National Council FDP calls for prayer room in Federal Palace: “Parliament lacks spirituality”

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The world of politics is an endless whirlpool: debating, phoning journalists, meeting lobbyists for a glass of wine – a busy everyday life. FDP state councilor Rocco Cattaneo (64) thinks it is too full: “There must be room for silence and prayer.” Therefore, he submitted a corresponding proposal.

Over the past four years, the hectic pace has noticeably increased due to the corona pandemic, the war in Ukraine and rising premiums. “There is increasing pressure on parliamentarians,” says Cattaneo. There is a need for breathing space and moments of pause. And: “Parliament lacks spirituality.”

Cattaneo, a fervent Catholic, sees an interfaith prayer space as an opportunity to make wiser decisions. Because every moment of rest gives him new impulses. When things got too much for Cattaneo during the session, he fled to the nearest church.

A priest in the Federal Palace

So far, a reflection has taken place at every session in the Federal Palace. “These ten minutes were always very intense and enriching,” says Cattaneo enthusiastically. He finds it insulting that there is no room for this in the Federal Palace. “There is a smoking area, an area for breastfeeding mothers, but where does spirituality fit in?”

A space like this also helps you not lose your footing. Because: “All parliamentarians – including myself – find them important.”

Parliamentarians from the SVP, Center, EPP and SP signed his proposal. But he himself is no longer participating in the elections. If the future parliamentarians agree, the prayer room will become his farewell gift to the Federal Palace. (rba)

Source:Blick