Claude Nobs Is Dead - His Festival Lives On

The magazine for the swiss abroad

April 2013 / No. 2

Claude Nobs is dead - his festival lives on

Immigration causes stress for Switzerland

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SwissCommunity partners Swiss Review April 2013 / No. 2 The ordering parties are fully responsible for the content of advertisements and promotional inserts. These contents do not necessarily represent the opinion of either the editorial office or the the or office editorial the either of opinion the represent necessarily not do contents These inserts. promotional and publisher. advertisements of content the for ayear. responsible times fully four are appears news parties Regional ordering The copies. electronic 140,000 including 400,000, of circulation a total the Swiss Abroad, FDFA, 3003 Berne, Switzerland. Translation: CLS Communication AG AG Communication CLS Translation: Switzerland. Berne, 3003 FDFA, Abroad, Swiss the sation sation Druck AG, 4552 Derendingen. 4552 Derendingen. AG, Druck land was suffering from “density stress” as long ago as the early 1960s, even if the the if even 1960s, early the as long ago as stress” “density from suffering was land Switzer encouragement. some draw perhaps to lookand topic. back It interesting is this surrounding challenges political and social the describes Müller Jürg wards, 8on on page article the In prove may longer counterproductive. term the in that res measu for tough of demands number to agrowing rise given has astate which lity: hosti and anxiety stress”, between wavering “density from suffering is Switzerland rents. rocketing and congestion traffic as such of problems, range to a wide linked – is success of Switzerland’s economic result the effect, –in Immigration migrants. are million 1.8 more ofthan whom Switzerland, in now people live million eight good here. Several politicians and people to occupy continue will be, should share much this how just and affluence, and of Switzerland’s prosperity ashare have should of who tion seen. to be remains happen really will this vote.ter the Whether af Sommaruga Simonetta or buts”, no ifs Minister Justice done “with be promised will for Business. UK’s the Department from initiative of his text for the request a received to have said even is initiative, the behind mastermind Minder, the Thomas vote. on the approvingly and extensively world the reported throughout newspapers Confederation. Swiss of the history the in initiative for any result third-best pay: the fat-cat against electorate initiative of of the the 68% votedfavour in Almost ars. ye recent in executives senior of and CEOs number increasing by an –shown arrogance T the country’s on future Decisions ■ IMPRINT: for 2040. figure same the Today forecasting are 2000. experts by Switzerland in of 10 million apopulation in resulting explosion, ger apopulation trig would labour of foreign influx the that predicting was of St. Gallen University of the Francesco Kneschaurek Professor then, Back not coined. had yet been phrase ■ receive the magazine free of charge. Anyone else can subscribe to the magazine for an annual fee (Switzerland: CHF 30 / abroad: CHF 50). Subscribers are sent the magazine direct from Berne. Berne. from direct magazine the sent are 50). Subscribers CHF /abroad: 30 CHF (Switzerland: fee annual an for magazine the to subscribe can else Anyone charge. of free magazine the receive EDITORIAL E I Now it is up to the Federal Council and Parliament to implement the initiative. This This initiative. the to implement Parliament and Now itFederal up to Council is the ques the initiative, fat-cat the to implement outcome tug-of-war of the the Whatever Reputable outrage. their not in are alone Swiss the abroad, reaction by the Judging NT D I TORS: Barbara E Barbara TORS: E of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Berne, Tel.: +41313566110, Fax: +41313566101, Postal account (Swiss National Giro): 30-6768-9. 30-6768-9. Giro): National (Swiss account Postal +41313566101, +41313566110, Fax: Tel.: Berne, 26, 3006 Alpenstrasse Abroad, Swiss the of RN ple have had enough of the excessive demands and greed – often accompanied by accompanied –often greed and demands excessive of the enough ple had have peo of Swiss majority vast the sent signal: out a clear three of the One 3 March. proposals important hree “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss abroad, is in its 40th year of publication and is published in German, French, I French, German, in published is and publication of year 40th its in is abroad, Swiss the for magazine the Review”, “Swiss E T: www.revue.ch ngel (B ngel E ), E ticular immigration to our country and its consequences. A its consequences. and country to our immigration ticular francs. Swiss excess of 2million in cies lega and on endowments tax inheritance for an initiative the and of 1:12 for companies, bandwidth salary amaximum impose would which “1:12 the initiative, –For foreigners, pay” for wealthy fair tax flat-rate the to abolish aproposal wage, for aminimum initiative an submitted: been already have subject on this initiatives popular ■ CHANG We have chosen to focus in this edition on migration, in par in on migration, edition We this in to focus chosen have ditor-in-Chief; Marc Lettau (MUL); Jürg Müller (JM); Alain W Alain (JM); Müller Jürg (MUL); Lettau Marc ditor-in-Chief; OF ADDR E OF E SS: Please advise your local embassy or consulate. Do not write to Berne. Berne. to write not Do consulate. or embassy local your advise Please SS: were the subject of referend subject were the ■ LAYOUT: Herzog Design, Zurich Zurich Design, Herzog LAYOUT: a in Switzerland on Switzerland a in ey (A ey W Barbara ); Jean-François Lichtenstern (JFL), responsible for “Notes from Parliament”, Relations with with Relations Parliament”, from “Notes for responsible (JFL), Lichtenstern ); Jean-François Eng e l ------

■ ■ POSTAL ADDR POSTAL All Swiss abroad who are registered with a Swiss representation representation aSwiss with registered are who abroad Swiss All 20 Regional news Literature series:Monique Saint-Hélier. 16 initiative goes to referendum. Direct election of the Federal Council –the 14 Switzerland. Immigration triggers politicalactivism in 8 documented by photographers. Images: Architecture inGrisons 6 Books: Legends and myths aboutK2 5 Mailbag 5 Photo: Lionel Flusin –FFJM Flusin Lionel Photo: 77.2013 age at 10, January on died He Festival. Jazz Montreux the of founder the as culture Swiss to contribution enormous an made Nobs Claude image: Cover Echo 30 Notes from parliament 27 AOSA advice 24 Director of Pro Helvetia. An interview withAndrew Holland, 22 Claude Nobs:Afarewell tribute. Co talian, E talian, nte E SS: Publisher, editorial office, advertising: Organi advertising: office, editorial Publisher, SS: nglish and Spanish in 14 regional editions. I editions. 14 regional in Spanish and nglish ■ nt E MA Copy deadline for this edition: 13.02.2013 edition: this for deadline Copy I s L: [email protected] [email protected] L: ■ PR I NT: V ogt-Schild t has t has We‘ll take you to Switzerland at the click of a mouse. Hinterlassen Sie Bleibendes – Information. News. Background reports. Analysis. tun Sie etwas für unsere Landsleute www.revue.ch From Switzerland, about Switzerland. Multimedia, Wir freuen uns auf Ihren online-Besuch. interactive and up to date in 9 languages. im Ausland swissinfo.ch Mit einem Legat oder einer Erbeinsetzung können Sie über Ihren Tod hinaus bestimmen, was mit Ihrem Geld, Ihren Immobilien oder Sachwerten passie- ren soll*. Die Auslandschweizer-Organisation wird die Mittel gemäss des Willens des Erblassers vollumfänglich für die Auslandschweizer einsetzen. www.ilg-mietauto.chMit einem Legat oder einer Erbeinsetzung an seitdie ASO 50 setzen Jahren Sie ein ! bleibendes Zeichen der Solidarität mit unseren Landsleuten im Ausland. 40 Modelle, spez. für Auslandschweizer *Dazu müssen Sie ein Testament verfassen. Wie das geht, erfahren Sie aus einer leicht ver- z.Bständlichen Monatsmiete Informationsschrift, inkl. frei Kilometer: die Ihnen die ASO auf Anfrage gerne zuschickt: Rechts- Daciadienst Sandero der ASO; Alpenstrasse1.2, Fr. 750.– 26; CH-3006 Bern. [email protected] Dacia Duster 4x4, Fr. 1250.– H.Ilg AutovermietungHelfen Frauenfeld Sie uns helfen! Tel 0041 52 7203060 www.revue.ch We look forward to your online visit.

Leave a lasting legacy behind Do something for our compatriots abroad

A legacy or bequest allows you to leave instructions on the disposal of your money, real estate or property*. A bequest to the OSA is an enduring reminder of your solidarity with our compatriots abroad. The Organisation for the Swiss Abroad uses all such funds to assist Swiss Abroad in accordance with the testator’s instructions. www.revue.ch Faites-nous donc le plaisir d’une visite. *To do this you need to draw up a will. The OSA offers an informative, easy-to-understand Vorsorgen in Schweizer Franken. brochure on how to draw up a will: Contact the OSA Legal Service, "Rechtsdienst der ASO", Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne or e-mail [email protected] Agentur Auslandschweizer Stefan Böni, Winkelstrasse 1, CH-8706 Meilen Help us to help you! +41 44 925 39 39, www.swisslife.ch/aso

Ins_ASO_GA-Meilen_4C_90x645.indd 1 Langua21.03.2013 ge09:23:38courses forLaissezadults, students une trace,ESL - Montreux and juniorfaitess quelque choseGrand-rue pour42 nos compatriotes de l’étrangerCH - 1820 Montr ! eux Take advantage of a 15% discount on t +41 (0) 21.621.88.88 e [email protected] www.revue.ch www.esl-schools.org our coursesEn désignantin Switz un légataireerland! ou un héritier, vous déterminez au-delà de votre Esperamos su grata visita online. décès le sort de votre argent, vos immeubles ou vos biens*. L’Organisation des Suisses de l’étranger engage l’intégralité des ressources héritées en fa- veur des Suisses de l'étranger, conformément à la volonté du testateur. En faisant un legs à l’OSE ou en l’instituant héritière, vous témoignez durable- ment de votre solidarité avec nos compatriotes de l’étranger.

*A cet effet, il est nécessaire que vous rédigiez un testament. Une feuille d’information facilement compréhensible vous explique comment procéder. Si vous souhaitez l’obtenir, l’OSE se fera un plaisir de vous l’envoyer: Service juridique de l’OSE, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne. [email protected] Aidez-nous à aider!

Deje algo perdurable, ayude a nuestros compatriotas en el extranjero

Con un legado o una nominación de heredero, usted puede decidir qué debe suceder con su dinero, sus inmuebles o sus valores materiales* después de su fallecimiento. La Organización de los Suizos en el Extranjero usará la to- talidad de estos medios para los suizos en el extranjero, según la voluntad del testador. Con un legado para la OSE, usted marca una señal perdurable de solidaridad con nuestros compatriotas que viven en el extranjero.

*Para esto, usted tiene que redactar un testamento. A pedido, la OSE le enviará con gusto una información fácilmente comprensible que indica cómo hacerlo: Servicio Legal de la OSE; Alpenstrasse 26; CH-3006 Berna. [email protected] ¡Ayúdenos a ayudar! Mailbag books 5

An affront ilisation and greatness is “Saw K2 for the first time,” wrote Jules Jacot Guillarmod As a Swiss citizen who lived measured by its capacity for in his diary on 18 June 1902. “Imposing, daunting and and worked abroad for over assuming social responsibility yet a delight.” The next day, the doctor and mountaineer seven years, I feel justified in towards minorities (Swiss from Neuchâtel took two photographs of Chogori, as local taking a stance against the citizens abroad). people call the mountain. These were the first images of one-sided, left-leaning views werner Wegmüller, Thailand the world’s second-highest mountain. Nevertheless, they of the Editor-in-Chief Bar- disappeared over the following decades, as did the diary bara Engel. It should firstly be Americans in Switzerland and 12,000 other photographs taken by Guillarmod on pointed out that she only As a dual citizen, I spent sev- his round-the-world travels using a verascope, an instru- speaks for a minority of the eral years in the USA before ment used in relief photography, which was popular at Swiss population. The views returning to Switzerland to the time. she represents are an absolute work for a US computer com- Another mountaineer thrust himself forward to join affront to many Swiss citizens pany. During my eight years the first K2 expedition – Aleister Crowley, the occultist and are almost exactly in line working in Switzerland, and idol of the hippies. This Englishman influenced ge-

