Notes from the Federal Palace Marianne Jenni: “I want the Swiss Abroad to know that we are thinking of them and are there for them.” platform swissinfo.ch could be axed under government cost-cutting measures. Informing the Swiss Abroad is a task enshrined in the Federal Constitution. It is something we have to facilitate. The CD is working with the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) and with SWI swissinfo in this regard. We will of course be tabling our arguments during consultation on the proposed cuts. But it is the politicians who will ultimately decide. In Switzerland, sentiment towards Swiss Abroad appears to have cooled. Some even accuse expats of sponging off the state. Does this worry you? I have not noticed any such sentiment during the short time I have been in office, but the portrayal is certainly problematic. If this image exists, I will work to correct that. Those who criticise are probably unfamiliar with the real-life challenges facing Swiss Abroad. In Switzerland, we rely on a system that runs like clockwork and gives us peace of mind. This is not necessarily the case everywhere else. From administrative hurdles and changing security situations, to non-existent public transport, or difficulties in obtaining social security – Swiss Abroad have to negotiate many challenges. Anyone who leaves to start a new life in another country is taking a risk. What message would you like to relay to the “Fifth Switzerland”? I want the Swiss Abroad to know that we are thinking of them and are there for them. The Federal Council and parliament have handed us this remit in the form of the Swiss Abroad Act. It is a remit that we take seriously. The Swiss Abroad are our ambassadors, embodying Swiss virtues like quality and reliability, whether in business, science, culture or society. They are important for Switzerland’s image. How will you go about taking the pulse of the “Fifth Switzerland”? One of my priorities will be to meet as many Swiss Abroad as possible and attend OSA conferences to learn about what the Swiss expatriate community is thinking, because this varies from country to country. It is also worth repeating that the Swiss Abroad can do their own bit to ensure they have a political voice, i.e. by standing for election to the Council of the Swiss Abroad and offering their insight that way. Many Swiss Abroad are entitled to vote in elections and referendums in Switzerland but often cannot do so because the voting papers arrive much too late – which is extremely annoying. I totally agree, because important votes are being lost. The political participation of the “Fifth Switzerland” is important for Swiss politics. E-voting could make a difference. Will you lobby the cantons that are hesitant to introduce it? We will have a conversation with the cantons. E-voting will be one of the topics discussed. The Consular Directorate is the central point of contact for Switzerland’s consular services around the world. What does this mean in practice? Representations in the form of embassies or consulates function a little bit like municipal councils. You register with them – and they will take your personal details, receive your passport and identity card applications, provide the necessary documentation for marriages and divorces, offer you a temporary passport if you lose your permanent passport, help you in emergencies, assist with repatriation in the event of death, contact your family, and issue visas (as many as 700,000 visas in 2024). In some cases, they will also provide you with money: Swiss Abroad who are destitute and, for example, have no family to support them can apply for welfare payments. Each individual case is assessed according to strict legal criteria. If the necessary conditions are met, payments can theoretically be made to cover the person’s minimum living costs in their country of residence. How effective is Switzerland’s consular network? Switzerland provides high-quality services across a dense consular network consisting of around 170 representations and 200 honorary representations. We have considerable expectations to live up to. Both Swiss Abroad and Swiss tourists abroad are increasing in number. We also have to cut costs by around ten percent. Hence, we need digital solutions to maintain the quality of our services. These solutions must offer added value to all involved, through efficiency gains on the one hand and customer friendliness on the other. Added value, efficiency gains, customer friendliness – but what can Swiss Abroad expect in practice? “The political participation of the “Fifth Switzerland” is important for Swiss politics.” 29 Swiss Review / April 2025 / No.2
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjYwNzMx