Possible successor to the Federal Council defends himself: Jans sees red in Berset’s plans

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The Federal Office for Culture, led by Alain Bersets (51, SP), is toying with appointing a Swiss city as national cultural capital every three to five years in the future. Basel has been promoting itself with this title at home and abroad for years.

The Basel culture department of district president Beat Jans (59, SP) is angry. Of all Jans, who would like to succeed SP colleague Berset in the Federal Council.

The idea was “definitely wrong”

The project is met with rejection in Switzerland’s self-proclaimed cultural capital. The canton of Basel-Stadt considers the idea “absolutely wrong,” writes Basel cultural director Katrin Grögel in the official consultation response to the Federal Council.

Berset’s department wants to respond to the request of the association “Swiss Capital of Culture”, which he hopes will “contribute to strengthening national cohesion, increasing cultural diversity in Switzerland and promoting cultural exchange between language regions”.

There should be a Swiss counterpart, based on the model of the European Capital of Culture, reports the “Basler Zeitung” and refers to the new cultural message of the federal government for the years 2025 to 2028.

Basel has been marketing itself with this title for years

Basel’s self-image as a cultural capital has a long tradition. The cantonal government has been working to strengthen this position for more than ten years. “We clearly believe that Basel can claim to be the ‘Cultural Capital of Switzerland’ due to the extraordinary density of its high-quality cultural offering,” says Christoph Bosshardt, Basel’s tourism boss. The name has been used nationally and internationally for years to market the city.

There are fears in Basel that a regularly awarded title of ‘Swiss Capital of Culture’ could thwart this strategy. The project would create “little or no added value” beyond national borders. “If the plans are adhered to, we strongly recommend using a different title,” said Jans officials, who defended themselves against those of party colleague Berset.

Suddenly decide against Basel

What’s explosive about the dispute: If co-favorite Jans is actually elected to the state government in December, he would likely also take over Berset’s domestic department – and would be responsible for implementing the cultural message going forward.

Jans made it clear to the ‘Basler Zeitung’ that he attaches little importance to the plans for the Cultural Capital: ‘I represent the canton. He has a clear position on that.” As a possible federal councilor, he might have to take a different position. (dba)

Source:Blick