- The new Federal President Ignazio Cassis has put the return to common sense and diversity at the center of his New Year’s address.
- He hoped that Switzerland would approach one another and respect other opinions, “even if we don’t share them”.
- Before that, the handover had taken place: Ignazio Cassis took over the office of Federal President from Guy Parmelin. The handover took place by phone – on New Year’s Eve.
In a time of polarization, people in Switzerland should increasingly reflect on “what unites us, what defines national cohesion”. Only with solidarity on the one hand and a passion for diversity on the other can the country master the challenges of the coming year.
The pandemic has not divided us, we will not be divided.
Diversity is a constant challenge, said Cassis in his New Year’s address, which was given in four languages for the first time, on SRF radio and television. Diversity requires commitment, to put oneself in the shoes of the other, to forego something and to make compromises. That makes Switzerland strong. The pandemic has driven the people in Switzerland apart, “but it has not divided us, we will not be divided”.
The masks would hide the laughter, “but we can look each other in the eye and listen to each other”. Unfortunately, the pandemic is still there and challenging the country. «It makes us vulnerable and insecure. Sometimes lonely too. ” However, the Federal Council listens to everyone in the country. He understands the worries and fears.
Wishes to the Swiss population
The state government always bases its decisions on the overall interests of Switzerland and its people. Patience is still needed, but the eternal struggle of humans against the virus and the pandemic will again be won together this time. With this in mind, Cassis wished everyone health, determination and satisfaction for the year 2022.
Federal spokesman André Simonazzi had previously announced the successful handover via Twitter. The resigning Federal President Guy Parmelin and his successor Ignazio Cassis agree that Switzerland will master the pandemic with strong cohesion, Simonazzi added. Simonazzi also announced that both of them wish the whole population a happy new year.
Also on the short message service, Parmelin wished his successor luck. He is looking forward to continuing his work at his side in the Federal Council.
For his part, Cassis thanked Parmelin on Twitter for his “excellent work” and the courteous handing over of the presidency.