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“Salü zäme, I am d’ Viola,” says federal councilor and Minister of Defense Viola Amherd (61), as she greets Maé (8), Hanna (10) and Serafin (11) and shakes their hands. ‘You write much better than I do. “I can read that better than my own notes,” she says, looking at the sheets of paper with the questions.
The three children have prepared well. They hear about war and terror in the news and ask questions during lunch. Questions that sound simple, but are difficult to answer. Why is there war, why do people fight, how do you make peace? Now they question the federal councilor like professionals, and her shyness disappears. Only they don’t always dare to say ‘you’ when they address someone.
Hanna: Why are there people who don’t want peace?
Viola Amherd: The majority of people, children and adults, would prefer peace. But there are also people who only see their own benefit. And then they start arguing with others. It usually involves more power, more money or some other advantage. So there are arguments.
Serafin: Do federal council members also argue with each other?
I wouldn’t say fighting. But we sometimes argue loudly with each other because we don’t have the same opinion. It is good that there are seven of us, women and men, in the Federal Council, because it allows us to express different points of view. We will then discuss the matter. This is important to understand: we are not attacking each other personally. We’re not saying, “Hey, you’re stupid,” but rather, “I don’t like this idea.” This way you can have a good conversation together. This is important because we meet again every week. The goal is that we come up with good solutions together.
Maé: If two countries are at war, how can they make peace again?
That is a difficult question. This is only possible if those responsible in these countries are willing to talk to each other. It may also be that a third country helps them talk to each other again. Switzerland for example. Because sometimes it is easier if the people who are arguing first talk to us individually and then all sit together at the same table. But that’s the way it is: the two countries must want peace.
Hanna: What do you do when you have a fight with friends?
It depends. If it’s been a really big fight, I have trouble approaching my boyfriend again. Maybe I don’t have the courage. Then I have to think about why we argued, why I was so upset. Maybe then I’ll see that it wasn’t worth it and try to get back into the conversation. Here in Valais we have this saying: “The donkey stays still, the Gschider comes close.” Do you understand?
The children nod. They are very concentrated and keep looking at their notes so as not to miss the next question. It is silent in the room.
Serafin: Can you shoot?
Very bad. I’ve only shot an assault rifle once in my life. That was at a federal shooting festival in Valais. It really hit me hard.
Hanna: Why do adults always say that we children should make peace, while they themselves wage war?
There are people who only pursue their own interests and are not interested in others. Of course it is difficult to deal with such people. But the majority of people don’t want to argue.
Serafin: Can you eat as much military chocolate as you want?
Yeah, I probably should. I always have a small supply on my desk in case I need energy. But I still can’t always snack. Too much chocolate is not healthy and my jeans probably wouldn’t fit me anymore.
Maé: What does Switzerland do when there is war?
Fortunately, we have peace and security in Switzerland. But if we were attacked, the army would have to defend us. The soldiers are trained for this and also have the material and weapons for it. What is very important is that Switzerland does not attack any other country. But if we were threatened, we would have to defend ourselves and protect our people, perhaps together with other friendly countries. That’s why we have the military.
Hanna: What does the army actually do when there is peace?
A lot. It’s not like they just sit around. They practice for emergencies, they help in floods or a forest fire – like this year in Wallis or Greece. The military also helped during the pandemic.
This article was first published in “Schweizer Illustrierte”. Blick+ users have exclusive access as part of their subscription. You can find more exciting articles at www.schweizer-illustrierte.ch.
This article was first published in “Schweizer Illustrierte”. Blick+ users have exclusive access as part of their subscription. You can find more exciting articles at www.schweizer-illustrierte.ch.
Maé: Is war coming to Switzerland?
No one can say that. For over 100 years we were lucky and didn’t have a war in our own country. I currently see no threat that anyone would declare war on Switzerland. We don’t have to be afraid. But we don’t know what will happen in twenty or thirty years.
Hanna: Did you consider joining the military as a young woman?
Everything was different then. Women could join the women’s aid service. That didn’t appeal to me, because if it did, I would really like to do military work. Today it is worth considering whether there are any topics in the military that may also be of interest to you. For example in the field of cyber, i.e. helping to repel attacks on electronic devices and computers.
Hanna: Is it difficult to be a federal councilor?
What can I say? It’s very interesting, you can bring your own ideas and help find good solutions. That is not always easy. It’s always a lot of work and I hardly ever have time off.
Hanna: Are you afraid of war?
The images we see weigh heavily on me.
Serafin: Does sport have anything to do with peace?
Sometimes you have prejudices and you think: “Hmm, that’s a stranger, or that’s a stranger.” When you exercise together, you get to know each other and realize that you actually like each other. In sports you fight, win or lose and you can learn to accept that.
Hanna: Next year you will be federal president. Are you allowed to give more assignments?
I can give quite a few assignments in my department. In the beginning I always said: “Isn’t that possible, or wouldn’t that also be an interesting solution?” Sometimes they said ‘Yes, yes’, but it didn’t go any further. I have learned that I must be clear in what I mean. But more important than giving assignments is finding solutions together. This also applies to the Federal Council, as president you have to find the balance when things are not going well.
The interview was made as part of the ‘100 Voices for Peace’ distribution in Schweizer Illustrierte no. 49 of December 8, 2023.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
