Former Federal Councilor Alain Berset is running for the office of Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) announced this on Wednesday evening. Helen Keller, professor of international law at the University of Zurich, says what this position means.
SRF News: What could Alain Berset achieve as Secretary General of the Council of Europe?
Helen Keller: The Secretary General gives the Council of Europe a face and his powers are of a more strategic nature. This means that he is responsible for the work programs, the budget and the appointment of officials in the Council of Europe.
Alain Berset would certainly be a strong candidate for an important position in the Council of Europe.
Above all, the budget is important. There are two ways to weaken an international organization: by cutting off its money and by appointing a weak person to its leadership. Alain Berset would certainly be a strong candidate for an important position in the Council of Europe.
How important is the role of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe?
The Secretary General is elected for five years. If a person like Jagland does this for ten years, then you shape an organization. The Council of Europe is facing major challenges. To put it in Swiss German, it is not a “chocolate job”. The Council of Europe was rocked by major corruption scandals a few years ago. We are now at war in Europe. The Council of Europe kicked Russia out. These are all major challenges that the Secretary General also has to contend with.
Berset is well-versed on the international stage simply because he is very eloquent.
Does Alain Berset fit the profile for this position?
Previously, former foreign ministers have often held this post. Alain Berset was not foreign minister, but interior minister. But in the Swiss system, in which the presidency of the Federal Council alternates, the Federal President also often takes on the functions of a foreign minister. Berset is very suitable for this. He is also well-versed on the international stage, simply because he is very eloquent. And in terms of his personality, he would give the Council of Europe an important face.
Will there be other candidates for the post of Secretary General?
Yes, you certainly have to expect it. In a functioning organization, it is also good if there are different candidates. There are rumors that one candidate is from Belgium, Didier Reynard. It is also said that a candidate may come from Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic. And the election will take place in such a way that the Committee of Ministers, which is the political body, makes a proposal. This is of course political. The election takes place via the parliamentary assembly.
There will be scheming behind the scenes.
What are the chances that Alain Berset will actually be elected?
Switzerland has never had this seat. Therefore his chances are definitely intact. But it is a political maneuver. It depends on who else is available for other high positions in the Council of Europe. There is also the question of how well Berset and Switzerland can network. This is a political campaign. A choice no longer depends so much on himself, but rather there will be intrigues behind the scenes.
Dominik Rolli conducted the interview.