Former Federal Councillor Berset’s candidacy for the Council of Europe not in danger
Published: Wednesday, Jun 12th 2024, 12:40
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The declaration on the European Court of Human Rights' climate ruling against Switzerland adopted by Parliament on Wednesday does not affect former Federal Councillor Alain Berset's candidacy for the post of Secretary General of the Council of Europe. This is the view of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
The election is in no way connected to the judgment. "It is in any case the task of the member states of the Council of Europe and not the Secretary General to monitor the implementation of the ECtHR's judgments," explained the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on Wednesday at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency.
Meanwhile, FDP parliamentary group president Damien Cottier (NE), who is also a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, believes it is possible that "some supporters of other candidates are trying to take advantage of Parliament's decision". He said this on request.
Former Federal Councillor Berset is recommended for the post of Secretary General of the Council of Europe and leads the race. The delegates of the Council of Europe ministers recently placed the Swiss candidate at the top of their three-man ticket. The ticket was drawn up "in order of preference", as stated in the corresponding resolution.
Behind the Social Democrat Berset, the Estonian nominee Indrek Saar is in second place and the Belgian Didier Reynders is in third place on the ticket. The election will take place on June 25.
Founded 75 years ago, the Council of Europe is considered the guardian of the European Convention on Human Rights and the oldest intergovernmental organization. Although Switzerland was not involved from the outset, Zurich is one of the birthplaces of the Council of Europe.
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