with those in the red-green I was told every day that I the real K2 Mr nerations of K2 authors. They accepted the myth ex- end of the political spectrum should go back to where I pounded in his “Confessions” in 1922 that Aleister Crowley was in Switzerland. A generous came from. After eight years a genius surrounded by mediocrity on this expedition. Evi- calculation does not even give of insults about those “Ameri- dence confirms that Crowley was reckless, impulsive, rash, ego- these left-wing parties a 30% cans” I had had enough. I re- tistical and often difficult. He is even supposed to have chal- share of the vote. The other turned to the USA where most lenged a companion to a pistol duel during the expedition. 70% are staunchly conserva- people leave each other alone For a long time the contribution of Jules Jacot Guillarmod to tive and demonstrably op- and respect their views and the expedition was neglected. That has now changed. The posed to any kind of subjuga- practices. It would be nice if grandchildren of the adventurer from Neuchâtel, who died in tion to EU legislation. These the Swiss would not generalise 1925, have now made their grandfather’s legacy accessible to citizens certainly do not ap- about Americans because we the public. His photographs are today housed in the Musée de preciate the disdain and con- have very nice people here too. l’Elysée in Lausanne, and the Parisian mountaineering journa- temptuous tone in Ms Engel’s There are some rotten apples list Charlie Buffet has written the story of “Jules Jacot Guillar- comments about the Swiss in Switzerland as well. mod, K2 pioneer”. The book is breathtaking. Firstly, there are President. Her articles ooze Ruth Zahnd, Orange, USA the photographs. Guillarmod did not just photograph moun- underlying hostility towards tains but also Sherpas and local people. They are insightful, the Swiss People’s Party A pleasure sensitive images full of humanity. Buffet also puts the daring (SVP) and the Swiss Presi- I am enjoying reading the undertaking of a Himalayan expedition around 1900 in the dent. This is a common “Swiss Review” more and context of the day. He describes Paris at the turn of the cen- thread through all articles more. I read every article in tury where Guillarmod, a lover of technology with a thirst for written by her and like- the last two issues from start knowledge, encountered the avant-garde in mountaineering. minded persons. to finish. A wide range of The book meticulously covers what happened on K2. It looks Robert Nieth, Walchwil, topics is covered, the general at the ascent over the Baltoro glacier and Switzerland tone is positive and it pro- the nine camps that the group set up. We vides a critical look at current learn about the medical conditions that Health insurance for the developments. I also find it the expedition members suffered, inclu- Swiss abroad extremely informative. The ding eczema, migraines and fevers – sym- All Swiss citizens are equal article on climate change ptoms of altitude sickness. Guillarmod before the law according to opened my eyes to many is- painstakingly noted everything with our constitution. This never- sues and I was presented with great objectivity. Buffet compares him to theless fails to apply to rules completely new facts and ob- an entomologist examining life under a on health insurance for the servations. The short biogra- microscope. Swiss abroad. When we as phy of Cilette Ofaire, the It is hard to believe that such a dramatic event as a duel Swiss citizens de-register in brief introduction to the life- could have escaped Guillarmod’s attention. Yet, his diary does our home country and take up work of Meret Oppenheim not contain even the slightest hint of a confrontation between residence abroad we are ex- and the account of Luc Hoff- Crowley and another member of the expedition. Buffet there-

2 cluded from the insurance mann’s career in the latest is- fore believes this story was invented and is untrue “like al- schemes. This presents a ma- sue were wonderful. Many most everything that was told about Crowley on K2”. jor issue for many Swiss citi- thanks to everyone who has SERAINA GROSS zens abroad. We are down- made this possible. graded to second-class iRMGARd Bauer, Charensat, Charlie Buffet: “Jules Jacot Guillarmod, Pionier am K2” (in German), AS Verlag & Buchkonzept AG, Zurich 2012; 152 pages, around CHF 52 or “Jules FRance ss Review April 2013 / No. citizens as a result of the ex- Jacot Guillarmod. Pionnier du K2” (in French), Slatkine Helvetica, Geneva

Swi clusion. A nation’s level of civ- 2012; 160 pages; around CHF 58. 6 Images

Architecture in Grisons has always tion for photographers. The Museum of Point of view been shaped by nature and the land- Art in Chur is now holding an exhibi- scape, but also by tourism. The very tion on architecture from the perspec- distinctive style of architecture has tive of photographers. A book featur- constantly proven a source of fascina- ing images and commentary

The dining- and ball room of the Bergün casino which opened in 1906, photographed by Ralph Feiner in 2009

The Hôtel Kursaal de la Maloja photographed by Rudolf Zinggeler at the start of the 20th century 2 G Bündner Kunstmuseum Bündner G V ss Review April 2013 / No. The newly built Vals thermal baths, designed by the architet Peter Zumthor, opened in 1996, Ponte Nanin and Ponte Cascella in Mesocco photogra phed by Ralph Feiner in 2009 Swi Photos: Z Photos: photographed by Hélène Binet 7

concerning the 150-year history of ar- expert readership but instead a fasci- The exhibition: until 12 May 2013 at the Grisons Museum of Art in Chur. chitectural photography entitled “An- nating illustrated book containing in- www.buendner-kunstmuseum.ch sichtssache” (Point of View) has been formative but also amusing insights The book: “Ansichtssache”, 150 Jahre Architektur- fotografie in Graubünden. Edited by Stephan Kunz published to accompany the event. into various aspects of architecture in and Köbi Gantenbein; Verlag Scheidegger & Spiess/ This is not a publication aimed at an Grisons. Bündner Kunstmuseum, 384 pages; CHF 58, EUR 48.

A house built by the architect Peter Zumthor in Leis photographed by Ralph Feiner in 2012

The Hôtel Kursaal de la Maloja photographed by Rudolf Zinggeler at the start of the 20th century

Ponte Nanin and Ponte Cascella in Mesocco photogra phed by Ralph Feiner in 2009 House in Zuoz photographed by Rudolf Zinggeler 8 Focus

Warning signs over immigration policy Switzerland is an attractive destination for foreigners, and the high level of immigration confirms this. What is today referred to as “density stress” is evident in many places. There are nonetheless significant differences between past and present immigration. These days, it is also a sign of economic prosperity. However, there is growing unease among large sections of the population, and radical solution proposals are gaining the upper hand. By Jürg Müller

In German, “Sack” and “Tüte” both sig- land rising. The impact is also being felt in higher than ever and stands at over a fifth nify the same item, a bag. But in Switzer- schools, the healthcare system, social policy of the population (around 23%). In 2012, the land customers are given a “Sack” to put and, above all, the labour market. More than resident foreign population rose by a total their shopping in at the supermarket, rather half of the professors working at Swiss uni- of three per cent or just under 53,000 peo- than a “Tüte”. This is what Joachim Eibach versities come from abroad, for instance. ple. This increase is primarily explained by has learned on his Swiss German course. There is no longer a relaxed attitude every- the fact that immigration from EU count- Eibach is German; he has been a professor where – tension is brewing in some places. ries has been made easier by the free move- of history at the University of Berne since And those factions who have always used the ment of persons (up 4.1%, as in 2011). The 2004 and is making every effort to ensure immigration issue to attract votes believe largest immigrant groups arrived from Por- he integrates into Swiss society in the best their time has now come. tugal and Germany. Immigration from way possible. Yongala Falanga Ndambo is Politicians are therefore upping the ante. countries outside the EU only climbed out and about in Berne, working as a tram Several referenda will be held in the very slightly (by 0.9%). and bus driver. The Congolese citizen has near future that not only call for a change Switzerland has had a relatively high pro- been living in Switzerland for 20 years. He in direction in immigration policy but portion of foreigners for some time. The puts on his tie in the morning with great could also have a major impact on Switzer- share of permanent foreign residents stood care. He loves the responsibility of driving land’s relationship with the European Un- at 15% as far back as 1910. After a decline a Bernese tram. His philosophy for life is ion. These include the pending popular in- during the two world wars, this level was “do your job well and show decency towards itiatives “against mass immigration”, reached again in 1980. The high proportion everyone”. He too is a model of integration. submitted by the Swiss People’s Party of foreigners is not least a result of Switzer- 1.825 million immigrants were living in (SVP), and “stop overpopulation – safe- land’s restrictive naturalisation procedure. Switzerland at the end of 2012. This means guard natural resources”, put forward by In the event of high levels of immigration that one in four people in employment is of the Ecopop Association. With foreign origin. The Federal Office for Mi- Croatia’s accession to the EU in gration (FOM) presents two of them, the middle of 2013, the extension Joachim Eibach and Yongala Falanga of the free movement of persons Ndambo, in a video clip on its homepage accord is also under discussion. A lasting just under two minutes. The immi- referendum against this is almost grants “contribute to Switzerland’s pros- certain to take place. perity through their work” is the message All these proposals have a real on the FOM’s website. The government chance of success at referendum. body has sought to give immigration a hu- The Swiss people can no longer be man face through its short video portraits. depended upon to support the However, it is not just noble intentions and Federal Council’s policy on immi- exemplary attempts at integration that lie gration as they did in the years behind the nice short film; it is also a re- 2000, 2005 and 2009 with regard sponse to signs of growing anxiety. to the introduction of the free movement of persons and its ex- Relaxed attitude is dissipating tension on two occasions. An A sense of alarm started to take hold in Au- acute fear of being overrun by im- gust last year when Switzerland’s population migrants instead of a matter-of- exceeded the eight-million mark. Concern fact weighing-up of interests may

2 was felt at various levels and among almost prove decisive at the ballot box. all sections of society. Most people experience “density stress” in their everyday lives, The proportion of foreigners whether it is in the form of overcrowded is higher than ever trains or increasingly heavy congestion on Let us focus on the figures for a

ss Review April 2013 / No. the roads. Housing is becoming an ever scar- moment. The proportion of for-

Swi Scanderbeg PhotographiePhoto: Sauer cer commodity, with the cost of rents and eigners in Switzerland today is A scenario presented by critics of immigration for the city of Zurich 9

from EU countries, the Federal Council can ners. The Social Democrat Federal Coun- Germans working in Switzerland. The SVP activate the safety-valve clause or, in other cillor Simonetta Sommaruga, head of the National Councillor Natalie Rickli from words, impose a limitation on the number of Federal Department of Justice and Police Zurich sparked outrage a year ago with her residence permits, provided certain condi- and therefore responsible for the immigra- remark: “Individual Germans don’t bother tions are met. It already took this step for tion issue, is only too familiar with the di- me but their arrival en masse does.” This the eastern EU states last year. The restric- lemma facing the federal authorities. She was not a particularly friendly tone to adopt tion of the free movement of persons is ne- has warned in various interviews against towards the highly qualified professionals vertheless a contentious issue as it is regar- playing down the problems of immigration urgently needed by the economy, such as ded as an affront by many EU countries. and has highlighted the dangers of overloo- doctors, engineers, IT specialists, professors The Federal Council is set to decide in April king the unsavoury aspects of this pheno- and hotel managers, etc. This example cle- whether the safety-valve clause will be ap- menon. At the same time, the Federal Coun- arly illustrates how scapegoats and sympa- plied to all EU states. cillor has emphasised that Switzerland must thies can change. The once maligned Itali- The numbers are rising not just in terms of live with immigration as it is vitally impor- ans have now become paragons in terms of the permanent foreign population but also tant to the country. Immigrants make an cuisine and lifestyle. among asylum seekers for whom the figures enormous contribution to ensuring Switzer- People seldom learn from history, but it soared by 27 % in 2012 to reach 28,631. The land is one of the most competitive count- is clear that Switzerland has dealt with nu- federal authorities are responding with vari- ries in the world, she says. merous waves of immigration in the past, ous measures. First and foremost, the asylum Sommaruga also points to an historical which have initially attracted criticism and process is to be considerably speeded up. A fact – Switzerland would not have become seen emotions run high, in a manner that referendum has been called against the set of what it is today without immigrants over has produced great benefit. The problem proposals approved by the Federal Council the course of its history. Protestants who is just that once fears of being overrun by and Parliament, which include urgent meas- fled to Switzerland for religious reasons in immigrants take hold and politicians of ures on asylum. The Swiss people will there- the 17th century and the liberal political every ilk only seek to focus on the challeng- fore decide on 9 June 2013 (see page 14). refugees in the 19th century, who included ing aspects of immigration, then rational the founders of many companies (e.g. argument becomes of little use. It would ac- Switzerland is dependent on Brown, Boveri and Nestlé), have given tually be entirely apt to exalt immigration immigrants Switzerland enormous momentum. The in- because Switzerland is not just one of the The authorities are undoubtedly taking dustrial boom and expansion of the railway most multicultural nations in Europe, it is notice of the fact that many people are anxi- network in the latter decades of the 19th also more prosperous than ever before. The ous about the growing numbers of foreig- century and at the beginning of the 20th correlation is obvious – when the economy century sparked one of the larg- booms, immigration rises. It is dictated by est waves of immigration. The demand among companies. More people high level of immigration after arrived during the economic upturn from the Second World War was also 2006 to 2008. Net immigration declined the result of strong economic sharply by a quarter in 2009, a year of re- growth. Switzerland experi- cession, compared with the previous year. enced the largest wave of immi- Immigration also stimulates domestic con- gration in its history between sumption. This is revealed by the retail in- 1950 and 1970. A total of 2.68 dustry study conducted by the major bank million foreigners arrived in Credit Suisse. The study also provided ev- Switzerland on one-year work idence that growth in the retail industry is permits or as residents during higher than population growth. This is ex- this period. At the same time, plained by the fact that most immigrants around three million permits are highly qualified, are accordingly well were also issued to seasonal paid and, in turn, spend their income. workers. Xenophobic political However, the problems mentioned can- parties became increasingly in- not simply be dismissed. The SVP is far fluential in the 1960s. Their from the only party with immigration on campaigns on excessive immi- its agenda. The Social Democrats are also gration primarily targeted for- taking notice of people’s anxieties. They eign workers from Italy. presented a policy paper on immigration in 2012. However, unlike the SVP, they are The Italians in the past and not seeking the immediate revocation of today the Germans the free movement of persons. Their solu- It is no longer the Italians whom tion is to bulk up the accompanying meas- the Swiss get worked up about, ures to counter wage pressure and high A scenario presented by critics of immigration for the city of Zurich but rather the large numbers of rental costs. They regard “misguided con- 10 Focus

multi-billionaires paying flat-rate taxation, management executives and CEOs, students, agricultural workers, senior physi- cians, professors, and service and trade specialists. They all use the Swiss infrastructure. But to blame every problem and inconvenience on immigration is unreasonable. The growing use of residen- tial space is, for example, primarily due to the rising demands of Swiss society, which have been increasing for years. Urban sprawl is essentially the result of poor spatial planning, and the rise in mobility on the roads and railways is a consequence of this and the ever greater distance between home and work that urban sprawl brings. Immigration accentuates these home-made problems and makes the already existing need for reform even more acute. “I want to become Swiss, I don’t like foreigners.” Simple solutions to complex problems servative regional economic and tax poli- overheated economic hubs. It is only really The focus of attention has suddenly shifted cies” as a grave mistake. Switzerland at- the companies that benefit from this, from reforms to radical solutions in light of tracts “international companies with the whilst the Swiss public has to endure the the density stress. However, there are always lowest tax rates of all structurally strong negative consequences, such as rocketing pitfalls with simple solutions to complex countries despite not having enough well property prices and high rents, etc. problems. This is equally true of the immi- qualified personnel”, complains the Swiss Barroom debates rarely distinguish be- gration initiatives launched by both the SVP Social Democratic Party (SP). The upshot tween the various categories of immigrant and the Ecopop Association (see boxes). In is that foreign workers flood into already – asylum seekers, permanent residents, its dispatch on the SVP’s popular initiative,

