Amherd and Cassis emphasize the role of the nation of will on 1 August
Published: Tuesday, Jul 30th 2024, 20:10
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President Viola Amherd and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis kicked off the numerous 1 August speeches by members of the Swiss government on Tuesday. Amherd emphasized the role of the Swiss abroad, while Cassis highlighted the joint commitment of various communities.
In a video address on X on Tuesday morning, the President of the Swiss Confederation called on the Swiss abroad to build bridges. "Lead by example and pass on the democratic tradition to those around you in the countries where you live today."
It is part of Swiss culture for people to approach each other and talk to each other, said Amherd. "In an increasingly polarized world, people everywhere need to build bridges." Switzerland is a nation of will and the common bond does not stop at any border.
In his speech on 1 August at the Maison Suisse in Paris on Tuesday evening, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis appropriately emphasized the "striving for unity in diversity" as Switzerland's founding principle. Thanks to this, Switzerland had been built into the country it is today.
Overcoming differences for common goals
The Swiss National Day commemorates the decision of three Alpine communities to form a Confederation. With this "pact of mutual support", the differences between the communities were overcome "in order to achieve a common goal", said the Foreign Minister. "Our ancestors knew how to follow unity every time." This was also the case when the pact was extended to other communities.
"This fundamental principle must continue to inspire us and guide our actions, including in foreign policy," Mr Cassis continued in his speech. The Maison Suisse and the Swiss embassy in Paris are also an "outstanding example of openness, cohesion and joint commitment", the Federal Councillor continued.
The athletes taking part in the Olympic and Paralympic Games and their companions "are among our best ambassadors", said Cassis. Sport is one of the few - and therefore valuable - things that all people, nations and communities on our planet share.
Swiss abroad as the fourth largest canton
In his speech, Cassis highlighted the "intensive relations" between Switzerland and France as an example of "striving for unity in diversity". With around 210,000 people, France is home to the largest community of Swiss abroad.
In turn, the largest community of French nationals abroad, around 170,000 in number, live in Switzerland. According to the Federal Council, direct investment on both sides is also "remarkable". Switzerland is the third-largest investor in France after the USA and Germany.
Last year, Switzerland had a total of 813,400 citizens living abroad. They made up 11.1 percent of the Swiss population. Based on population figures, they would make up the fourth-largest canton.
Amherd's video message and Cassis' speech at the Maison Suisse in Paris marked the start of the Federal Councillors' speech marathon on August 1. This year, the seven members of government will give a total of 19 speeches. Albert Rösti is putting on a real speech marathon with seven events.
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