Federal Councillor Beat Jans in Basel: “I am overwhelmed”
Published: Thursday, Dec 21st 2023, 16:40
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The new Federal Councillor Beat Jans (SP) was welcomed to Basel with a big party on Thursday afternoon. The population was visibly proud of Basel's first Federal Councillor in 50 years.
Jans enjoyed the first part of the procession, which led from SBB station to the market square, with his wife Tracy: he waved, accepted flowers and shook countless hands. Again and again there was applause.
Around 550 drummers and pipers, guild bannermen and other musicians accompanied Jans on his ceremonial procession through Basel. The city center was well filled: "Bravo Beat!" or "Super!" was heard repeatedly from the audience.
"I am touched"
"I am touched, I am overwhelmed - what a wonderful reception," said Jans during his speech on the market square. He said it was a great honor to take on the new role in Bern, even if it was not easy for him to leave Basel.
"We are delighted that you have been elected, even though we will miss you greatly here," said Lukas Engelberger (center), Vice President of the Basel government.
Jans was elected to the national government on December 13. He takes over the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP). Federal Councillor and Jans' party colleague Elisabeth Baume-Schneider was also present at the ceremony. She said she was convinced that the Federal Assembly had elected an outstanding and excellent Federal Councillor in Jans.
©Keystone/SDA
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