“Concrete solutions to Switzerland is not a country of immigration, historically speaking. But migration is nothing new. There have always been social groups specific problems instead of who have moved around and covered large distances. In the Mid- dle Ages, these included craftsmen, merchants and scholars. Swit- abstract figures” zerland was also a nation of emigration for long periods, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries when poverty forced people to Migration is nothing new in historical terms, but the move- leave. ment of migrants is particularly intensive today. Professor Walter Leimgruber, Chairman of the Federal Commission on So, there has always been migration. Why are a lot of people so con- Migration, believes that an acceptable level of immigration is cerned about the current situation? not a matter of figures but a question of social consensus. This clearly has to do with the intensity of migration. But we also Interview: Jürg Müller find migration difficult to accept because the notion of a static, sta- ble society is ingrained in us. This idea first emerged in the 19th «swiss review»: Switzerland’s population stands at over eight mil- century with the establishment of nation states. It is the belief that lion, around 1.8 million of whom are immigrants. Is our population too everyone has a natural place where they live and have roots. This

2 high? has hardly ever reflected reality. Above all, national borders were Walter Leimgruber: There is no basis for calculating whether not perceived as such in the period up to the First World War and too many, too few or exactly the right number of people live in a cross-border exchange of all kinds was taken for granted. country. How many immigrants a society can actually sustain is primarily a matter of social consensus. Nevertheless, the high levels of immigration are causing anxiety in

ss Review April 2013 / No. large sections of the population. What would you say to these people as Photo: PatrickPhoto: Chappatte Swi What role has immigration played in Swiss history? the Chairman of the Federal Commission on Migration 11

the Federal Council warns that the propo- residence permits are, in particular, sal is directly opposed to the agreement an application from an employer, the with the EU on the free movement of per- ability to integrate and adequate sons. The Federal Council points out that independent means of existence”. the termination of this agreement would have “grave consequences for the Swiss economy which earns one in two francs in the Environmental protection EU”. It would jeopardise the entire set of bi- through population policy lateral agreements. SVP “against mass immigration” The Ecopop popular initiative “stop The Ecopop initiative could trigger a The SVP popular initiative “against mass overpopulation – safeguard natural completely unpredictable dynamic. The immigration” was a major campaign is- resources” was submitted in November popular initiative put forward by this enig- sue at the federal elections in October 2012 with 119,816 valid signatures. The matic association appeals to very different 2011. It was submitted in February 2012 Federal Council has yet to adopt a groups. Ecopop sees itself as an environ- with 135,557 valid signatures. The Fed- position. The Ecopop Association de- mental movement that addresses population eral Council opposes the initiative, scribes itself as the “only environmental issues. Restricting immigration is tradition- which is set to be addressed by Parlia- protection organisation in Switzerland ally a demand made by those on the right. ment this year before being put before that seriously addresses the issue of However, the goal of curbing immigration the Swiss people. The initiative calls for population”. The initiative aims to to protect the environment is also popular Switzerland to set annual ceilings and establish Switzerland’s population at a among some left-wing and green voters. quotas for residence permits. To avoid level “where the natural resources are Switzerland is therefore facing some any loopholes, this would apply to all safeguarded over the long term”. It stormy debates on immigration that, de- categories of immigrant, including calls for immigration into Switzerland pending on the outcome of the referenda, cross-border commuters and asylum to be restricted to 0.2% of the popula- might have more far-reaching conse- seekers. Immigration would then be tion per year. Federal government quences than simply doing further damage possible provided it serves “Switzer- should also be obliged to spend 10% of to its image. They have the potential to un- land’s general economic interests, tak- its development aid on voluntary ravel Switzerland’s entire policy on Europe, ing account of the precedence of Swiss family planning initiatives in Third which is already in a very fragile state. citizens”. The text of the initiative World countries. JM JÜRG MÜLLER is an editor with the “Swiss Review” states that the “key criteria for issuing

These concerns are justified to an extent as migration and mobil- Two initiatives on immigration are pending – the SVP immigration ity present huge challenges, for society as a whole but also for in- initiative and that of the Ecopop Association. Do these offer potential dividual groups in particular. The main issue is fears over employ- solutions? ment, affordable housing and globalisation. Old certainties that the Both initiatives are based on assumptions that cannot be proven economy would always follow an upward trend and prosperity right or wrong in quantitative terms. There are parts of the world would constantly rise are being dispelled. that are much more densely populated than Switzerland where the system works well and other sparsely populated areas that perform Is this why there is so much hostility towards the Germans today? poorly. These initiatives are based on the wrong approach. We They are immigrants who are actually similar to us in many respects. should not seek to implement quantitative targets but instead we This hostility is quite extraordinary. It is firstly explained by his- should examine where the problems really lie and aim to find tai- torical reasons. We have been involved in many political conflicts lored solutions that have the support of the majority of the popu- over the centuries, starting with the confederation breaking away lation. from the German Empire through to the Second World War. The Swiss have always attached great importance to having their own separate identity and not being regarded as Germans. The main

2 differences today are in terms of mentality. Germans think that they can live in (German-speaking) Swiss society without any prob- Walter Leimgruber (53) is a tenured lems because both speak the same language. But that is often ex- professor and head of the seminar on cultural studies and European ethnology at actly where the rub lies – Germans are much more direct in the way the University of Basel. He has undertaken they express themselves. They often fail to understand, for exam- research visits to the USA, France and Ger- many. A guest lecturer in Marburg and Vi- ss Review April 2013 / No. ple, that when Swiss people say “yes, but” they actually mean “no”. enna, he is Chairman of the Federal Com-

Swi donated Photo: A lot of communication is required. mission on Migration since January 2012. Swiss Review April 2013 / No. 2 h “ws Rve” s o as aalbe s fe app free a as available also now is Review” “Swiss The version, you cansetyour preferences onwww.swissabroad.ch orsendarequest to theconsulate If youIf want to receive “Swiss Review” form inelectronic only inthefuture rather thantheprint The FDFA Helpline willbegladto answer any questions onhow to receive the “Swiss Review”: +41 80024-7-365 [email protected] with whichyou are registered. for iPad andAndroid tablets for iPad The “Swiss Review” is now also available as a free app for iPad and Android tablets

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Will the people soon be electing garded as party political figureheads and the driving forces behind party election cam- the Federal Council? paigns. They would be heavily involved in Should the seven-member national government be elected by the Swiss people in fu- election campaigns in the second half of the ture instead of by Parliament as it is at present? The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) be- legislative period. In addition, the national lieves that it should and has submitted an initiative. The Federal Council and Parlia- parties would be strengthened at the expense ment are opposed to the proposal. The Swiss people will now decide on 9 June 2013. of the cantonal parties, resulting in the cen- By Jürg Müller tralisation of politics. Above all, Parliament would lose a key There is certainly no shortage of controversial liament”. The Swiss People’s Party argues: mandate, the control of the legislative by the issues and nail-biting referendum campaigns “It is disgraceful that the Federal Council executive would be weakened and the gov- in Swiss politics at the moment. After the ref- elections are constantly tarnished by under- ernment’s position strengthened enor- erendum battle over the fat-cat initiative on 3 hand scheming and political calculations”. mously. Federal Council members and their March (see also righthand page), the Swiss Popular election would enable the nomina- parties would also become financially de- people will have another opportunity to vote tion of high-profile figures whereas election pendent on wealthy individuals, companies on an issue that will trigger fierce debate on 9 by Parliament increases “the chances of mod- or lobby organisations due to the expensive, June. This time the issue is the election of the erate compromise candidates”. A Federal national election campaigns. National Federal Council by the Swiss people. Council elected by the people would be di- Councillor Bea Heim, spokesperson for the This is no trivial matter as it concerns a key rectly answerable to the people, which would Swiss Social Democratic Party (SP) faction, question to do with how the Swiss state is or- result in a better control of power: “The Fed- remarked in the National Council debate: ganised. Andreas Gross, Social Democrat and eral Council would no longer be able to dis- “We do not want an Americanisation of the spokesperson for the National Council’s Po- regard referendum decisions or neglect to Federal Council elections or national Fed- litical Institutions Committee, remarked in implement initiatives.” eral Council election campaigns costing mil- the parliamentary debate: “This concerns an lions if not billions funded by goodness issue that would fundamentally change poli- Warning against Americanisation knows who.” The SP rejects “the election of tics in our country.” The SVP in fact raised Arguments were put forward at various lev- the Federal Council by the Swiss people in this issue back in the 1990s but it did not take els by opponents of the initiative and by the principle”. action until after the de-selection of Christoph Federal Council during the debates in the Blocher from the Federal Council in 2007. Federal Assembly. They contended that the The SP twice campaigned in favour The “election of the Federal Council by the existing electoral system was one of the rea- The debate over the popular election of the Swiss people” initiative was submitted in mid- sons for peaceful co-existence, stability and, Federal Council is nothing new and the Social 2011. therefore, prosperity in Switzerland. Under Democrats have not always been so averse to a system of popular election, the members of the idea. They were in fact previously ardent An end to “underhand machinations” the government would be pushed to the fore- supporters of popular election and some indi- The Swiss people would elect the Federal front of party politics and actual policymak- vidual politicians still are. Switzerland has al- Council rather than Parliament. The SVP being would be overshadowed. The credibility ready voted on the issue of the election of the lieves this is in line with the “proven model of of the government would be weakened be- Federal Council by the Swiss people, in 1900 cantonal council elections”. The initiative pro- cause the Federal Councillors would be re- and 1942 – the proposals were overwhelmingly vides for the holding of Federal Council elections every four years at the same time as Na- tional Council elections. The French- and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland would be guaranteed at least two seats between them, and the elections would be based on the majority system. In order to be elected, candidates would have to secure an absolute majority – in other words, over half of the votes cast. The SVP is lauding the benefits of the election of the Federal Council by the Swiss people in the highest possible terms. It

2 claims that the rights of the people would be extended, the system would be in line with the principle of the sovereignty of the people and the separation of powers would also be enhanced. Such an election process would

ss Review April 2013 / No. be transparent, fair and would stop the “tac-

Swi donated Photo: tical manoeuvres and machinations of Par- The incumbent Federal Councillors and the Federal Chancellor 15

