Chapeau Switzerland, take care of your society
1 August 2022
The Lake of Brienz (Brienzersee) is preparing for the festivities on 1 August 2022, apparently inspired by “The cradle of the Confederation”, a mural in the Great Hall of the Swiss Parliament by Charles Giron (1859-1914), created in 1901.
Giron has the Rütli in mind, the meadow located at Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), a part of Lake Uri (Urnersee). The first three Eidgenossen from Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden confirmed their agreement of mutual assistance in various fields by an oath (Eid). Whether it is a fact or a legend is irrelevant, as is the story about William Tell (Wilhelm Tell), the founders of Rome, such as Romulus and Remus, or the Goddess Athena, the founder of Athens.
Wilhelm Tell Monument Altdorf. Photo: TES.
In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, similar treaties were often concluded between cities and communes throughout Europe during the medieval period. This alliance and its successors have survived. They extended to 13 cantons in 1513 and 25 cantons in 1848.
Switzerland is a nation built from the bottom up, a product of a complex process spanning centuries. The country has four official languages (many more dialects), diverse cultures, and various religions.
It is Europe’s best-functioning democracy (including its shortcomings), with the world’s most innovative and competitive industry, one of the best European universities and the best infrastructure in often challenging geographical circumstances.
The country is a global exporter with an open and cosmopolitan mentality for business and (other) cultures, and highly regarded scholars.
The Swiss National Bank is known for its solid monetary policy. Above all, Switzerland is a critical partner of the European Union. Hopefully, the citizens, politicians and journalists will cherish what has been built and accomplished over the centuries.
National competencies being transferred to the EU will never be returned, even if the EU does not keep its promises and agreements and does not realise its (sometimes megalomaniacal) ambitions.
The euro and the Swiss Franc 2002-2022
Switzerland’s hallmarks are citizen engagement, innovation, competitiveness, and (direct) democracy. From Riom or Scuol in the canton of Grisons to Môtier or La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of Neuchâtel, citizens, culture, and businesses create and support (local) initiatives and (business) projects.
The Mont Terri Rock Laboratory near St. Ursanne. Photo: TES.
In which other countries do thousands of citizens attend summer courses (i.e. not regular courses) in Italian, French, German, or Romansh to understand one of their country’s other languages? Switzerland is the genuine European Union, but it also indicates the limits of cohabitation.
The German newspaper Die Welt published an article (27 July 2019) about members of the European Parliament. In the background, one can read “Kommt, wir bauen das neue Europa” (Join us, we built the new Europe).
Hopefully, there will be no black mourning clouds over the Brienzersee for over ten years. Switzerland, take care of your case and your beautiful country, its democracy, and society.
The 26 cantons. Source: Les 26 cantons suisses. Foto: www.jeretiens.net