Age President Pfister speaks of “time of upheaval”
Published: Monday, Dec 4th 2023, 15:20
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In a "time of upheaval", it is up to the Federal Assembly to ensure that future generations can "experience Switzerland as we do". These were the words of the President of the National Council, Gerhard Pfister, a centrist member of the National Council from Zug, at the opening of the new legislature of the Federal Parliament.
"With our 246 different convictions", the members of the National Council and the Council of States must "argue and fight hard on the matter", said Pfister on Monday during the constituent meeting of the National Council.
However, it is also important to conduct these disputes "humbly in the exercise of our responsibility" and with respect for the institutions. Because they are "bigger than us".
The 61-year-old from Zug has noticed "cracks in the palisades of what we take for granted in Switzerland". These cracks can be seen at the seams of Switzerland's cohesion. "We should recognize them. We should take them seriously".
But cracks also mean opportunities. They arise when the old, the tried and tested is allowed to grow. The Canadian singer Leonard Cohen sang that light penetrates everything through cracks. "We should be interested in this light that shines through the cracks in what we take for granted. Because it is the light of enlightenment, the light of our values, our history, our culture."
Grapevine in the National Council Chamber
Katja Riem, who was the youngest member of the National Council to be elected for the first time, brought a small vine with her to the Federal Palace. The 26-year-old winegrower and farmer from Kirchdorf BE said that just as the vine remains anchored in the ground with its roots, it is also the task of the members of parliament to remain connected to the population, to the will of the people.
It is important to honor old traditions and approaches, but also to embrace new possibilities and ideas. This is to make room for new generations, said Riem.
©Keystone/SDA
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