rejected on both occasions. The proposal was Overwhelming sup- tive while numerous cantonal parties sup- submitted back then by the Social Democrats, ported it. The business associations, in partic- and the reasoning was the same as that of the port for “fat-cat pay” ular Economiesuisse, also campaigned against SVP today: the underrepresentation of the the popular initiative. Daniel Vasella, the de- party on the Federal Council. With a 26 to 28 initiative parting chairman of the Board of Directors at per cent share of the vote, the SP was the party The outcome of the referendum held on the pharmaceutical group Novartis, created that had the greatest support among the elec- 3 March saw the approval of the “fat- impetus in the closing stages of the fiercely con- torate between 1929 and 1939 at the National cat pay” initiative and the bill on more tested referendum campaign. He was supposed Council elections. Yet it was denied a seat on rigorous protection of the countryside to receive 72 million Swiss francs as compensa- the Federal Council. but rejection of the proposal for a bet- tion under a non-compete agreement. Even Va- Despite the official party line, the issue is ter work-life balance. sella’s decision to forego this farewell gift was not off the agenda for all Social Democrats. SP unable to repair the damage caused. Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey sug- Salaries and bonus payments running into gested in the “SonntagsBlick” newspaper in millions of Swiss francs and golden hand- Protection of the countryside 2008 that the popular election of the Federal shakes for executives have been a cause of dis- The approval of the amendment to spatial Council could provide a solution to certain content for many years. With overwhelming planning legislation comes as less of a sur- problems. And the young SP National Coun- approval (67.9%) of the popular initiative prise. The adoption of the second home ini- cillor Cédric Wermuth declared during the “against fat-cat pay” put forward by Thomas tiative last March indicated that the Swiss National Council debate on the SVP popular Minder, the businessman and independent people regard protection of the countryside initiative in December 2012 that the Swiss Council of States member, the Swiss people as a top priority. The bill approved by 62.9% People’s Party would have “found allies within sent out a message that has also received much of voters aims to reduce excessive develop- the SP faction” if their initiative had been bet- attention internationally. The new constitu- ment zones and thus combat urban sprawl. ter thought-out. “Allowing the people to elect tional article strengthens shareholders’ rights The “family article”, which sought to pro- their government directly is a very democratic in defining remuneration for Board of Direc- mote a work-life balance, was rejected. 54.3% proposal,” said Wermuth. He and two other tors and Executive Board members. Sever- of the Swiss people actually supported the SP representatives promptly submitted their ance payments will be prohibited in future. bill, but it was rejected by 13 cantons and only own parliamentary initiative on the popular approved by 10. It therefore failed to secure election of the Federal Council last December. Vasella creates impetus the cantonal majority required for constitu- However, this differs from the SVP’s popular The initiative was only supported by the Social tional bills. The referendum campaign had initiative on three key points: Wermuth calls Democrats and the Greens. The conservative turned into an ideological battle between dif- for transparent campaign funding, a financial parties rejected it, favouring the indirect coun- ferent concepts of family, gender roles and the ceiling on the campaign budgets and an in- terproposal. The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) power of the state to shape policy in the deli- crease in the number of national government was split: the national SVP opposed the initia- cate area of the family. JM members to nine. The receptiveness of some on the left to the basic principle of the popular election of Opposed to tougher asylum law they also include the Young Socialists, in- the Federal Council might lend the SVP individual Swiss Social Democratic Party (SP) itiative additional momentum. It is difficult In addition to a vote on the election of the cantonal parties and the Green Party. to assess what impact a change of system Federal Council by the people a referendum The referendum committee hopes that a would have on everyday political life. How- will be held on urgent amendments to the “clear signal against further tightening of ever, the Institute of Political Science at the Asylum Act on 9 June 2013. This was called asylum legislation” is sent out at the bal- University of Berne has already produced a by green and left-wing factions. lot box. The fact that refusal to perform model calculation for the composition of the military service will no longer be a valid Federal Council. To sum up, the most likely The asylum system and procedures are reason for granting asylum has come un- outcome would be the reestablishment of sensitive issues in Switzerland. In the au- der the spotlight. However, the committee the old magic formula (two seats each for the tumn 2012 session, Parliament passed a re- is also opposed to new legislation under Social Democrats, the Free Democrats and solution to revise the Asylum Act, which which Swiss embassies abroad can no the Christian Democrats, and one seat for was declared a matter of urgency by the longer accept asylum applications. the SVP). In terms of their share of the vote, National Council and Council of States. The The amendments to the Asylum Act the SVP would therefore be underrepre- legislative changes are primarily intended have already entered into force because

2 sented. The study is heavily based on can- to speed up the process. Left-wing and they were declared urgent by Parliament. tonal council elections, and the calculation green factions have successfully called a They will apply until September 2015 un- therefore includes many unknown factors. referendum against revising asylum law. A less they are incorporated into standard Nevertheless, it highlights the fact that the committee made up of various organisa- law beforehand by Parliament. If the law is proposal could also backfire on the SVP. tions, trade unions and political parties is rejected by the Swiss people at referen- behind the move. In addition to church dum, the urgent amendments will cease to ss Review April 2013 / No.

Swi donated Photo: JÜRG MÜLLER is an editor at “Swiss Review” and development policy organisations, apply as early as September 2013. JM 16 Literature

Between two worlds: books and literary figures among the Swiss abroad By Charles Linsmayer

She evoked an imaginary La Chaux-de-Fonds in her writings from her sickbed in Paris – Monique Saint-Hélier

In 1934, the Neuchâtel “Express” reported on the sensational suc- gion with Blaise again. After being discharged from hospital, in 1923 cess of a local writer – “une des nôtres” (one of our own) – who was she became acquainted with Rainer Maria Rilke, who insightfully hiding herself away “in Paris under the pseudonym of Monique encouraged her to write. When he died in 1926, the 24 French po- Saint-Hélier and had captivated the literary world with her novel ems of the “Les Roses” series were lying on his desk with the inscrip- “Bois-Mort”. “Bois-Mort” was the first work in the “Les Alérac” se- tion “Joy forever – Joie pour toujours. Nous les destinons à Monique.” ries of novels written by Berthe Briod-Eimann between 1934 and 1955. It is an immense narrative work focusing entirely on an imag- Wrested from illness line by line inary La Chaux-de-Fonds and is distinguished by the fact that, while At the time, Monique Saint-Hélier and Blaise, who was working the actual plot is restricted to a few hours, the destiny of entire gen- for the League of Nations, had been living for several months in erations appears before the mind’s eye of the protagonists. Paris, a city that frightened her with its noise. Rilke’s death was another blow and she fell so seriously ill At loggerheads with family in 1927 that she was never able to walk and the Church again until the day she died on 9 March Berthe Eimann, a pharmacist’s daugh- 1955, and wrote her entire body of work ter, was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds on in bed. The Alérac series was preceded 2 September 1895 and lost her mother by two works dedicated to Rilke’s at the age of three. So profound was her memory: “A Rilke pour Noël” (1927) grief that when she began her literary and “La Cage aux rêves” (1932) – an as- career in 1927 she assumed the name of tonishingly modern account in novel Saint Hélier, who is celebrated on 16 form of how a dying young woman July, her mother’s birthday. She under- deals with the beginning and end of her went her first of several operations, conscious existence. With its collage which resulted in complications, at the style, it is a work that penetrates age of 11, acquired her Swiss school- deeper into areas of the soul than a lin- leaving diploma in Lausanne at 21 and ear text ever could. In contrast to what at 22, against her parents’ wishes, mar- it suggested, the novel was not Mo- ried Protestant theologian Blaise Briod, nique Saint-Hélier’s last book, but her with whom she converted to Catholi- remaining 23 years defy description in cism on her wedding day. Both were their gravity. During the German cap- studying literature in Berne when she Quotation ture of Paris, Blaise carried the sick- fell ill again. An unresolved lifelong “I am not the type who can fully integrate into woman to safety away from the bullets, conflict with the Catholic Church be- modern Parisian life. I suffer terrible anxie- and when she continued the Alérac se- gan during a two-year stay at the Vik- ties and am terrified of people. I feel like a ries after the war, Grasset, her publish- toria-Klinik hospital in Berne because blind person who has to be led by the hand and ing house, demanded that she abridge the hospital priest, with support from stumbles over every step or like an unsophisti- the work so drastically that the com- a bishop, would only allow her to con- cated provincial person with all the awkward- positional principle was completely de- tinue receiving the sacraments if she ness of a convent schoolgirl. How I wish you stroyed. “Ah, les éditeurs, les voilà nos burned books she owned written by could be here, my friend. I was never anxious ennemis”, she wrote in one of her last Montaigne and Calvin. She refused, re- when I was in your company.” (15 June 1926 to letters. fraining henceforth from taking part Rilke) in confession and communion. She also BibliographY: “Les Oiseaux du matin et autres 2 complied with the severest of the cler- nouvelles” and “L’Arrosoir rouge” (part 4 of the CHARLES LINSMAYER is a literary scholar ics’ orders about never discussing reli- Alérac series) are available in French from Edi- and journalist in Zurich tions de l’Aire. From Editions Zoé: “J’ai tant à vous dire. Correspondance avec Rilke 1923-1926”. The following are available in German: “Morsches Holz” from Suhrkamp and “Traumkäfig” (La Cage aux rêves) as volume 7 of Reprinted by Huber ss Review April 2013 / No. with a biography of Monique Saint-Hélier by hoto: donated hoto: P Swi Charles Linsmayer. Sport 17

Men and women of iron

It’s a non-stop event combining swimming, cycling and running. Swiss triathlon celebrated its second Olympic medal in 2012 with Nicola Spirig’s victory in London. Switzerland’s elite athletes take part in competitions all over the world and have enjoyed tremendous success. This feature by Alain Wey looks at this tri-discipline sport, its origins and its popularity in Switzerland. By Alain Wey

The triathlon is in a league of its own - a 1980s and today has over 4,200 members crazy sport, some might say. It’s a non-stop belonging to 76 clubs. Switzerland’s great- event combining swimming, cycling and est triathlon event is undoubtedly the running. Ever since it was invented, it has “Ironman Zurich Switzerland” which is been regarded as an extreme sport ahead part of the world ironman circuit. Reto of its time. The maiden event was chris- Hug adds that the Zug, Lausanne and Ge- tened “ironman” because it takes a super- neva triathlons are also raced over the human effort to cover over 200 kilometres Olympic distance. “What’s more, Geneva on land and water. If the athletes were able will host the European championships in to fly, “superman” might even be a fitting 2015,” Hug explains. Other competitions name. The triathlon has only been an are concentrated around regions where Olympic event since 2000 and will cele- lakes are found. One triathlon in canton brate its 40th anniversary in 2014. It has Nicola Spirig Berne stands out on account of its steep since conquered the entire world and takes terrain with a total ascent of 5,500 metres place over various distances. Swiss triath- lantic and captivated northern Europe, - the “Inferno”. The race starts out in Thun letes are amongst the best in the world and where the first competitions took place in before reaching Schilthorn at 2,970 metres, Switzerland is one of the most successful 1981, before conquering France in 1982. passing through Grindelwald. nations at the Olympic Games with two The number of events has increased gold and two bronze medals. Some of these sharply ever since. There are also shorter Reaching for the stars victories have even had a touch of Holly- courses, known as half and quarter iron- Several Swiss triathletes have won some of wood about them with Zurich’s Nicola man events. National federations were es- the world’s most prestigious titles. In the Spirig winning in London in 2012 by just a tablished in most European countries from long-distance competition, Natascha Bad- few centimetres ahead of her Swedish op- 1984 with Switzerland’s being founded in mann from Aargau has won the Hawaiian ponent. We get the inside track on triath- 1985. The level of popularity soon saw the ironman event six times (1996–2005) and lon past and present in Switzerland and creation of the International Triathlon still continues to take part today at the age worldwide with Reto Hug, the Head of Union (ITU) in Avignon, France, where of 46. 34-year-old Caroline Steffen from Swiss Triathlon and former European the first World Championships were held Berne is following in her footsteps with a champion. in 1989 over the Olympic distance (1.5 km, second-place finish in 2010 and 2012. In 40 km, 10 km). Lausanne has since hosted the men’s event, Lucerne’s Christoph A recent sport in a young country the event twice, in 1998 and 2006. The Mauch made it onto the podium twice in While the origins of the sport go back to long-distance World Ironman Champion- Hawaii in 1998 and 1999 as did Zurich’s France at the start of the 20th century, the ship is of course held annually in Hawaii in Ronnie Schildknecht in 2008. Schildkne- first modern triathlon event only took October. cht is currently the leading Swiss athlete place in 1974 in San Diego, California. The in the sport with six victories in Zurich sport established its legendary status on Switzerland – breeding ground for (2007-2012). Over the Olympic distance, the archipelago of Hawaii in 1978 with the triathletes big names include Olympic medal winners launch of the ironman competition in The triathlon began to establish itself in Sven Riederer from Zurich (bronze in which 15 athletes swam 3.9 km, cycled 180 Switzerland in the early 1980s. The first Athens in 2004), Zug’s Brigitte McMahon km and ran a marathon. Dave Scott and competitions took place in Zurich, Morat, and Neuchatel’s Magali Di Marco-Mess- Mark Allen from the US have each won six Soleure and Geneva. Carl Kupferschmid mer, who won gold and bronze respectively

2 times in Hawaii. “They have left their from Zurich performed exceptionally well. in Sydney in 2000 and, of course, Nicola mark on the sport and have taken it to a He won the Swiss triathlon in Zurich three Spirig (see interview). In this category, new level as has the Zimbabwean triath- times (1983-1985) and finished third in the the World Championship Series is even lete, Paula Newby-Fraser, who has won ironman event in Hawaii in 1985 to become more selective than alpine skiing and only the event eight times. These are true the first European to secure a place on the includes eight races spread around the

ss Review April 2013 / No. legends of the sport,” explains Reto Hug. podium. The national federation exceeded world. In 2013, these will take place in

Swi donated Photo: The iconic ironman event crossed the At- the 2,000-member mark at the end of the Auckland, San Diego, Yokohama, Kitz- 18 Sport

bühel, Hamburg, Stockholm, Madrid and men (Sven Riederer, Ruedi Wild and the intensive weeks,” he adds. The fact that the London. “These are the most important brothers Andrea and Florin Salvisberg) triathlon is such a recently established sport races over the Olympic distance,” explains will be able to take part. explains why it has not yet reached the level Reto Hug. The number of competitors is of professionalism found in other sports. “In limited to 75. They firstly have to get An increasingly professional sport the past, the athletes often trained with the through the European Championships The effort and discipline required of the ath- specific sports clubs for each discipline of the and then the World Championships to ob- letes is hard to conceive for most people. “Tri- triathlon – swimming, cycling and running. tain enough points. Only three Swiss athletes generally train three times a day,” re- But this made overall coordination of train- women (Nicola Spirig, Daniela Ryf and veals Reto Hug. “That equates to around 25 ing difficult. Today, former athletes often go Melanie Hauss) and three or four Swiss hours a week but can rise to 40 hours during on to become trainers and the elite compet-

