Commission wants fund to honor the constitution: money, instead of a second national holiday

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A fund for democracy and the rule of law is intended to strengthen political institutions. With 7 votes to 0 and one abstention, the State Political Commission of the Council of States (SIK-S) adopted a corresponding motion, parliamentary services announced on Tuesday. The small chamber will decide on this afterwards.

This fund is intended to support activities to strengthen understanding and engagement with the political institutions of the Swiss Federal State, as stated in the rationale for the initiative. The focus of these activities should be mainly on young people. The fund should also promote the knowledge and use of national languages ​​to strengthen Switzerland’s cohesion.

The fund is managed by a committee of five to a maximum of nine people, independent of parliament and administration, who are elected by the Federal Council for a period of four years and can be re-elected a maximum of twice.

Vacation costs too much

This year, several events took place to commemorate the adoption of the first federal constitution 175 years ago. In the autumn, however, the Council of States refused to introduce a second national holiday on September 12.

The opponents, like the Federal Council, feared significant economic costs. Furthermore, other activities might be more appropriate to commemorate the founding of the state.

On September 12, 1848, the Diet declared the Federal Constitution accepted and put it into effect. The old confederation thus became the modern federal state. The first democracy in Europe since ancient times emerged.

Only since 1994 has August 1 been considered a day off. The date August 1 was chosen in reference to the Federal Letter of early August 1291. In a referendum, 83.8 percent supported an initiative of the Swiss Democrats (SD). (SDA)

Source:Blick