Federal Councillors celebrate Christmas with cross-country skiing and tongue
Published: Friday, Dec 22nd 2023, 07:50
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The national government also enjoys some peace and quiet over the festive period. To escape the hectic pace of everyday politics, the Federal Councillors go cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or otherwise enjoy time with their loved ones.
SVP Federal Councillor Albert Rösti celebrates Christmas at his home in Uetendorf BE or at his parents' house in Kandersteg BE, where he grew up. The traditional Christmas meal is fondue chinoise, Rösti wrote to the Keystone-SDA news agency on request. If the weather permits, he also likes to go for a short run on his cross-country skis.
At the home of SP Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (JU), her husband's four siblings and their families will be playing, reading and discussing, the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) announced on request. As every year, the Christmas meal will be pâté with mushrooms, sausage meat, veal and tongue. A roulade (Bûche de Noël) will be served for dessert.
Recreation on the ski slopes
The Christmas menu for FDP Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis (TI) is not yet known. It is always a surprise for him, wrote the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The Ticino native celebrates with his mother and siblings.
The future President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd (center/VS) relaxes with her family at Christmas. This also includes active relaxation while skiing in the Valais mountains. She is also using the few days off to prepare the dossiers for the new year, wrote the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). The handover of office between Amherd and the outgoing President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset (SP/FR) will also take place during this time.
New Federal Councillor Beat Jans (SP/BS) is also working hard. Until he takes office on January 1, 2024, he will be working in depth on the dossiers of his department, the FDJP.
Contemplation with the family
In principle, all Federal Councillors enjoy the quiet days with their loved ones. "It's a few days when the hectic pace that you're usually in comes to a standstill. I really enjoy it and it gives me strength," says Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter (FDP/SG).
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin (SVP/VD) also used the celebration to pause for reflection, wrote the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). He celebrated together with his wife, her mother and his father.
The retiring Federal Councillor Berset (SP/FR) celebrated with his family. The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) did not provide any further details.
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