Philipp Kutter back in politics after skiing accident: “You have to appreciate everything you have much more”

How has your daily life as a national councilor changed due to the accident and your disability?
I am no longer as spontaneous as I used to be. An aperitif here, a quick main show there, a yes there: I always liked to be on the road a lot, even spontaneously. Everything stops working. I need to concentrate more and miss one or two occasions. My body needs a little more rest than before.

More about Philipp Kutter

Kutter is back at work

“I look forward to taking the first step back to the office.”

After a tragic skiing accident

Philipp Kutter returns to the National Council

Kutter can go home soon

“It was a farewell to our old life”

Is this difficult for you?
No, but it is a change. There are limitations, but a lot is still possible. I focus on what works.

During this session, your wife was often seen at your side in the Federal Palace. Does she support you in Parliament?
My wife accompanied me in the beginning because we had to figure out where and how much help I needed. But in the long term she cannot always be in Bern, that is not possible with the children. That’s why I now have an assistant as a test.

Have your political priorities also changed due to the new realities of life?
My political horizons have been expanded. Of course, I will support the issues of equality for people with disabilities. Without neglecting topics such as family politics, to which I have previously devoted myself. I have already submitted a proposal for equality.

As a paralyzed person, where specifically did you realize that action was needed?
There is still a lot to do, especially in the field of public transport. Transport companies, cantons and municipalities must make improvements. As the new chairman of the Transportation Committee, this is an important issue for me. I was also struck by how incredibly bureaucratic the social security system is. I am not impressed by this, but many people are completely overwhelmed and do not dare to exercise their rights. We urgently need to simplify things.

You are not only a parliamentarian, but also mayor of Wädenswil and father of two children. Your wife still runs a communications agency. How do you arrange this as a family?
It requires good organization and support from outside, for example from Spitex or an assistant, but also from friends and family members. Without resources from our environment, none of this would be possible.

Have you never thought about quitting or cutting back?
Yeah, that was definitely a thought. It’s strict, for me and my wife. But it’s also good for me to have perspective.

Are there times when you struggle with your fate?
Yes of course. If I wake up early in the morning and it’s not time to get up yet, I would have just jumped out of bed. That is no longer possible – and it may happen that I start to think. Family holidays are no longer possible in the same way. What I think about most is that I would have liked to have shown my children one or two things. We did a lot of walking and I would have liked to go on one or two more trips with my family. I have always loved being together in nature.

What are you looking forward to in the new year?
I would like to be active again and am of course happy with everything that is happening. I’m happy that I can be home again and that everything will go even better. The new everyday life becomes a little easier. That gives me a lot of confidence.

Do you have a resolution?
Regardless of New Year’s Eve: This year has taught me that you take many things for granted. People have so many options and yet so many worries in daily life. You should appreciate and enjoy what you have much more. And what life offers.