Swiss media on Berset’s election as Secretary General of the Council of Europe
Published: Wednesday, Jun 26th 2024, 04:10
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Former Federal Councillor Alain Berset has been elected as the new Secretary General of the Council of Europe by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The Tages-Anzeiger, CH Media and SRF write about this:
"Tages-Anzeiger": "Poisoned gift"
The Tages-Anzeiger sees Alain Berset's election as a success for both the candidate and Switzerland. However, the task will not be easy: "Alain Berset will have to prove himself as a moderator." The Council of Europe has lost importance and is fighting for its role. In addition, the election could turn out to be a "poisoned gift" in terms of domestic politics. "Never before has membership of the Council of Europe been called into question as much as recently, after the Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of the climate seniors and condemned Switzerland." Switzerland must now take a closer look at its relationship with the Council of Europe.
CH Media: Foreign policy test for Switzerland
For CH Media, the Council of Europe has lost its appeal following a corruption scandal and the expulsion of Russia. Berset's election was a foreign policy test for Switzerland and is good for the oldest human rights organization on the continent. "Berset - with his flair for grand appearances - can be trusted to give the organization more visibility and bring it back to its founding purpose: strengthening democracy and human rights. Especially as Berset comes from neither an EU nor a NATO country." The Confederation's support for Berset's candidacy was the right thing to do. In times of authoritarian tendencies, including in Europe, Switzerland should take a stand.
SRF: "Expectations are high"
For SRF, Berset's election as Secretary General of the Council of Europe showed that many members of the Council of Europe wanted a "strong man at the top". "Due to his biography, many people obviously trust him to help the Council of Europe gain more visibility and more weight." Berset had presented himself as experienced in leadership, capable and willing to make decisions and was not seen as a Eurocrat. Neither of his two challengers - the Belgian EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders and the Estonian former Culture Minister Indrek Saar - had the same qualities. It will be a challenging time for Berset: "Expectations are high."
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