“A dream comes true” What attributes are needed to become an elite sportsperson? The triathlon requires endurance, versatility and good tech- nique in each discipline. You have to find the right balance be- 2012 proved to be a remarkable year for Olympic triathlon champion tween the various sports. It helps if you are tall and muscular for Nicola Spirig. The Olympic long-distance specialist notched up a the swimming whereas a slighter build is better suited to the run- number of successes in terms of both sporting achievement and in ning. Psychologically, you have to be ambitious and possess the de- her private life. The 31-year-old from Zurich won the World Cham- sire to see things through to the end, to work hard to achieve your pionship Series in Madrid and Kitzbühel, the Ironman 70.3 in Rap- objectives and to carry on despite setbacks, such as injuries and perswil and Antwerp and became European champion in Eilat, Is- doubts. rael. She also married her long-term partner, the triathlete Reto Hug, and is expecting a baby in May. To top everything off, the triple Eu- Have you ever been injured? ropean champion was crowned Swiss Sportsperson of the Year, ahead I suffered a fatigue fracture of the tibia in 2011, a year before the of Roger Federer. Olympic Games, and was unable to run for four months. I conse- quently adopted a slightly different approach to training in 2012. I «Suisse Review»: What does it take to become a triathlon champion? worked on the other disciplines during my recovery period, learned Nicola Spirig: Lots of pieces make up the jigsaw. You need a cer- to have patience and continued to believe I could achieve my goal de-

2 tain degree of ability. You have to put in lots of hard work and train- spite the injury. ing both physically and mentally, while a good team and support are also vital. My team consists of myself, my family, my husband, my You wouldn’t be the sportswoman you are today without your parents. trainer and his international coaching staff as well as my sponsors. They have always been very supportive. What sort of sporting back- You also need a little bit of good fortune during competitions to ground do you come from?

ss Review April 2013 / No. avoid illness and injury. Lots of small details have to come together Family plays a major role for all young sportspeople. My grand- Photo: Keystone Photo: Swi to ultimately be the best. father and my parents were PE teachers. They passed enjoyment 19

itors are developing thanks to better coach- der whether even longer triathlons exist? perience. I still find the combination of ing,” Hug says. The Head of Swiss Triathlon “There is no limit in terms of going further. these three sporting disciplines fascinat- believes that the challenge has only just be- There are double, triple and even quintu- ing. After all, that’s why I participated in gun. He remarks: “We still have highly indi- ple ironman events. Doctor Beat Knechtle the sport for over 20 years,” he explains. vidual solutions but we intend to change that. from canton St Gallen has won several of The system is evolving.” these competitions. But my personal vision ALAIN WEY is an editor at «Swiss Review». for the sport is not about running for over Even greater distances? 20 hours,” Hug observes. Whatever its for-

If competitors take over eight hours to mat, the triathlon still has plenty of sur- www.swisstriathlon.ch complete an ironman event, you may won- prises in store for us. “It is an incredible ex- www.ironman.ch (Ironman Switzerland)

Triathletes in action: swimming, cycling, running

of sport onto me and I was given the opportunity to try out lots of Can you really make a living from triathlon? types of sport. My father was my coach for fifteen years. Choosing There are very few athletes able to make a living from triathlon in to pursue a career in sport was nevertheless my own decision. Switzerland. I won’t make a fortune from it – I earn a living thanks to my personal sponsors – and after my sporting career, I’ll focus on Who do you admire? another profession as I’m a qualified lawyer. Finding sponsors is I’ve never had one idol in particular but lots of athletes have im- therefore a key part of my job. pressed me with one or more qualities and they have been my inspiration in creating my own sporting personality. What is your philosophy? I find it very exciting to set myself a target and to see how far I can Olympic gold and victory on the line by just a few centimetres ahead of get, to put my abilities to the test and to find out where my limits lie. your Swedish competitor – what does that mean to you? I like to set myself extremely ambitious objectives, such as the Olym- It’s a dream come true. That was a massive achievement. The pic Games, and I draw inspiration from pursuing these goals. medal has had a tremendous impact on my life and lots of people in Switzerland now recognise me because of that race. It is also spe- Now that you have started a family, you are entering a new chapter in cial because only three Swiss women have ever won gold in the his- your life as a sportswoman and will have to draw on your resourceful- tory of the Olympic Games in all disciplines. ness. When do you expect to resume competition?

2 I’m keeping my options open and will wait to see how our new life as What is your next challenge? a family settles down. Our child and the family come first. Many ath- The European Athletics Championships in Zurich in 2014. That letes have proven that family life can be reconciled with elite sport. I’m will just be running but I can’t tell you which distance that will be not going to set a date for my return now. I firstly intend to regain my at this stage. It may be 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres or even a mar- fitness and train hard before returning to competition. I’m going to give

ss Review April 2013 / No. athon. I will definitely continue to take part in triathlon compe- it a go and if it doesn’t work out, there will always be other avenues open. Photo: Keystone Photo: Swi titions at the same time. www.nicolaspirig.ch 20 Culture

Music lover and entrepreneur The death of Claude Nobs marked the end of an era. The French-speaking Swiss, who founded the Mon- treux Jazz Festival in 1967 and had directed it ever since, was an extraordinary figure in every respect. A tribute by Manfred Papst

He loved presenting gifts on stage – huge young Keith Jarrett to Switzerland. What other people give tips. But this famous man bouquets of flowers, for example, or Swiss a way to start! did not just look to the past. He was con- watches. He was completely in his element The world’s leading contemporary musi- stantly on the lookout for new talent. when paying his guests compliments in his cians played in Montreux over the decades. lifelong quirky English. Claude Nobs was The festival’s budget increased to 17 mil- A powerful figure and a dreamer a born fan with a genius for establishing lion Swiss francs and it employed 1200 staff. “I’ve got something to show you,” he said friendships but also an astute businessman Half of the revenues came from ticket sales when we last met in summer 2012 at the Ho- and strategist. Music was not just his live- and the remainder from ancillary income. tel Baur au Lac in Zurich. Nobs opened his lihood, he lived for it. This diminutive, ex- Claude Nobs, who made an invaluable con- notebook with a conspiratorial smile. uberant French-speaking Swiss founded tribution to tourism in the Lake Geneva re- “There’s this guitarist called Andreas Var- the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967 and gion, received very little in the way of sub- ady. He comes from Slovakia and is just oversaw its strategic management until his sidies. fourteen years old. I’ve just invited him to untimely death on 10 January 2013. Montreux.” The amateur recording of a The much-celebrated festival over 16 An archive with 5,000 hours of music concert by street musicians appeared on days in July, which attracted around As his fame grew, the juvenile whirlwind the screen. The guitarist still had puppy fat 200,000 visitors to the shores of Lake Ge- turned into a grand seigneur. Nobs resided around his mischievous face and small, soft neva, bore the impresario’s hallmark for in a magical property in Caux, high above hands. But the way he played the guitar was decades. Inquisitive by nature, he also or- Lake Geneva. He surrounded himself with phenomenal. Claude Nobs hummed along, ganised hundreds of free concerts on the his collections – model railways, jukeboxes, tapped in time to the beat and looked ab- festival site in addition to the big-ticket 42,000 LPs, all kinds of bric-a-brac, as well solutely thrilled. This enthusiasm was per- events in the Auditorium Stravinski and as a huge film and sound archive. Every haps his most endearing quality. the Miles Davis Hall. And if someone concert at the festival was recorded in Claude Nobs loved opulence. He had caught his eye there, they might soon find sound and video in the best quality availa- more of everything than an ordinary per- themselves performing as a surprise guest ble because Claude Nobs was also a lover of son could manage. But he was no ordinary on one of the main stages. technology. Well over 5,000 hours of mu- person. He was a powerful figure, yet also Claude Nobs certainly had a colourful sic from Montreux are stored in his cata- a dreamer. Surrounded by a small band of career. The son of a baker and nurse born combs. A lot of it is already on LP, CD and devotees who assisted him and looked after in Territet near Montreux in 1936, he com- DVD, though there is much more still wait- his wellbeing – mostly young men who pleted an apprenticeship as a chef and con- ing to be processed. greatly admired him – he directed one of tinued his training in Lausanne to become Claude Nobs may be regarded as a lucky the world’s leading and most successful mu- a “Maître d’Hôtel”. He then took a job in man in many respects. He was much loved, sic festivals from Caux. The hotchpotch of the Montreux tourist information office as built up an incredible network and felt the sublime and mundane, of the delightful an accountant of all things. But he was not equally at home in New York and Tokyo. and whimsical, revealed the master’s great suited to working in an office. Almost im- Yet, despite this, he was strangely remote. sense of humour and irony. And when he mediately he began organising concerts. His creative restlessness never left him and played with his treasures, his charisma His passion for jazz, blues and rock took gave him an aura of slight melancholy. He shone through. He would carefully take old him to France and then to the US. He vis- was always thinking ahead to the next fes- LPs down off the shelves, rekindling mem- ited the clubs, forged contacts and estab- tival. He often failed to notice what was go- ories in him. Every little gem would re- lished a network with a combination of ing on around him at the time. Only later awaken some recollection. He looked like charm and audacity. He brought the Roll- would he watch everything – on DVD in a happy child in these moments.

2 ing Stones to perform their first concert in his home cinema fitted out with first-class As a lover of music, Nobs would listen to Switzerland in 1964. Three years later, he seats from the defunct airline Swissair or anything and everything. Some critics founded the Montreux Jazz Festival with on his boat. found his taste just too arbitrary. But it was two friends. The first event was held on a When Claude Nobs was on his travels, he not quite that simple. He was in fact very budget of 10,000 Swiss francs and without always had a suitcase full of video and discerning. But he sought to mediate, build

ss Review April 2013 / No. paid employees. But they managed to bring sound recordings of concerts at his festival. bridges and bring different worlds together.

Swi the Charles Lloyd quartet with the very He presented them as gifts in the way that Someone with a more critical perspective Swiss Review April 2013 / No. 2 Photo: Keystone The Montreux Jazz Festival underwent underwent Festival Jazz Montreux The A stage full of stars stars of full A stage Balkans to Argentina. This was not was purely This to Argentina. Balkans years, he did that, as many anecdotes tes anecdotes many as that, he did years, whereas later he acted from a position of aposition from later heacted whereas would not have been able to accomplish able to not accomplish would been have tify, with the impertinence of youth, that. Nobs, however, succeeded in incorpo however, Nobs, in that. succeeded the Casino always took place in relatively in took place always Casino the intimate surroundings. A club-type atmos A club-type surroundings. intimate time, same At the festival. oneinto unique nity for relaxed jam sessions. The scene is scene The sessions. jam for relaxed nity blues and pop, folk of jazz, facets all rating decades of the Nobs era. The concerts in in concerts The Nobs era. of the decades early his people.In creative with contact but because strategy to acalculated down phere remained, with plenty of opportu plenty with phere remained, sought authentic music and he loved any it up heto opened world music performers fundamental changes in the four and a half ahalf and four the in changes fundamental strength. and fame the from and Africa to South India from musician blues US the and (left) Burke Solomon legend soul US the with Nobs Claude B.B. King (right) on July 4, 2005 at the Montreux Jazz Festival Festival Jazz Montreux the at 2005 4, July on (right) King B.B. - - - - There is some truth in that. But, in fairness, fairness, But, in that. in truth some is There 2,000-capacity Miles Davis Hall in the in Hall Davis Miles 2,000-capacity Montreux. Montreux. His friends would refer to the “Salade “Salade to refer the would friends His Nobs” in affectionate mockery. His carte- His mockery. affectionate Nobs” in with the accusation made that the Mon the that made accusation the with Stravinski with its 3,500 seats and the and seats its 3,500 with Stravinski treux Jazz Festival had become a purely a purely become had Festival Jazz treux in heaven when as many stars as possible possible as stars many as when heaven in focused Nobs always that said to be it has new convention centre: most performers performers most centre: convention new nevertheless often reflected in his line-ups. line-ups. his in reflected often nevertheless like Carlos Santana and Quincy Jones Quincy and Santana Carlos like completely different in the Auditorium Auditorium the in completely different on blending the mainstream with the ex the with mainstream the on blending event media wherecommercial sponsors, perimental. His love of extravagance was was love of His extravagance perimental. were companies goods luxury and partners soon brought multimedia shows to shows multimedia brought soon seemed to be the ultimate for him. He was for him. ultimate the to be seemed blanche and all-star evenings for legends evenings all-star and blanche even more important than the music itself. the than more important even Claude Nobs received some criticism, criticism, some Claude Nobs received - - will be deeplywill missed. was a man of great warmth and tremendous tremendous and warmth of great aman was vis and B. B. King. He brought stars like like stars He brought King. B. B. and vis Sting and David Bowie to Montreux. He to Montreux. Bowie David and Sting treux on 8 February 2013. Further tribute tribute Further 2013. on 8February treux intelligence. He did all he could to make to make he could all He did intelligence. M culture section appeared on stage, and when he began he began when and on stage, appeared line-up was held Mon was for Claude Nobs in line-up who someone and director festival liant don. coma, will remain in our memory as abril as memory our in remain will coma, country skiing accident and 17 days in a in 17 days accidentand skiing country frequently received visitors like Miles Da Miles like visitors received frequently sure he would leave a lasting legacy, but he leave healasting would sure stopping him. blowing into his mouth organ there was no was there mouth organ into his blowing events are planned in NewYork in planned Lon are and events an A memorial concert with a top-class atop-class with concert A memorial Claude Nobs, who died after across- after died Claude Nobs,who f r ed Paps ed t is editor of the “NZZ am Sonntag” Sonntag” am “NZZ the of editor is - - - - 22 Culture

