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Mr. Nussbaumer, what do you think about neutrality?
Eric Nussbaumer: I share the position of the Federal Council: we must find out what neutrality means in a rapidly changing world. I’m not the type of person to refuse this discussion and say we need eternal, inviolable neutrality.
What does that mean in concrete terms?
Take a stand, show solidarity, defend international law! We cannot stand aside if Russia invades Ukraine. The principle of staying out of everything that happens around us in the world simply no longer applies today.
I ask this because the presidents of the National Council are neutral and reluctant to engage in political debates. But they continue to express themselves emphatically.
It is very important to me to lead the National Council impartially and fairly. But of course I will remain the politician that I am. Simply remaining silent for a year would be a misunderstanding of my role as President of the Council.
It was almost never possible to elicit a politically colored statement from her predecessor Martin Candinas.
There is a generally accepted custom that as president you are above the parties. I will avoid hand-to-hand combat with other politicians. In the debate in the Council I keep my opinion to myself, but I never change my mind.
They are considered Europe-friendly. The Federal Council presented the mandate for negotiations with the EU in December. Where do you think needs to be improved?
It is absolutely clear: the internal market must not be abused for wage dumping. The questions asked by the unions are therefore legitimate. But what is important is the result. There’s no point in getting in the way before negotiations start. You shouldn’t leave problems lying around for neighbors, but solve them!
What is more realistic: that FC Basel will manage to stay in the competition next year or that we will reach an agreement with the EU?
Both are realistic. FC Basel manages to stay in the competition. And I hope that a contract will be signed with the EU in 2024. The starting position is good.
What happens if it doesn’t work?
Then bitter times will come for us. I have already seen FCB relegated once. I can do without it for the second time.
I meant by the EU…
If we do not find a solution with the EU, it will harm our location. Switzerland is geographically located in the center of Europe. Trying to escape this reality seems absurd to me.
As a resident of Basel you may have a slightly different perspective than someone from Uri.
Northwestern Switzerland is a cross-border habitat. Every day, tens of thousands cross the border to work or socialize on the other side. If we now pretend that we are an island, we would be ignoring these facts.
Should every Central Swiss travel to Basel?
My motto for this year is: Cross boundaries, broaden horizons. This applies primarily to me. I am very interested in the reality of life in Uri. But it can also be the other way around: as many people as possible should learn how important the Basel border region is for world trade. Together with President of the Council of States Eva Herzog, we plan to invite the ambassadors to the Rhine Bend in the new year to introduce them to the possibilities of our cross-border region.
You recently completed your first session as President of the National Council. How satisfied are you with your performance?
My term of office started with a high point: the elections for the Federal Council. I was tense and of course hoped I wouldn’t make a mistake. I think I succeeded quite well in that. My dry and correct way of leading the council seems to be appreciated.
They call less often than their predecessors. Do you have an authority problem?
Interestingly enough, I also hear the opposite. Recently someone from the SVP came to me and told me not to sound the alarm so often, otherwise it would become unpleasant. I appreciate it when conversations take place in the foyer. And when, for example, the farewell of a political, administrative or judicial figure takes place at the front, I expect silence in the room.
Do you actually like the term ‘highest Swiss’?
It’s not that important to me. The title doesn’t even formally exist. I am presiding over the session of the United Federal Assembly, that is what happens.
In any case, your decisive vote during the budget debate has ensured that there is less money for the army.
We are not only expected to debate in Parliament, but also to make decisions. It is part of my job to make these final decisions. But that’s not why I became president. And it doesn’t make me sleep better or worse.
I assume you still haven’t received a Christmas card from Army Chief Thomas Süssli.
No. But I maintain good contact with Mr Süssli. That’s how it goes in politics: some were grateful and congratulated me on the careful financial policy decision. Others said I ruined everything.
You have known the National Council for 16 years. What would you change if you could?
Sometimes I feel like the time spent speaking affects people more than the argument they want to develop.
Are politicians vain?
You can’t generalize that.
Is it you?
I do not believe it. But I love my office and I don’t like it when we politicians are declared redundant in a democracy. If you now conclude that I am vain and overestimate my role, we will have to have a very long discussion about where the dangers to democracy lurk today.
Namely?
I often hear: why is there a need for a parliament in a direct democracy if the people have the final say on everything? Only thanks to the preparatory work in Parliament can a careful voting debate take place.
Increasing polarization is damaging this debate.
You see it in the US. If it’s just about damaging the other side if the election results are no longer accepted, then that’s not a good development. I deeply believe that politics exists to create fair solutions for all. This is only possible with compromises. Finding them is the art of politics.
How does the “highest Swiss” celebrate New Year’s Eve?
Very cozy. We sit together with friends, eat, talk about what has happened and what is to come. There is often a question. This year it is: What would I have done differently if I had known something earlier? And finally there is champagne.
What would you have done differently?
I am very satisfied with my life so far. Of course I would have liked to be in government, twice in fact. But it doesn’t make me bitter. At some point you have to say: it was good. l
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.
