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On September 12, 1848, the first federal constitution of modern Switzerland came into effect. This formed the basis for direct democracy, the rule of law, the separation of powers or federalism.
Accordingly, September 12 should be recognized as a public holiday at the federal level, said Center National Councilor Heinz Siegenthaler, 67. The Bernese citizen called in a motion for a national holiday for everyone, such as August 1. And a “democracy holiday”.
With his praise for the federal state, Siegenthaler managed to gain a majority in the large chamber. The National Council accepted the holiday proposal by 94 votes to 82, with six abstentions.
Council of States says no
Many Swiss were already looking forward to a new and especially non-working holiday. But the Council of States has now put an abrupt end to these dreams: it has rejected the initiative.
Council of States Thomas Minder (62, SH), as committee spokesperson, explained why a second national holiday is not necessary from the point of view of the State Political Commission. On the one hand, establishing a new public holiday under labor law would entail significant economic costs. There is talk of 600 million francs. On the other hand, there is no need for a public holiday to commemorate the founding of the Swiss federal state.
Switzerland was not founded in 1848, but in 1291, says Minder. September 12 could also compete with August 1 as a holiday. For Minder it is clear: “Our country only needs one official national holiday!”
Green State Councilor Mathias Zopfi (39, GL) also spoke out against the proposal. “August 1 is a worthy federal holiday,” he said. It is suitable for whatever you want to read in it. This includes modern Switzerland.
Strengthen democratic participation
However, September 12 is not completely off the table as an important date. After the successful celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Federal Constitution, the responsible committee would like to at least investigate whether corresponding activities can be institutionalized.
In the best case, she will submit a committee motion on this later. Also with the aim of strengthening democratic participation. SP Council of States Hans Stöckli (71, BE) spoke about the possibility that a “democracy fund” could be created.
But one thing is clear: there should not be a second non-working national holiday.
Source:Blick
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