pistes in the ski re- and select the programme that Abroad (AJAS) 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. sorts are in excellent condition best meets your needs. We look ■ Committee for Swiss Schools Abroad (CSSA) and the OSA ski and snow- forward to your visit. ■ Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad (FYSA) boarding instructors can’t wait As usual, information and to teach you the latest tech- details on the above arrange- OSA, Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH–3006 Berne, SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Photos: OSA niques in winter sports. ments are available from the Phone +41 31 356 6100, Fax +41 31 356 6101, www.aso.ch 18 2007 WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR

“This Pinot Noir is a gentleman.” You have to work things out carefully in your Diego Mathier from Valais was crowned 2007 Winemaker head before you make wine. Then you can set about the task of producing this ideal of the Year at the “Grand Prix du Vin Suisse” in Berne. wine. That is our philosophy.” His Pinot Noir produced in Salquenen won gold in its category, Married to Nadia and a father of fi ve and his Dôle Blanche was runner-up in the rosé category. daughters, Diego has two passions in life – wine and his family. “My parents are retired, A profi le by Alain Wey but they help us out if we need them. My wife deals with customers who come to Salquenen. I manage the business as well as “This is not a one-man show. It is a reward for University of St Gallen. After working in a the blending and fi nishing processes. At the the hard work put in by the whole team over bank for two years, he took over the four tastings you’ll fi nd the oenologists: my wife the last few years,” said Diego Mathier, 2007 family-owned distribution businesses in Ger- and I.” Diego is a hedonist, but also a perfec- Winemaker of the Year. “It is also a reward man-speaking Switzerland and then, in 2002, tionist, who lives life to the full. These char- for the previous generations who bought the the cellar in Salquenen. The family cellar was acter traits help him to produce high-qual- vineyards in the right location. The soil is established by Diego’s great-grandfather in ity wines that provide maximum pleasure. very important.” The title caps off an ex- the 1920s during the depression. He ex- “When I do something, I give it everything traordinary year for the Adrian Mathier cel- plained: “As a child, I always worked in the I‘ve got. I am quite extreme - at least that‘s lar of Salquenen, in the canton of Valais, vineyards. I learnt my trade step-by-step. what my wife tells me.” which won more than 50 gold medal awards in 2007 at na- FACTS AND FIGURES ON THE ADRIAN MATHIER CELLAR Glacier wine and tasting tional and international com- The Adrian Mathier cellar also petitions. produces a wine in the ice cave “In the spring,“ explained Di- of the Rhône glacier, 2030 me- ego Mathier, “after tasting and ters above sea-level. It was en- bottling, we thought that all of tered into the Guinness Book of our wines had a chance of win- Records as the highest and most ning a gold medal, so we en- extraordinary example of wine tered lots of them into compe- storage in the world. “To make tition.” Six wines from the a sweet wine, the fi rst fermenta- Adrian Mathier cellar made the tion has to be stopped by the fi nals of the “Grand Prix du cold. The barrels are placed in Vin Suisse.” The Pinot Noir the cave in the middle of the gla- Les Pyramides 2005 was cier during winter and spring- awarded the gold medal, while time.” The wine is also bottled the Dôle Blanche Frauenfreude in the cave at the end of June. 2006 picked up silver. The title When it comes to tasting, Di- Nadia and Diego Mathier of “Winemaker of the Year” is ego Mathier carries out a full awarded to the producer who ■ Area: 25 hectares between Cha- ■ Employees: 25 people employed study of the wine. “The aroma ends up with the best ratings moson and Tourtemagne, adjoin- at the cellar, fi ve permanent has to be characteristic of the for all the wines he has entered ing 75 hectares belonging to wine- employees in the vineyards, rising type of wine, the region and the into the competition. Quality, makers that the family has worked to 13 with seasonal workers. year. The palate must have vol- expertise, passion, enjoyment with for generations. ■ Awards in 2007: Gold for the Sy- ume and harmony. I feel a little and innovation are all part of ■ Quantity of wine: 750,000 rah Diego Mathier 2006 in France. bit like a chef looking for a bal- the Adrian Mathier cellar’s rec- to 800,000 liters of wine a year. 14 gold medals at Expovina in Zu- ance between sharpness, sweet- ipe for success. ■ Altitude of the vineyards: rich, including the best speciality ness and aroma. Our aim when between 500 m and 750 m above white (La Petite Arvine), the best tasting, blending and producing A university-educated wine- sea-level. Merlot and the best Swiss rosé. is to fi nd a perfect balance be- maker ■ The wines: The Adrian Mathier ■ 12 gold medals at the Vins du tween fruit, tannins, alcohol and “I think about wine from the cellar produces 40 different wines Valais selections . acidity.” Diego waxes lyrical moment I wake up in the morn- (Chasselas, Johannisberg, Muscat, ■ “It was an extraordinary year. when he talks about the Pinot ing until when I go to bed at Malvoisie, Ermitage, Gamay, Pinot In 2006, we won 15 gold medals Noir that won him gold. “It has night. I’m sure I even dream Noir, Chardonnay, Amigne, Petite (50 in 2007) but we entered less fi nesse, elegance and an extraor- about wine,” confesses Diego Arvine, Heida, Humagne Blanche wine in competition. We now have dinary balance. Wine is like peo- Mathier. Born on 8 September and Humagne Rouge, Cabernet some 250 gold medals in total.” ple, and this Pinot Noir is a gen- 1970 in Salquenen, he gradu- Sauvignon, Syrah, Cornalin, Mer- www.mathier.com tleman.”

