Keller-Sutter praises democratic compromises in New York
Published: Thursday, Aug 1st 2024, 17:40
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Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter delivered her August 1st speech to Swiss citizens abroad in New York. In it, she highlighted the similarities between the democracies in the USA and Switzerland and called for openness to compromise.
In insecure Western societies and in view of the election victories of populists, it is important for moderate political forces to listen to the people. They do not expect simple answers, but honest ones, Keller-Sutter said in her speech to the Swiss abroad.
It is about conducting debates freely and peacefully and seriously struggling for the best solutions.
Even Benjamin Franklin said that those who forge compromises do not become heroes, said the head of the Federal Department of Finance in the Bowling Green Park near the stock exchange. According to Franklin, however, compromises make great democracies, Keller-Sutter continued. Franklin is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the USA.
The Federal Councillor went on to say that US and Swiss democracy had been mutually beneficial. The first sentence of the US Declaration of Independence was inspired by the thinking of a Genevan Enlightenment philosopher, while the Swiss bicameral parliamentary system was modeled on that of the USA.
According to Keller-Sutter, both countries are still "two success stories" today. The success of the two liberal democracies can be measured not only in terms of prosperity, but above all in terms of personal and economic freedom.
If raclette is served properly, Keller-Sutter said at the end, alluding to a snack planned after the speech, it is a "very democratic dish: one person, one slice!" (One slice of cheese per person.)
Keller-Sutter visits the stock exchange
As Keller-Sutter's department announced on request, the Federal Councillor is primarily in the USA for private reasons. She also visited the New York Stock Exchange and held talks with its management. It was a great honor for her to appear in New York's oldest park together with New York Mayor Eric Adams.
In his short speech, Adams praised the Swiss ability to strike a balance between opposing viewpoints and to strive for mutual recognition instead of belittling political opponents.
The two flags were raised at the end to the respective national anthems - also a strong sign of New York's appreciation of Switzerland, according to Keller-Sutter's Department of Finance.
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