National Council wants more influence on Federal Square and “Federal Mile”
Published: Wednesday, Jun 5th 2024, 10:30
Updated At: Wednesday, Jun 5th 2024, 11:30
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The National Council wants the Confederation to have a greater say in the use of public space in front of the Federal Palace in Bern. On Wednesday, it approved a corresponding request from its office without opposition.
The motion adopted by the National Council calls on the Federal Council to enter into negotiations with the City and Canton of Bern. The aim is for the Federal Assembly and the Federal Council, the City and Canton of Bern to jointly regulate the use of public space on the Bundesplatz and the "Federal Mile".
The "Federal Mile" refers to the streets between Hotel Bellevue in the east of the parliament building and the Bundeshaus West.
Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi told the Council that the Federal Council considered the motion to be "expedient". He was prepared to hold talks with the city and canton of Bern. The motion should be adopted. It will now go to the Council of States.
Discussion platform required
The Office of the National Council writes in the motion that the current situation is unsatisfactory. It is often the case that political rallies, cultural events or sporting events in the vicinity of the Federal Palace are so loud that it is impossible to work in the building.
"We need a discussion platform that brings all stakeholders to the table," said National Council Vice-President Maja Riniker (FDP/AG). The Confederation should be able to put forward its needs at this table.
For the Office of the National Council, it is clear that the Bundesplatz is a public space that should be used by the public. It is also undisputed that the city and canton of Bern should determine the use of the square.
"Nevertheless, the Office believes that it goes too far for the City of Bern to decide practically alone on the use of the public space around the Federal Palace. It did this, for example, when it relaxed the ban on demonstrations during the 2021 session without consulting the administrative delegation."
The basis for the dialog should be an agreement on the use of the Bundesplatz signed by the Federal Assembly and the City of Bern in 2016.
This "Memorandum of Understanding" states, among other things, that both parties are of the opinion that small demonstrations should be possible during the session without disruptive noise and without impairing access to the parliament building.
Maximum 50 people
For a long time, the city of Bern banned demonstrations in front of the Federal Palace during parliamentary sessions. In 2022, the City of Bern government relaxed its rally regulations following a decision by the Bern City Parliament in 2021. Since then, rallies have been permitted on the Bundesplatz during parliamentary sessions under certain conditions.
For example, a maximum of 50 people are allowed to attend and there must be no music or loudspeakers.
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