SWISS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2008 / NO. 1 Photo: ZVG ated in economics from the lot, Riesling, etc.). www.grandprixduvinsuisse.ch NEWS IN BRIEF 19

Sportsman of the Year to 17,534 in 2007. At 3.2%, Roger Federer was crowned the unemployment rate Swiss Sportsman of the Year amongst young people is for the fourth time after al- still higher than the average ready picking up the award in rate of unemployment 2003, 2004 and 2006. Berne’s (2.8%). Simone Niggli-Luder – who has won 14 world titles A second presidency in orienteering – was named Pascal Couchepin – a Federal Sportswoman of the Year. EURO 2008 DRAW: The coach of Switzerland’s national soccer team Jakob Councillor since 1998 - was The best team award went “Köbi” Kuhn, Portugal’s coach Felipe Scolari, Turkey’s coach Fatih Terim, and elected President of Switzer- Czech coach Karel Brueckner, from right, hold the trophy during the Euro 2008 to Team Alinghi for its second fi nal draw in Lucerne, Switzerland, on Sunday 2 December, 2007. land for 2008 by a comforta- consecutive victory in the ble margin, taking over from America’s Cup. fi rst stage of the 2008 Euro- ciently. Switzerland is com- Micheline Calmy-Rey. This is

pean Championships - the mitted to reducing its CO2 the second time the Minister Flat-rate tax Czech Republic (7 June in emissions by 4 million tonnes of Home Affairs has been Obwald will become the fi rst Geneva), Turkey (11 June in by 2010 (by 10% compared to leader of Switzerland after Swiss canton to introduce a Basel) and Portugal (15 June in 1990) under the Kyoto Proto- his fi rst term in 2003. fl at rate of taxation. 90.7% of Geneva). Let’s hope everyone col. The tax will initially rise the electorate approved an supporting the team gives to CHF 12 per tonne and Human Rights Prize amendment to the fi scal law. them a boost after several de- could then be doubled or even Dick Marty from canton In June, the Federal Court feats in 2007. Switzerland has tripled if targets are not met. Ticino received the 2007 ruled that degressive taxes fa- been drawn in an “ideal” quali- Human Rights Prize in Berne vouring wealthy taxpayers – fying group for the 2010 Martina throws in the towel recently approved by the peo- World Cup in South Africa. Martina Hingis announced ple - were unconstitutional. The Swiss squad will face her retirement from tennis at The authorities wasted no Greece, Israel, Moldavia, the beginning of November time in responding. Latvia and Luxembourg. after testing positive for co- caine at Wimbledon. Hingis, Record losses for UBS Around the world in a from St Gallen, returned to Initial estimates indicate that solar-powered car tennis in December 2005 after UBS lost more than CHF 16 Louis Palmer from Lucerne calling an end to her career in billion in a half-year - unprece- has set out on a 50,000 km 2003. She fi nished 2006 dented for a Swiss bank - fol- journey taking him through 50 ranked seventh in the world lowing the American mortgage countries in 16 months in a car and was still ranked nine- credit crisis. Switzerland’s big- powered only by solar energy. teenth before announcing her gest bank also posted a loss for Such a feat has never been retirement. from the International the whole of the 2007 fi nancial achieved before. The “Solar- Society for Human Rights year. Federal Councillor Hans- taxi” project – a joint venture Proud to be Swiss (ISHR), for his work on the Rudolf Merz is expecting “a between Switzerland and According to the Credit illegal activities of the CIA fall in tax revenues of several Germany – was designed by Suisse annual survey on the in Europe. Marty, a member hundred million francs.” four Swiss universities. After concerns of the nation, 43% of of the Swiss Council of States setting off from Lucerne on Swiss people are “very proud” from Ticino, denounced the Switzerland ranked highly 3 July, Palmer reached New of their nationality (21% in existence of secret CIA pris- Switzerland is one of the top Delhi in November, where 2006) and 43% are “quite ons in Poland and Romania countries in the world in terms he was greeted by Micheline proud.” Security, neutrality, in two reports to the Council of logistical performance. The Calmy-Rey. He arrived the landscape, prosperity, pre- of Europe. World Bank evaluated the at the climate conference cision, freedom, the Alps, the ability of 150 countries to con- in Bali in early December. banks and cleanliness are the Postal champions nect to global markets to dis- www.louispalmer.ch main attributes that Swiss The Universal Postal Union patch goods. Switzerland was people associate with their announced that the Swiss are

ranked in seventh place. Tax on CO2 country. the postal service champions, 2008 / No. 1 2008 / No. The tax on CO2 entered into with an average of 713 items Planet football force on 1 January 2008. It Unemployment amongst sent by each person every The fi nal countdown has aims to encourage companies young people year. Switzerland came ahead started. The Swiss team now and the public to use fossil fu- Unemployment amongst the of the USA (667) and Norway SWISS REVIEW February February SWISS REVIEW Photo: Keystone knows who it will face in the els (heating oil, gas) more effi - 15 to 24 age group fell by 22% (573). ALAIN WEY