President Amherd appeals for shared responsibility
Published: Monday, Jan 1st 2024, 12:21
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In her New Year's address, President Viola Amherd appealed for shared responsibility and the will to shape the future. "Our democracy is based on this idea," said Amherd on Monday. Much has been achieved together, and that is Switzerland's strength.
"We are not helpless, we are not powerless, we don't just have to sit and watch. We can take many things into our own hands," said Amherd on her first day in her new role. She continued: "We all have a say in the course that history takes." However, we have to get involved by taking responsibility. Listening, understanding each other and getting involved are key.
"If we bear responsibility together, it becomes easier," said the Federal President. "And if we treat each other with respect, our lives will not only be easier, but also richer."
Courageous decisions
Amherd frowned at people's ability to learn. "Books document our history so that we can learn from it," she said. Unfortunately, events that people had hoped were a thing of the past were repeating themselves. Good stories include heroines and heroes who make courageous decisions.
"Perhaps not everything will be perfect this year and we will encounter difficult situations again," said Amherd. "But we will be able to make a difference together if we want to."
Amherd was elected President of the Swiss Confederation by the United Federal Assembly on December 13. The woman from Upper Valais replaces Alain Berset.
Amherd has been a member of the federal government for five years. The 61-year-old centrist politician from Brig-Glis succeeded Doris Leuthard at the beginning of 2019, who stepped down after more than twelve years in the Federal Council. Since then, Amherd has headed the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), making her the first female defense minister in Swiss history.
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