The term “Grand Chasseral” gains importance in the Bernese Jura
Published: Thursday, May 9th 2024, 10:10
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The term "Bernese Jura" could gradually fall into oblivion. It is facing competition from a new term, the "Grand Chasseral". It has rapidly become popular recently and could replace the historical name.
It usually takes a long time for new names like this to catch on. Not so with the name "Grand Chasseral": around 17 months after its launch, the success has been greater than expected, said Patrick Linder, one of the promoters of the new name.
Lindner is president of the Grand Chasseral Foundation. It wants to use the designation to strengthen the economic and regional attractiveness of the area. The designation also aims to modernize the image of the Bernese Jura with its 50,000 inhabitants, which is sometimes negatively tainted by the Jura conflict.
Opportunity to reinvent yourself
The largest town in the Bernese Jura, Moutier, will join the canton of Jura in 2026. This is an opportunity for the region to develop a new self-image.
The term "Grand Chasseral" is derived from the highest mountain in the area, from which you have a sweeping view of the Alps and the Three Lakes region. Those responsible are convinced that such aspects could promote cohesion across political differences.
Political parties such as the Greens or, more recently, the Social Democrats, already use the name "Grand Chasseral" for their sections. Others are to follow. Only the SVP clings to the old name, more out of tradition than out of resistance to something new.
All municipalities in the region, with the exception of Moutier and Belprahon, also use the "Grand Chasseral" logo. Around 200 companies, associations, cultural businesses and producers of local specialties also use it.
Advance in the back of the hand
One person who would also like to replace the term "Bernese Jura" with "Grand Chasseral" in the legislation is Hervé Gullotti, SP member of the cantonal parliament and former president of the Grand Council. But: "We don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater," said Gulloti, putting the brakes on for the time being.
However, as soon as Moutier has completed the switch to the canton of Jura and the French-speaking representation of the Bernese cantonal parliament is in agreement, he intends to submit a proposal to the Grand Council, Gullotti explained.
But even though the term "Grand Chasseral" is used by institutions and companies, it has not yet really arrived in the everyday lives of the population. When they talk about the "Grand Chasseral" region in Geneva or Zurich, nobody knows where it is. But people know the Bernese Jura, says former SVP National Councillor Jean-Pierre Graber.
However, the Probernian veteran Graber can still find something constructive in the positive note of the term "Grand Chasseral". But it would take investment to really anchor the term permanently.
Better accessibility
For example, the summit of the Chasseral would have to be made accessible with a cable car to attract more visitors to the area. The A16 highway also needs to be renovated and the section between Biel and the Bernese Jura in particular needs to be expanded.
Meanwhile, Linder talks about finding a completely new narrative for the region. It is important to emphasize the qualities of the region, such as the high quality of life, the cultural life or the high level of industrial expertise, for example in the precision and watchmaking industries.
The Grand Chasseral region comprises around 40 municipalities, including Reconvilier, Courtelary, Tavannes, St-Imier, Tramelan, La Neuveville, Villeret and Renan.
However, the term Bernese Jura should not be eradicated, but rather remain integrated into the history of the region. By the way: if you enter the question of what the term "Grand Chasseral" means into an AI tool, you will be told that it is "a region in the Bernese Jura".
©Keystone/SDA
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