After women’s strike: SVP wants to buy the Bundesplatz!

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For SVP Landsraadslide Christian Imark (41) the measure is full. On Wednesday, women across the country vociferously demonstrated for more equality – including on the Bundesplatz. Despite running session! For a long time, large gatherings in front of the Federal Palace were forbidden during the session of parliament. The work of the Council must remain undisturbed. Even party presidents have been reported by the city of Bern for an unauthorized pro-jet fighter campaign.

However, in 2021, the city that owns the Bundesplatz changed the rules of the game. Demos are now also possible during sessions if the city council of Bern deems it appropriate. The reason was mainly the unauthorized occupation of the Bundesplatz by climate activists in the autumn of 2020. That was a thorn in the side of parliament at the time. The presidents of the National Council and the Council of States demanded that the city clear the space. But this was rejected by the federal government and the climate youth allowed it.

The federal government must ensure law and order

But after the women’s strike, Imark has had enough: on a parliamentary initiative, he calls on the Federal Council to start negotiations with the city of Bern. The federal government should buy the Bundesplatz from it. Then he could take care of it himself in the future.

If a purchase is not possible, the state government should at least find an arrangement with the city of Bern on the use of the Bundesplatz, which “takes due account of undisturbed council operations and the safety of parliamentarians”.

Imark fears that the left-green city council of Bern could influence the national political agenda with its permit requirement. After all, the Bundesplatz is particularly coveted by organizations of all kinds for campaigns to get national or even international attention – especially during ongoing sessions.

«Latent danger of political abuse»

It is therefore clear that the use of the square should take into account the political balance of power in the country – “and not the composition of a local government”. SVP parliamentary group chairman Thomas Aeschi (44) also accused the federal city of ideology during the climate occupation: “The city looks the other way when it comes to left-wing concerns, and tight controls and fines are issued for right-wing concerns. For example, the SVP was rejected with a rally request for a restriction initiative.

Today there is a latent danger of political abuse and arbitrary decisions, Imark warns. The safety of parliamentarians is also increasingly left to chance due to the increasing urge to act on the Bundesplatz. “The federal government is therefore obliged to ensure that there is a fair and politically balanced arrangement for all parties for the use of the Bundesplatz.”

It’s not the SVP’s first attempt. During the occupation of the Bundesplatz, Imark even wanted to have the city of Bern expropriated so that the federal government would take over the area. However, the motion was never voted on. After two years it was written off as undone.

Imark now wants to prevent this with the instrument of parliamentary initiative – this bypasses the Bundesrat. Whether he can increase his chances that way remains to be seen. (dba)

Source:Blick