Councillors want more influence on Bundesplatz and the “Federal Mile”
Published: Wednesday, Sep 18th 2024, 13:10
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The Swiss parliament wants more influence on the use of the Bundesplatz and the "Federal Mile" in Bern. After the National Council, the Council of States also approved a corresponding proposal from its office on Wednesday without opposition.
The matter has thus been referred to the Federal Council. In June, the National Council had already approved the request of its office without opposition.
The motion calls on the Federal Council to enter into negotiations with the City and Canton of Bern in order to reach an amicable agreement on the use of public space on the Bundesplatz and the "Bundesmeile". The "Federal Mile" refers to the streets between the Hotel Bellevue to the east of the parliament building and the Bundeshaus West - these are owned by the City of Bern.
The Office of the Council of States writes on the motion that the current situation is unsatisfactory. It happens time and again that political rallies, cultural events or sporting events in the vicinity of the parliament building are so loud that it is impossible to work there. Demonstrations or rallies also pose a risk to the work of Parliament and the Federal Council.
In the past, for example, parliamentarians have been unable to enter or leave the parliament building through the main entrance due to militant actions, according to the Office of the Council of States. There were also cases of vandalism and damage to property. In the view of the office, it goes too far for the City of Bern to decide practically alone on the use of the public space around the Federal Palace.
For a long time, the city of Bern banned demonstrations in front of the Federal Palace during parliamentary sessions. In 2022, the rally regulations were relaxed following a decision by Bern's city parliament - against the wishes of the federal government. Since then, rallies have been permitted there during parliamentary business under certain conditions.
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