The Blick guide: This is how newly elected people successfully start their federal Bern career

Mandatory presence: Elected is chosen. Now you also have to bite the bullet and attend the meetings of the councils and committees, sometimes early in the morning or until late in the evening. In the Council of States, a roll call is made after the opening of the meeting to check attendance. If possible, you should not miss it, also because of the daily allowances.

Absolute immunity: This is about freedom of expression (keyword: “You’re probably still allowed to say that.”). A councilor does not have to fear criminal prosecution because of his statements in councils. This is how Parliament must remain functional. It sounds like the legislature doesn’t grant you any decency or respect. But these can never hurt.

Gifts, acceptance: Small gifts keep friendship alive – and make you vulnerable! Please note: as a councilor you are subject to criminal corruption legislation. Limiting your independence by accepting gifts or other benefits may result in criminal prosecution. However, smaller, ‘socially customary’ gifts such as a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine and an invitation to a meal or event hardly pose a problem.

Dress code: There are no explicit dress codes for the National Council, but clothing “inconsistent with the dignity of the Council” can be interpreted as disruptive behavior. The Council Presidency can call you to order. The Council of States is more specific: According to the company regulations, “the people present in the council wear appropriate clothing”. In practice, this means a shirt, jacket and tie or bow tie for men and “clothing appropriate to the official character of the place” for women. In any case, the shoulder-free ban was lifted in 2020.

National anthem: The Swiss Psalm is sung in both councils during the first meeting of a new legislative period. However, if you are a member of the SVP faction, you usually do not miss an opportunity to sing the national anthem.

Order prohibition: It’s a shame, but that’s how it is. Council members are prohibited from accepting titles and awards from foreign authorities. This is intended to prevent dependency. Unfortunately, you have to do without the German Cross in Gold or the French Order of Merit.

Parliamentary services: Your friend and helper. The Parliamentary Services are Parliament’s staff department and support it where they can. You plan sessions and committee meetings, perform secretarial work and prepare reports, minutes or translations, obtain and archive documents and advise on technical and procedural issues. So you should always be on good terms with them. This makes your life considerably easier.

Simultaneous translation: “Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Now I have been elected, even though I have not spoken French since school.” No fear. In the National Council, the negotiations are simultaneously translated into all three official languages. In the Council of States and in committee meetings it is different. If necessary, You can do it with regular nodding or shaking of the head – depending on whether the speaker belongs to your own camp or not. So you are rarely wrong.

Seating plan: Free choice of seats in parliament? Never mind. The council office assigns the factions their sector, and the factions in turn assign each member a permanent place. The following applies: Political heavyweights have their seats at the back of the National Council chamber. The further back the seats are, the more desirable they are. The word backbencher has nothing to do with where you sit in the hall. The real backbenchers usually sit at the front of the room.

However, there are no rules for the arrangement of seats in the Chamber of the Council of States. In principle, seniority applies: sitting council members can keep their place or move to a place that becomes available. The agency will allocate places to the newly elected.

Daily allowance: Involvement in the homeland must be worthwhile – even if presence is usually sufficient. For each working day on which you attend meetings of the Council, a committee, a delegation or your parliamentary group, you will receive a daily allowance of 440 francs. Anyone who works as a rapporteur for a committee also receives half a daily allowance.

There is also an annual fixed amount of 26,000 francs for the preparation of the council’s work and a further 33,000 francs to cover personnel and material costs. There is also an allowance for overnight stays (180 francs each) and meals (115 francs per day). And: If damage occurs to your car during a meeting, it will also be covered by the federal government. Or you can get a free GA ticket – 1st class of course.

Swearing in: Before you take office, you will be sworn in or take a vow. The Secretary General of the Federal Assembly reads out the respective formula, for example: “I swear before God Almighty that I will comply with the Constitution and the laws and will conscientiously discharge the duties of my office.” The person taking the oath says the words “I swear” with raised cursing fingers. Members of the Council taking the pledge say the words “I promise.” Unlike the National Council, only newly elected council members are sworn in in the Council of States. Anyone who refuses to take an oath or vow relinquishes his office.

Hall: It encloses the chamber of the National Council in a long arch. Here the council members discuss and meet during the sessions, give interviews and also receive lobbyists and visitors. The Blick reporters also often sneak through the foyer during the sessions. Don’t be afraid to contact us.