“Crossing borders is part of culture” For six months now, Andrew Holland has been the director of Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, which plays a vital role in promoting the arts with an annual budget of over 34 million Swiss francs. Pro Helvetia spends over half of its funding abroad. An interview looking at the arts, provocation, a sense of home and Pro Helvetia’s plans. Interview by Barbara Engel

“swiss review”: “Swiss Review”, the maga- Pro Helvetia spends over half of its funding I quickly became increasingly Swiss because zine for the Swiss abroad, has to ask the on promoting the Swiss arts abroad. Which of school, my friends and my mother. But question – what is your perception of the regions are you focusing on, besides the, tra- I’m used to switching back and forth bet- Swiss abroad? ditional offices abroad? ween two worlds. I have relatives in England. andrew holland: I have no doubt that Pro Helvetia supports Swiss cultural pro- We often spend holidays there and I have the Swiss abroad are just as diverse as Swiss jects in almost 100 countries. To do this, we wonderful memories of it. Regarding whe- citizens living at home. After all, there are establish geographical priorities. We ther Switzerland or England is closer to me, very many different reasons why Swiss peo- launched an exchange programme in Rus- that is shown by my football allegiance. I ple decide to live abroad. What I have al- sia last November that will run for two shout “Hopp Schwiiz” (come on Switzer- ways noticed on visits abroad is that the years. The aim is to build bridges and es- land) and cheer on the Swiss. Even my father Swiss abroad have a strong attachment to tablish links between institutions in Russia does the same now. their old homeland that often spans gener- and those in Switzerland during this period. ations. We are investing additional funding and hu- Do you have a favourite holiday man resources there. We have employed a destination abroad or perhaps even a dream Pro Helvetia is known as the “Swiss Arts small programme team on-site to coordi- destination? Council”. As the director of this cultural nate relations. But we are also planning fur- I have a three-year-old son, so our trav- council, how would you define typically ther ahead. We aim to focus on South elling is a bit restricted at the moment. This Swiss culture? America from 2016 since we do not yet have means that most of my holidays are within There is no such thing as typically Swiss a representation on this continent though Switzerland and neighbouring countries. culture. How could it possibly exist in a there is great interest in and demand for As far as my favourite destinations are con- country with four language regions, 26 can- Swiss artists there. cerned, I love the mountains, the sea and tons and around 3,000 communes all in- the unexpected. I most like travelling from volved in cultural activities? What charac- Migration is an issue that is currently caus- place to place. Australia is somewhere I terises Swiss culture is its richness and ing heated debate in politics. What impact want to visit in the medium term. diversity. does it have on the arts? Artists have always sought to establish in- You have had close links with the dance scene In which areas of the arts is Switzerland ternational contacts. Crossing borders is in your professional career. Are you a dancer strongest? part of culture. And the arts scene is obvi- yourself? There are wave-like movements in the arts. ously international today. The current sit- No, I’m not. I worked as a dramatic ad- Art often develops around individuals who uation in literature is very interesting as in viser on the dance and theatre scene. carry others along with them, such as Mau- Switzerland, but also elsewhere, we have rice Béjart in dance or Chris- lots of people with immigrant After your appointment as director of toph Marthaler in theatre, to backgrounds who are currently Pro Helvetia, you were presented as a give two examples of Swiss art- “Confronta- among the most popular authors. unifying figure. That sounds good but also ists who had and continue to tion must serve I’m thinking, for instance, of the rather dull. In contrast to your predecessor, have great influence on cultural a purpose” Swiss Book Prize winner, do you intend to avoid provocation and development. In terms of the Melinda Nadj Abonji, who also confrontation? visual arts, design and architec- received the German Book Prize I am firmly in favour of conflicting views

2 ture, countless Swiss artists are currently in 2010. At the same time, many Swiss writ- and debate over matters of substance. But among the best in the world, such as Pipilotti ers, such as Matthias Zschokke and Paul confrontation must serve a purpose. Rist, Roman Signer, Fischli/Weiss, Valentin Nizon, also work in major European cities. Carron, Urs Fischer, Herzog & Demeuron Pro Helvetia attracted criticism in the past and Peter Zumthor. Swiss exponents of the You arrived in Switzerland from England at over Thomas Hirschhorn’s exhibition in

ss Review April 2013 / No. arts generally produce very high quality work the age of six. Do you still regard England as Paris, which it supported. Do you believe

Swi donadet Photo: and demonstrate great innovation. home? that art should provoke politicians? 23

Andrew Holland has been the director of Pro Helvetia since 1 November. He was born in Dorchester in the UK in 1965 and moved to Switzerland at the age of six, where he grew up in Heri- sau. He studied law in St. Gallen and at Berkeley, and obtained his doctor- ate with a comparative study of cultural promotion in the USA and Swit- zerland. He worked at the Federal Office of Culture from 1996 to 2004. He then joined Pro Helvetia, becoming the vice-director in 2009. Holland lives in Zurich.

Pro Helvetia Pro Helvetia was founded in 1939 as a means of defending Switzerland’s independent cultural identity. The Council today promotes the arts in Switzerland and raises their profile abroad with a budget of 34.4 million Swiss francs. Around 3,500 funding applications are received each year. Pro Helvetia has liaison offices abroad in Cairo, Warsaw, Cape Town, New Delhi and Shanghai. It manages Article 21 of our federal constitution states: That’s a difficult question to answer. What the Centre Culturel Suisse in Paris “Freedom of artistic expression is guaran certainly helps to create trust is that both and funds the cultural programme of teed.” Art may therefore certainly contain my cultural and my professional back the Swiss institutes in Rome and New critical statements and make a contribution grounds embody two worlds. I grew up in York. to the political debate. There are neverthe Switzerland but I’m an immigrant. It is ex Around 24 million Swiss francs is- less clear boundaries – art, too, must not be actly the same in my career; I studied at the spent on promoting projects – 37% on defamatory or contravene the law in any University of St. Gallen but at the same time activities in Switzerland and 63% on other way. However, whether every piece of organised and managed cultural events my activities abroad (58% in Europe). provocative work deserves support in this self – I played records and moved chairs Pro Helvetia’s range of activities was context is another question. around. This base helps me in my manage expanded significantly under Andrew ment of the Swiss Arts Council. Holland’s predecessor, Pius Knüsel. In terms of Pro Helvetia’s promotion of the Popular culture and video games, for arts abroad, is the emphasis on providing What would you do if you suddenly had a example, were also included in the culture for Swiss citizens living in the million Swiss francs given to you personally promotion of the arts. The book “Der country concerned or is it more a question of to spend as you wished? Kulturinfarkt”, which Knüsel wrote raising the profile of the Swiss arts in a Off the top of my head, I would donate in 2012 with three German execu- foreign country? some to a charitable organisation working tives in the arts, was extremely pro- Our task is to raise the profile of Swiss on behalf of young people because they are vocative towards both artists and artists abroad. We support participation at our future. On a personal level, I would politicians. The authors put forward foreign events while at the same time pro keep an eye out for a house with a garden the view that half of all subsidised actively focusing on promotional activities and would put something aside for my son’s theatre, museums, libraries and sim- to raise awareness of Swiss artists and their education. ilar cultural institutions did not de- work among the organisers of cultural serve financial support and could be

2 events abroad. We often work closely with closed. Shortly after the publication the Swiss embassies and are delighted when of this controversial book, Knüsel re- the Swiss abroad attend the events. signed from his position as director of Pro Helvetia and became head of I was told that Pro Helvetia employees cele- the “Volkshochschule” (adult education centre) of the canton of Zurich. ss Review April 2013 / No. brated when you were appointed director. BARBARA ENGEL is the editor-in-chief of

Swi What makes you such a popular boss? “Swiss Review” . http://www.prohelvetia.ch 24 Organisation of the swiss abroad

ment provides general legal information on Swiss law young people the opportunity to take part OSA advice and specifically in areas that concern the Swiss abroad. It does not provide information on foreign law in a charitable project and help improve liv- As a Swiss citizen abroad, can I make vol- and does not intervene in disputes between private ing conditions in the Swiss mountain village untary contributions to old-age and survi- parties. of Saas Balen. Besides the project work, vors’ insurance and disability insurance? there will, of course, also be time for leisure Correction and addendum pursuits and relaxation. Voluntary membership of the old-age and An error was made in January’s “OSA ad- Finally, OSA is organising an adventure survivors’ insurance and disability insurance vice” concerning the recognition of foreign trip in August aimed at young people who en- scheme is only possible subject to certain con- qualifications. The Federal Office for Profes- joy taking on physical and mental challenges. ditions. The following three criteria must be sional Education and Technology (OPET) – The participants in this outdoor camp will be met: you must hold Swiss nationality or that which the article stated was responsible for involved in planning the journey, which will of an EU or EFTA state, not be domiciled in the recognition of qualifications with re- cross forests, lakes and mountains. The young an EU or EFTA state, and have been insured gard to professional training and universi- people will set up their own sleeping and eat- under the old-age and survivors’ insurance for ties of applied sciences – no longer exists. ing quarters during the trip. five years without a break in the period im- It was incorporated into the State Secretar- mediately beforehand. It is not necessary to iat for Education, Research and Innovation Take advantage of the OSA network have paid contributions for five years but you (SERI) at the Federal Department of Eco- The number of young people wishing to en- must have been insured. For minors and mar- nomic Affairs, Education and Research in joy an educational stay in Switzerland has ried persons without gainful employment December 2012. www.sbfi.admin.ch been increasing for years. OSA’s Youth Ser- who are exempted from paying contributions, The Association promoting Education vice is therefore offering two-week language the years of domicile in Switzerland count as for Young Swiss Abroad (AJAS), which is courses in Zurich (German), Fribourg and years of insurance. Voluntary membership of closely linked with the Organisation of Neuchâtel (French) this summer. These the old-age and survivors’ insurance/disabil- the Swiss Abroad, provides information courses are aimed at young people with no ity insurance scheme is therefore only possi- on the recognition of foreign qualifica- or very little knowledge of the respective na- ble as a continuation of compulsory old-age tions. tional language. All classes will take place in and survivors’ insurance. Each family mem- If you have any questions, please contact: the mornings, with OSA organising excur- AJAS, Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Berne, SWITZERLAND ber wishing to join the voluntary old-age and Phone +41 (0) 31 356 61 04, fax +41 (0) 31 356 61 01 sions or leisure activities on three or four af- survivors’ insurance has to make an individ- e-mail: [email protected], www.ajas.ch ternoons, plus a day trip. ual membership application. The declaration The Youth Service also puts together pro- of membership of the voluntary insurance grammes in Switzerland that are tailored to scheme has to be submitted in writing to the the individual Swiss abroad. To enable us to Swiss Central Compensation Office or alter- plan their stay, young people can let us know natively to the Swiss representation respon- Summertime in which subject areas, professions, educational sible within a year of leaving the compulsory Switzerland establishments or training institutes they are insurance scheme. Membership of the volun- particularly interested in. We will provide the tary insurance scheme is no longer possible Outdoor activities, exercise, entertain- participants with personal advice, arrange con- beyond this deadline. When deciding ment, adventure and fun – this is what tact with schools, universities and students, whether to join the voluntary old-age and sur- you can expect at the summer camps for and organise visits to the potential institutions. vivors’ insurance, it should be noted that in young people organised by the Organisa- We are able to provide these educational many countries the laws on old-age and disa- tion of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). A range programmes at affordable prices thanks to bility insurance provide for reductions in of attractive, knowledge-building educa- the relationship we enjoy with the many benefits if those insured have other sources tional holidays can be booked all year hosts who are willing to provide meals and of income in addition to their pensions, in round. OSA’s programmes for young peo- accommodation to young people free of particular foreign pensions such as old-age ple enable youngsters to establish a rela- charge during their stay. Contact with host and survivors’ insurance. The providers of so- tionship with Switzerland, make contacts families often proves an extremely enrich- cial insurance in the country concerned are here and get to know other Swiss people ing experience for the Swiss abroad. the only ones who can confirm whether this who live abroad. We are also delighted to be able to offer is the case and provide information on the ex- young people a seminar in August focusing on tent to which old-age and survivors’ insurance 120 young people from over 30 countries are communication. This will also include partic- is taken into account as a source of income in expected to attend the large summer camps ipation in the Congress of the Swiss Abroad in

2 the calculation of the foreign pension. in Prêles in the Bernese Jura. Group sport, Davos. This is a unique opportunity not just

Useful links: Swiss Central Compensation Office: outdoor activities and trips to the region’s to discover this famous holiday and conference www.zas.admin.ch > Topics > Voluntary insurance tourist attractions are on the itinerary. Cre- resort but also to meet interesting participants

