“Youth Holds the Promise of Hope”
Published: Tuesday, Aug 1st 2023, 13:40
Updated At: Friday, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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In her speech at the Rütli UR, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider encouraged the younger generation to get involved in politics and to take action. The 1 August celebration was held under the motto "#Jugendrütli". According to the Federal Councillor, everything necessary to realise one's own vision of an ideal Switzerland is already present in the Federal Constitution. She often meets young people who want to make a difference. "We should make use of this. After all, we all want to live in a healthier and fairer world," said Baume-Schneider. At the beginning of her speech, the Federal Councillor speculated about the age of the three founding fathers. There were two Werner Stauffachers in the area at the time - one older and elderly, the other young and bloodthirsty. Which of the two would better fit the role of one of the three founding fathers, she asked. "Does it take the experience of a whole life to fight for a better future?" The Federal Councillor appealed to society to give young people the opportunity to express themselves. The parents' generation must also offer a hand to build a better society together with the young. Already with the founding fathers, it was not the age in years that was decisive, but the feeling that inspired them. "They must have been driven by an unbridled youthfulness. Only then could they dream so passionately of a better and more solidary future." Finally, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider warned not to be too strongly influenced by the painted or carved images of the founding fathers. "Our history, our symbols and our Federal Constitution are absolutely for everyone," she said - young people, women and cantons that only joined the Confederation much later.nn
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