The Small Chamber moves with the times: laptop ban lifted in the Council of States

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 fmXrkB”>

The space for reflection becomes the space for digitalization. This fall, the Office of the Council of States adjusted the rules regarding electronic devices in the Chamber of the Council of States. Since this autumn, cantonal representatives have been officially allowed to use laptops at their workplace.

This can be seen in the current session.

What is completely normal for modern people is a novelty for the tradition-conscious Council of States. Due to the “special culture” in the council, which, according to regulations, insisted on a “culture of dialogue and mutual, respectful listening”, laptops were not allowed until September. Tempi passati.

So far, the rules have been circumvented with impunity

One reason for the amended regulations is Parliament’s digitalization strategy. According to this proposal, parliamentarians in Federal Bern would have to work paperless in the future – to achieve this, parliamentarians had to be able to use their laptops in the room. Martina Buol, secretary of the Council of States, confirmed this when asked.

Until 2016, electronic devices were not allowed in the Chamber of States, but in 2020 this ban was somewhat relaxed. The agency’s rules, which were in effect until this fall, stated that electronic devices in the council chambers “may not be used with the screen open and alone without any physical keyboard.” In concrete terms: laptops were not allowed.

Political observers know: The small legislative chamber of all places has been fighting over this rule in recent years. The councilors brought their laptops and opened them at a 180-degree angle – thus bending the rule. This is no longer necessary.

Ties are still mandatory for men

However, the politicians in the Council of States are not allowed to type happily and loudly: according to the rules, those present must be careful not to disrupt the debate and those present.

The strict clothing rules in the Council of States were also not relaxed. According to the regulations of the Council of States, “those present in the council shall wear appropriate clothing”.

According to the interpretation of the municipal office, this means at least a shirt, vest with tie or bow tie for men. For women, “dress appropriate to the official character of the place” is required.

In the National Council, on the other hand, people are not so strict. Men are not required to wear a tie there and electronic devices have also been allowed for a long time.

Source:Blick