Swiss representations abroad: www.eda.admin.ch > ative, musical and journalistic workshops from the fields of politics and culture. Representations will also be on offer.

ss Review April 2013 / No. Sarah Mastantuoni, Head of the Legal Service- A camp of a special kind will take place in Information on the offers for young people can

Swi The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad’s Legal Depart- Saastal in the canton of Valais. This will give be found at www.aso.ch 25

Spring meeting Delegates showed great interest in the pres- Peter Müller says farewell entation by ambassador Ralf Heckner, head after 35 years of the Council of the of the federal government’s crisis manage- Peter Müller from ment centre. Heckner said that there was South Africa first Swiss Abroad growing insecurity in the world, highlight- sat on the Council The last meeting of the Council of the ing 11 September 2001, the Arab Spring and of the Swiss Abroad Swiss Abroad (CSA) in its current com- the economic crisis. Crisis management cen- in Einsiedeln in position took place on 16 March 2013 tre personnel are primarily deployed to deal 1978. He has since at the Rathaus in Berne. The newly with natural disasters, serious accidents, hos- constantly raised elected delegates will take up office in tage situations and terror attacks. The tak- important issues August. ing of hostages, in particular, has increased concerning the Swiss in recent times. The crisis management cen- abroad on the Council and has made a ma- The conduct of the Swiss banks towards the tre focuses on preventive measures, includ- jor contribution to many debates. Swiss abroad and the various tax agreements ing the training of diplomatic and consular “It’s now time to go,” he declared at the that the Swiss government is currently ne- personnel. Crisis situation measures, jointly meeting in Berne. His successor on the gotiating with different countries (FATCA drawn up by the FDFA and the Federal De- CSA has already been decided. South with the USA, inheritance tax agreement partment of Defence (DDPS), today exist Africa will be represented by Marcie Bi- with France) once again gave rise to heated for every Swiss representation abroad. Heck- schof and Hans-Georg Bosch over the debate. Nicolas Descoeudres, head of the fi- ner pointed out that the FDFA’s travel advice next four years. Peter Müller will never- nancial affairs section at the FDFA, ex- (in German at www.eda.admin.ch/reisehin- theless maintain contact with the Organi- plained the FATCA agreement to the dele- weise) was particularly important in terms of sation of the Swiss Abroad and the world- gates and subsequently took questions. His prevention. When asked whether and to wide community of the Swiss abroad. He answers clearly indicated that the pressure what extent victims of kidnap would have to has already confirmed that he will be at- on Switzerland in these negotiations was im- contribute to the cost of their repatriation, tending the Congress of the Swiss Abroad mense and that adopting a position of non- Heckner replied that this matter would be in Davos. He said that his departure from cooperation, as proposed by some delegates, regulated within the framework of the the CSA was more of a “see you later” was not an option. planned law on the Swiss Abroad. BE than a goodbye. BE

91st Congress of the Swiss Abroad: 16 to 18 August 2013, Davos Congress Centre

Switzerland vs. globalisation will be the main topic of debate at the 91st Congress of the Swiss Abroad in Davos. Among the speakers will be Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer- Schlumpf. More on this topic and the latest information on the 2013 Congress can be found in Ger- man at: www.aso.ch/de/angebote/auslandschweizer-kongress.

Put the Congress dates in your diary today. We look forward to seeing you!

Please send me the registration documents in spring 2013 for the 91st Congress of the Swiss Abroad (16 to 18 August 2013 in Davos).

My address is:

Surname: first name: Address: Country: postcode/city: 2 Email: Please write clearly using block capitals. The registration documents are available in two languages: ❒ German ❒ French (Please check the box of the language required.)

G Send the completed form to: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad Communications & Marketing, Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Berne, SWIT- V ss Review April 2013 / No. ZERLAND, Fax: +41 (0)31 356 61 01 or email us at [email protected] Swi Photo: Z Photo: 26 Organisation of the swiss abroad

Young Swiss abroad blocks of snow at the edges when lifting Step 6: Dig an entrance them. Now dig out an entrance under the wall of in an igloo the igloo. Note that the top of the entrance Step 3: Position the first layer of the igloo on the outside should be lower than the A few brave participants able to endure Stamp down hard on the ground to create a sleeping area. This will keep heat inside the the cold at the winter camp organised by firm foundation and prevent the blocks from igloo and prevent it from escaping through the Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad sinking as the weight of the structure in- the entrance. The best method is to dig a in Lantsch (Grisons) over the New Year creases. Put the first layer of blocks into po- deep hole from both inside and outside the period tested out an igloo they had built sition, using the string attached to the stick igloo, meeting in the middle. themselves. The verdict was that nothing in the centre to check that a perfect circle beats a night in an igloo! has been formed. Step 7: Plug any holes and jump into your sleeping bag Step 1: Prepare the site Step 4: Prepare the first layer for build- There will be large or small gaps between Look for a site where there is little wind, ing on top the blocks, depending on how the igloo has enough compacted snow, evening sunshine Trim the height of the blocks in the first layer been built. To keep heat inside the igloo, and, if possible, a nice view. Place a stick in so you can continue building in a spiral shape these holes must be plugged with wedges and the centre and attach a piece of string to it to (see photo 1). The best approach is to kneel in compacted snow. mark out the radius (half the diameter) of the centre and trim from the ground upwards. You are now all set for a cool night in the the igloo. snow house. Step 5: Build upwards Step 2: Carve out the blocks of snow Now build the spiral structure upwards, Around 50 blocks of snow are required, block by block. Check the inside radius reg- Text: Simone Riner, Foundation for Young Swiss measuring 60 x 45 x 15 cm. The blocks should ularly when positioning the blocks. If the ig- Abroad www.sjas.ch; be around the same size. TIP: never hold loo is not round, it will soon collapse. Source for igloo construction: www.iglubauer.ch

Education in ertheless noted that young people are often contact addresses if necessary. Comprehen- inadequately prepared for this new chapter sive information is provided on insurance Switzerland requires in their lives. She urgently advises young and military service issues on the website people and their parents to contact AJAS of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad. careful planning at the earliest possible opportunity because OSA’s Legal Department also offers sup- More and more young Swiss people abroad various matters have to be dealt with before port. www.aso.ch are seeking to take educational courses in commencing a course of study or period of

2 Switzerland. The number rose particularly training in Switzerland. These include, for sharply last year with the economic prob- example, admission conditions for the Swiss Contact: AJAS, lems in many countries clearly having an abroad, university requirements together Alpenstrasse 26, impact. The Association promoting Edu- with the recognition of foreign qualifica- 3006 Berne, cation for Young Swiss Abroad (AJAS) re- tions, accommodation, language skills and SWITZERLAND

ss Review April 2013 / No. ceived over 800 enquiries in 2012. grant opportunities. AJAS can assist in Tel. + 41 (0)31 356 61 04 Swi Photos: SJASPhotos: Fiona Scheidegger, the head of AJAS, nev- clarifying all these matters and can provide Fax + 41 (0)31 356 61 01 Notes from parliament 27

Switzerland’s good image abroad

Switzerland continues to be perceived positively abroad, generally speaking. Various surveys and rankings in 2012 confirmed the excellent reputation that Switzerland enjoys abroad. However, this is in contrast to the critical reports by foreign media on the Swiss financial centre.

Switzerland ranks in eighth place, one place higher compared to the previous year, in the Nation Brands Index 2012, which anal- yses the image of 50 countries. Thus, as a small nation, Switzerland finished ahead of Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria and New Zealand. Only the USA, Germany, the UK, France, Canada, Japan and Italy came above it. Switzerland’s positive image is primarily thanks to its good governance, system of direct democracy, high quality of life and competitiveness. This is consistent with data from various rankings on economic, political and social performance. Switzerland is credited with having great innovative capabilities and competitiveness. This is attributed to effective governance, an efficient regulatory environment, a good education system and an excellent infrastructure. Switzerland is also still rated highly as a travel destination, although the high prices do detract from its image somewhat.

Extensive media coverage of Switzerland Critical and often negative reports in foreign media contrast with Switzerland’s good image and high performance capabil- ity. These primarily address the Swiss financial centre, the activities of the major 2

Postcards from top to bottom: Tania Fricker ss Review April 2013 / No. François Montandon

Swi Eveline Sperry 28 Notes from parliament

banks and the national bank’s monetary and insights into life abroad from which to Around 47% (335,810) of all Swiss abroad policy. This is why media coverage of Swit- make their choice. They selected ten pho- live in the five countries bordering Swit- zerland abroad in 2012 was high compared tos, which were posted on SwissCommu- zerland, which equates to a 5.84% growth with Austria or Sweden. nity.org, OSA’s online platform and social rate compared to 2007. Today, there are There was considerably less media cov- network. The members of SwissCommu- 186,615 Swiss citizens in France, 80,715 in erage of Swiss tourism, high-quality and nity.org chose their favourite photo at the Germany, 50,091 in Italy, 14,795 in Austria luxury Swiss goods, and the system of di- end of January 2013. The three winning and 3,594 in the Principality of Liechten- rect democracy although it was more posi- impressions come from Bulgaria, Canada stein (around 10% of the principality’s to- tive. Topics such as sports, research, inno- and Chile and can be seen on Presence tal population). vation and culture in relation to Switzerland Switzerland’s official website. All ten im- The largest communities of Swiss abroad receive less attention in foreign media. ages that made the final can be sent as outside Europe are found in the USA When they do, it is famous people like electronic postcards via the portal swiss- (76,330, + 3.2% since 2007), Canada (38,959, Roger Federer, spectacular research pro- world.org + 3.4%), Australia (23,633, + 7%) and Israel jects at the Federal Institutes of Technol- (15,970, + 21.44%). On the African conti- ogy in Zurich and Lausanne, and prestig- The ten images from the final and the analysis nent, just under half of all Swiss citizens ious festivals and exhibitions, such as Art of Switzerland’s image abroad in 2012: live in South Africa (9,284 out of 20,696). Basel, that make the headlines. www.eda.admin.ch/praesenzschweiz São Tomé and Principe, Micronesia and This is where Presence Switzerland Electronic postcards: Kiribati appear at the bottom of the list comes in. As part of its communication www.swissworld.org/postkarten with one registered Swiss citizen each. abroad campaign, it is adopting a more tar- The proportion of Swiss abroad regis- geted approach to ensuring that topics that tered on a Swiss electoral roll has levelled are perceived positively but have attracted off at around a quarter of those eligible to little attention to date receive better cov- Statistics on the vote. The proportion in Europe (31.25%) is erage in the future. It is also counting on significantly higher than the global aver- the support of the Swiss abroad to help Swiss abroad in 2012 age. You can register to exercise your polit- achieve its goals. It is seeking to intensify ical right through the representation where contact with them as they are important The rise in the number of Swiss abroad, you are registered as a Swiss abroad. A tel- ambassadors for Switzerland and know which has been observed for decades, ephone call is sufficient – the representa- about Switzerland’s image abroad from continued in 2012. On 31 December tion will be happy to provide you with the their own experience. 2012, there were 715,710 Swiss citizens necessary information. living abroad – around 12,000 more The statistics on the Swiss abroad have Winning images chosen in photo than at the end of 2011 and twice as been produced centrally by the Consular competition among the Swiss abroad many as in 1980. Directorate of the Federal Department of As part of this intensified dialogue, Pres- Foreign Affairs since 2011. They include all ence Switzerland launched a photo compe- Year-on-year, the number of Swiss abroad Swiss citizens registered with a Swiss rep- tition in December to discover more about rose by 1.72% from 703,640 (2011) to 715,710 resentation. As Switzerland does not have the lives of the Swiss community abroad. (2012). The largest Swiss communities an embassy in Vaduz, the figures for the Under the slogan “How is your Swiss iden- abroad numerically are found in Europe Principality of Liechtenstein are provided tity perceived abroad?” the Swiss abroad (442,620 people, 96.54% of whom live in by the local statistical office and reflect the were urged to send in photos depicting EU states), the Americas (175,954) and Asia status of the respective previous year. their life in their host country and their (45,793). Over the last five years, the num- Swiss identity. The jury, made up of em- ber of Swiss citizens registered with a Swiss The statistics on the Swiss abroad on the ployees of Presence Switzerland and the embassy or consulate general climbed by FDFA’s website: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), 6.59 % in Europe, by 3.91% in the Americas http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/doc/ had a wide range of personal impressions and by 28.11% in Asia. publi/ptrali/statis.html

2 Wise investment – with Soliswiss Wealth management, protection against political risk, life and health insurances

ss Review April 2013 / No. Would you like a personal consultation? www.soliswiss.ch, T +41 31 380 70 30 Photo: Keystone Photo: Swi 29

Online registration for Swiss citizens travelling abroad Travel advice

Phone from Switzerland: 0800 24-7-365 www.eda.admin.ch/reisehinweise www.fdfa.admin.ch/itineris Phone from abroad: +41 800 24-7-365 Helpline DFAE: +41 (0)800 24-7-365 E-Mail: [email protected] www.twitter.com/travel_edadfae Skype: helpline-eda

Federal Council 2013 Confederation (Federal Department of De- ogy of Zurich and Lausanne) and the State fence, Civil Protection and Sport), Alain Secretariat for Education and Research, The 2013 photograph of the Federal Coun- Berset (Federal Department of Home Af- which, together with the Federal Office cil has been published (from left to right): fairs), Doris Leuthard (Federal Department for Professional Education, now makes up Johann N. Schneider-Ammann (Federal of the Environment, Transport, Energy and the State Secretariat for Education, Re- Department of Economic Affairs, Educa- Communications) and Federal Chancellor search and Innovation. tion and Research; formerly the Federal De- Corina Casanova. partment of Economic Affairs), Simonetta The former Federal Department of Sommaruga (Federal Department of Justice Economic Affairs was renamed the Fed- Important notice and Police), Didier Burkhalter (Federal De- eral Department of Economic Affairs, Ed- Please notify your embassy or consulate partment of Foreign Affairs), Eveline Wid- ucation and Research (EAER) on 1 Janu- general of your email address and mobile mer-Schlumpf (Federal Department of Fi- ary 2013. This now includes the ETH telephone number and/or any changes. nance), Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Domain (Federal Institutes of Technol- Register at www.swissabroad.ch to ensure you do not miss any communications (“Swiss Review”, newsletters, etc.). The latest “Swiss Review” and previous issues can be read and/or printed out at any time at www.revue.ch. “Swiss Review” (called “Gazzetta Svizzera” in Italy) is sent to all Swiss citizens abroad registered with an embassy or consulate general either in printed format or electronically (via email and as an iPad and Android app) free of charge.

