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Almost 50 members of the Federal Parliament are in the “Parliamentary Group Scouts”. They meet once a year in the Federal Palace, where the power of the scout movement in federal politics is demonstrated.
If the Scout Movement Switzerland needs something from federal politics, they can pick up the phone and call the Valais Council of States Beat Rieder. “The scouts have my phone number,” he says. “You can call me anytime.”
Legend:
The Valais Central Council of States Beat Rieder in conversation with boy scouts. Among them the managing director of the scout movement, Adrian Elsener (left).
SRF
Like many parliamentarians, Rieder came to the breakfast of the “Parliamentary Group Scouts”. Once a year, the Swiss Scout Movement organizes this lobby event in the Restaurant des Alpes, the canteen of the Federal Palace, so to speak.
As co-president of the group, Beat Rieder is not the only one the scouts in the Federal Palace can rely on. The group has 48 members from across the political spectrum.
We give the scout a face in federal politics.
FDP national councilor Maja Riniker is also co-president of the group and was active in the scouts for a long time: “We give the scouts a face in federal politics,” she says. “Supporting the movement is a sensible investment, the scout is a good school of life.”
The scout and the money
On this morning in May, however, parliamentarians without a path past, such as Councilor of States Peter Hegglin, also came. “I like to support the scouts when I can,” he says: “Of course it’s always about money, but we’re happy to support youth organizations that do something for the common good.”
Scout as a regular guest in the Federal Palace
Like other youth organizations, the scout movement is closely intertwined with the federal government. At least when it comes to financing. The training of leaders is organized by the Federal Office of Sport with its youth and sport sub-department. The military often provides rental material such as tents or infrastructure for larger camps. And: Youth and Sport supports the regional scout groups with several million Swiss francs in camp contributions each year.
The scouts and networking
And how does the scout deal with this power in Parliament? “We don’t see ourselves as the most powerful youth organization,” says Adrian Elsener, Managing Director of the Swiss Scout Movement. “Unlike others, we are represented in all parts of the country and of course we are the largest youth organization,” he says. “We are not powerful per se, but thanks to the many alumni we are well connected.”
Thanks to the many alumni, we are well connected.
One thing is clear: when the scouts invite you to breakfast in the Federal Palace, members of the Federal Parliament come from left to right. Other lobby groups could only wish for such broad support.