Viktor Rossi (GLP) has been the new Federal Chancellor of Switzerland since January 1st. In the first interview after taking office, the Bernese talks about his childhood, professional challenges and the lessons his office has learned from dealing with the corona pandemic.
SRF News: You mentioned in your inaugural speech in December that your parents immigrated to Switzerland. How did that influence you?
Viktor Rossi: My parents came to Switzerland as seasonal residents in the 1950s. My father, originally from Naples, worked as a farmhand for a farmer, my mother as a household help. After their experiences in the Second World War, it was clear to them that they wanted to stay in Switzerland. That’s why my name is Viktor and not Vittorio. That was the first step towards integration (laughs).
Things weren’t easy for immigrants in Switzerland back then. Among other things, the Schwarzenbach Initiative shaped the political discourse. An initiative that also caused fear among my parents. This fear of whether you can stay in Switzerland or not shaped, among other things, my childhood.
You trained to be a chef as a teenager. Which skills from that time can you still use today?
An apprenticeship as a chef teaches many skills that I can still use today. For example, when it comes to cooking, mise en place is important. Preparation is the be-all and end-all to be prepared for anything. Good preparation is also very important in my current job. The same applies to good collaboration.
In the kitchen I learned what good and trusting collaboration means. This is no different in the federal administration. It is important that we work well together across the different departments.
Part of my job is to be a little uncomfortable and address the elephant in the room.
What is so fascinating about your new position as Chancellor?
The Chancellor is close to the government. He not only takes part in the Federal Council meetings, but is also an important confidant of the Federal Council members. I can comment directly on the transactions, describe my impressions and draw the Federal Council’s attention to blind spots. Part of my job is to be a little uncomfortable and address the elephant in the room.
The world is becoming more and more complex. How does this change the Chancellor’s work?
The Corona crisis has shown us that we need to get better at crisis management. We carried out two evaluations and found, among other things, that entering crisis mode took too long. We also need to better anticipate national and international developments that could lead to a crisis. We have responded to these results and set up a permanent core team that brings together observations from all departments. This should be a constant vehicle that constantly extends its feelers. Furthermore, cooperation with science and the cantons will also be strengthened.
The interview was conducted by David Karasek.