Elections and referenda www.bk.admin.ch under “Aktuell > Wahlen und Abstimmungen > The following proposals will be put to the vote on 9 June 2013: Hängige Volksinitiativen”. n Popular initiative of 7 July 2011: “Election of the Federal Council by the people” (BBl 2012 9643); n Amendment of 28 September 2012 to the Swiss Asylum Act (AsylG) (urgent amendments to the asylum law, AS 2012 5359, FDFA OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: JEAN-FRANÇOIS LICHTENSTERN, RELATIONS WITH THE SWISS ABROAD BBl 2012 8261) BUNDESGASSE 32, CH-3003 BERNE, TEL: +41 800 24-7-365 See also page 14 www.eda.admin.ch / e-mail: [email protected] Information on the proposals (voter pamphlet, committees, party statements, etc.) can also be found at www.ch.ch/abstim-

mungen. Advertisement

2 Further referendum dates in 2013: 22 September and 24 No- vember

Popular initiatives At the time of going to press for this edition, no new federal popular initiatives had been launched. The list of pending popular ss Review April 2013 / No. hoto: BK hoto:

Swi P initiatives can be found on the Federal Chancellery’s website at 30 Echo

Little gems

Writers in the kitchen Authors write about their favourite recipes here rather than their favourite books. Literary critic Angelika Overath and her husband Manfred Koch invited authors to reveal their favourite recipes and to tell a story about them. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s an autobio- “Kunscht isch geng es Risiko” longingly, the polar bear growls in “Eskimo” and graphical account, an essay Mani Matter is inimitable as a singer-songwriter the polyphonic purring with “Sidi Abdel Assar based purely on the list of in- because nobody can create images with words like vo El Hamma” is an absolute pleasure. gredients or a completely fic- he can. Yet his work has been covered constantly “Kunscht isch geng es Risiko – Mani Matter a cappella” tional tale, just please share CD; Zytglogge Verlag, Berne; CHF 29, EUR 26. Available over the decades by everyone ranging from also from www.kammerton.ch your culinary treats with the schoolchildren to rock stars. Now, Mani Matter’s world,” was their plea. Thirty- songs are also available in a four-part a cappella seven authors seized upon the version. The Kammerton Quartet from Winter- opportunity to make their con- thur has worked on the CD “Kunscht isch geng tribution to the book entitled es Risiko” for almost ten years. Their achieve- “Tafelrunde”. They indulge in ment is a resounding success. The melodies re- childhood memories and bring main close to the original, while the arrangements flavours and aromas to life. are imaginative, full of charm and humour and Berlin author Michael the vocals are of top quality. The four singers of Kumpfmüller makes a garlic the Kammerton Quartet have skilfully blended chicken dish and writes about classical a cappella singing with the original. It the god of garlic; Franz Hohler does not sound at all highbrow or contrived: “dr expertly prepares a nettle soup; Glünggi” curses crudely, “’s Heidi” is yearned for Lea Singer gives an account of the perfect birthday menu for a 40-year-old child and, with school teacher whose life is the novel’s complex narrative his cold larder, Hans Magnus changed by a brief encounter structure to a movie. Jeremy Enzensberger does not so much with a Portuguese woman. The Irons produces a spellbinding reveal his talent as a great cook, book has now been turned into performance. As he searches for rather the ability to astonish a film with a star-studded cast. information about the life of a friends with simple food. It is directed by the Dane Bille Portuguese author and doctor in “Tafelrunde” is an unusual and, August, while Jeremy Irons Lisbon, the audience is com- in places, adventurous cook- plays the part of the teacher, pletely captivated by his story book best read and enjoyed Raimund Gregorius. He is and also by the city. The film while experimenting with a joined on screen by Charlotte premiered at the Berlin Interna- group of friends. Rampling, Christopher Lee, tional Film Festival in February “Tafelrunde. Schriftsteller kochen From Berne to Lisbon Mélanie Laurent and Bruno and is now set for release at cin- für ihre Freunde”; Angelika Overath; Luchterhand-Literaturverlag; 382 “A chance encounter can some- Ganz. It is remarkable how the emas worldwide. This is defi- pages; CHF 29.90; EUR 19.99. Only in times change someone’s life en- director succeeds in transferring nitely a movie not to be missed. German. Also available as an e-book. tirely,” wrote Pascal Mercier, a philosopher and author with roots in Berne, in his novel

2 “Night Train to Lisbon”. That was in 2004. The novel became an instant bestseller and was translated into 32 languages. Nobody could fail to be touched

ss Review April 2013 / No. by the story of the solitary and

Swi donated Photo: eccentric Bernese grammar 31

Bulletins Quotes

Tax agreement with and commune. Based on a fam- “To create is to resist. To resist is to create.” the USA ily with two children and a Stéphane Hessel, French diplomat and writer, An agreement on the US tax gross income of 80,000 Swiss died on 27 February 2013 aged 96 law FATCA was signed be- francs a year, Geneva with 20 tween Switzerland and the working days for taxes and “Faint-heartedness and delusions of grandeur have repeatedly USA in mid-February on be- Schwyz with 21 are the most fa- been the driving forces behind moves to forsake our Switzerland and its half of the Federal Council. vourable locations, whereas the values and to adapt.” Swiss President Ueli Maurer at the Albisgüetli Conference The Foreign Account Tax most days are worked in Delé- Compliance Act (FATCA) en- mont (40) and in Neuchâtel and “Switzerland is undergoing enormous change and, at the same time, ables the USA to force foreign Lausanne (43). A single person endeavouring to project the illusion of stability.” banks to disclose the accounts with an income of 50,000 Swiss Mario Erdheim, psychoanalyst and ethnologist from Zurich of US customers to the US fis- francs works for 13 days just to cal authorities. Independently cover taxes in Zug, 20 in “In order to defend Switzerland’s interests, I would travel to the ends of of the agreement now signed, Schwyz, 43 in Solothurn and 45 the earth if necessary.” Swiss banks must implement in Neuchâtel. The results can be Swiss President Ueli Maurer in an interview the FATCA law from 2014 or viewed in full in German at face being excluded from the “Tax Freedom Days” “This is a huge blow to social cohesion in our country.” www.estv.admin.ch -> Steuerstatis- Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga on the CHF 72 million that US capital market. The agree- tiken -> Steuerbelastung -> «Tax Daniel Vasella was to have been paid in return for doing nothing ment between Switzerland and Freedom Days» the USA allows Swiss banks to “If the human brain was simple enough for us to understand, we would benefit from simplified proce- Who keeps their promises? still be so stupid that we couldn’t understand it.” dures. The online voting aid Smart- Jostein Gaarder, Norwegian writer (born 1952) vote has examined the discrep- Healthcare strategy ancy between promises made “An original thought is as rare as a gold coin in the gutter.” The Federal Council set out its during election campaigns and Christian Morgenstern (1871 – 1914) strategy for the future of Swiss the actual political behaviour healthcare at the end of Janu- of Swiss parliamentarians. It “I’m a Grey, not a Green: grass is for cows.” ary in a paper entitled “Ge- comes to the conclusion that Luigi Snozzi, Swiss architect (born 1932) sundheit2020”. A total of 36 new members of parliament measures are provided. The fail to keep their electoral Federal Council stated that the promises more often than ex- current healthcare structures perienced parliamentarians. are too heavily focused on The same is true of members acute and inpatient care. Pa- of the centre parties – the tients will have to be provided Green Liberals (GLP) and the with more differentiated care Christian Democratic People’s services in future. The priori- Party (CVP). The most incon- ties will be the prevention of sistent politicians are Margrit illness as well as long-term care Kessler (GLP) followed by Fa- for the elderly and chronically bio Regazzi and Yannick ill. The Federal Council be- Buttet (both CVP). Among lieves an amendment to the the party leaders, Martin Health Insurance Act (KVG) Landolt of the Conservative is required. Democratic Party (BDP) most Jörg Steiner rarely raised his voice but often spoke powerfully. He observed the world, often with concern, and described what he saw. One example is the frequently breaks his promises. 1996 novella “Der Kollege”, the story of an unemployed person who disappears How long do we work for just Andy Tschümperlin from from society. Other works written in the 1970s in collaboration with the graphic to cover tax contributions? Schwyz, the Swiss Social artist Jörg Müller include children’s books like “Alle Jahre wieder saust der

2 The Federal Tax Administra- Democratic Party (SP) Na- Presslufthammer nieder” and “Der Bär, der ein Bär bleiben wollte”. In “Wer tion has calculated for the first tional Councillor, followed by tanzt schon zu Musik von Schostakowitsch”, published in 2000, we read: “That time how many days the Swiss Social Democrat Roger Nord- the truth is a story which changes from day to day is only natural.” This sen- tence reveals much about Jörg Steiner, his misgivings, his sense of humour and work on average just to cover mann, Walter Wobmann his ability with language. In his last work “Ein Kirschbaum am Pazifischen their tax contributions. This (SVP) and Daniel Vischer of Ozean”, published in 2008 as a recollection of a trip to California twelve years

ss Review April 2013 / No. clearly differs depending on the Greens are truest to their earlier, Steiner wrote: “We don’t understand what happens to us.” Jörg Steiner

Swi donated Photo: income, marital status, canton word. passed away on 20 January 2013 at the age of 82. Swiss Alpine Wrestling, Kemmeribodenbad, Bern Region

Alphorn A musical and Each summer, Nendaz forms the enchanting backdrop to the Inter sporting journey. national Alphorn Festival, which welcomes more than 100 players Discover styles of music and sports that of different nationalities. Taster are typically Swiss in all the regions. courses and visits to the produc Tip 1 tion workshop are organized reg ularly. MySwitzerland.com Webcode: A36501

2013: The Festival of Musical three Swiss national sports 100% Swiss Olympic Games and Sporting Traditions practiced during the National The National Festival of Wrest Traditional Swiss instruments Festival of Wrestling and ling and Alpine Games takes and songs are currently enjoy Alpine Games, which takes place this year in Burgdorf in ing a renaissance, thanks place every three years. Wrest the Emmental region. Regional notably to a large number of ling is the predominant discip music and delicacies will be on events that are held through line celebrated in the festival. the menu alongside the typically Tip 2 out the country. Nendaz, in the The wrestlers (both men and Swiss “Olympic Games”, which Valais region, is the capital of women) have to unbalance we expect to welcome some MySwitzerland.com the alphorn. Its annual interna their opponents by grasping 250,000 visitors. Webcode: AP90182 tional festival mixes traditional them by their breeches (shorts concerts with interpretations worn on top of their clothes) The sound of Appenzell that are resolutely modern. and making their shoulders or In traditional Appenzell music, For those with enough breath, back touch the ground. The stringed instruments play a Nendaz is offering courses “hornuss” (a puck placed on major role, alongside the hurdy for beginners and more experi a ramp, which has to be pro gurdy or the “hackbrett” (ham enced players, starting this pelled into the air using a flex mered dulcimer). The “Alp spring. ible rod) is a distant relative of stobede” festivals held on the Tip 3 baseball, whilst stone throwing high mountain pastures in sum The national sports: test calls for physical strength, as mer offer the perfect opportunity MySwitzerland.com your strength and skill competitors have to throw a to appreciate this type of music. Webcode: A160786 Swiss wrestling, hornussen stone weighing 20, 40 or even and stone throwing are the 83.5 kilos as far as possible! Network Switzerland: Register at www.MySwitzer land.com/aso by 31.5.2013 and win a 2night stay for 2 people at the Swiss Historic Hotel Landgasthof Bären in Dürren A collaboration between Switzerland Tourism and the Organisation of the Swiss roth (Emmental), where you can Abroad (OSA) discover the living traditions of the region. MySwitzerland.com/historic www.baerenduerrenroth.ch Webcode: E54452

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