We need solidarity from everyone now
In an interview with Weltwoche, Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis looks back on the year that is coming to an end. In view of the corona crisis, which is far from over, Ignazio Cassis highlights the decisions of the Federal Council, the need for a world of solidarity and the strengths of Swiss federalism. He also talks about the next steps in the European dossier and the importance of a good compass for the direction of Swiss foreign policy.
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Shortly before the end of the year, events are moving very quickly and the corona crisis is unfortunately not yet over. In an interview with Weltwoche, Federal Councillor Cassis looks back on a year «in which we experienced a lot of suffering». But he also speaks of hope: «The turn of the year is a symbol,» he says. «We are closing one door and opening a new one.»
The turn of the year is a symbol: we close one door and open a new one.
«The reality is Switzerland»
Did the Federal Council act in panic mode? According to the head of the FDFA, the Federal Council is acting carefully. The corona situation is changing daily. The Federal Council has only one goal: to emerge from this epidemic with the least possible health and economic consequences. For Federal Councilor Cassis, mutual and global solidarity is essential for combating the pandemic. Switzerland has learned from the experiences of its neighbors. «Ultimately, however, we are going our own way. In doing so, we are guided by reality. The reality is Switzerland,» he stresses.
When asked about federalism in times of crisis, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) points out that the measures taken take this particularity of Switzerland into account. «Federalism is intact. Switzerland, with its languages
and cultures, would never have the cohesion it has without the autonomy of the cantons.»
Federalism is intact. Switzerland, with its languages
and cultures, would never have the cohesion it has without the autonomy of the cantons. It can only exist as a federal country.
Institutional Agreement with the EU and Foreign Policy Strategy
As far as the European dossier is concerned, the head of the FDFA emphasises the importance of an institutional agreement. «I would be happy if we had a good agreement that secured our bilateral path,» he says, pointing out that Switzerland earns one in two francs from exports - 60 centimes of which comes from access to the EU market. «In fact, we would probably have to tighten our belts if we were to terminate the framework agreement at some point in the future.» Because «the biggest lie is to pretend that our prosperity would remain unchanged without an agreement with the EU.» As for the next steps in the negotiations, Ignazio Cassis says, «It will take as long as it takes. The main thing is that we have a good contract.»
Other questions in the interview relate to his work as Foreign Minister over the last three years. For Ignazio Cassis, the Foreign Policy Strategy 2020-2023 is a successful project. «For the first time in our history, Switzerland has a broadly supported foreign policy strategy. This is the new compass that the federal government must use to guide all foreign policy activities. Decisions are no longer improvised or based on inclination, preference or party affiliation. Every foreign policy decision must follow the strategy,» he says.
The biggest lie is to pretend that our prosperity would remain unchanged without an agreement with the EU.
Contact
General Secretariat GS-FDFA
Federal Palace West
3003 Bern