First speech as Federal President: Amherd calls for shared responsibility

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“We are not helpless, we are not powerless, we do not have to just watch. We can take many things into our own hands,” Amherd said on the first day in her new role. And further: “We all have a say in the course of history.” But you have to participate by taking responsibility. Listening, understanding each other and being involved are the key words.

“If we share the responsibility, it will be easier,” the Federal President said. “And if we treat each other with respect, our lives will not only be easier, but also richer.”

“Books document our history so that we can learn from it”

Amherd frowned on people’s ability to learn. “Books document our history so that we can learn from it,” she said in her speech, which was recorded at the Parliamentary Library in the west wing of the Federal Palace. Unfortunately, events that had been hoped to be a thing of the past were repeated. Good stories include heroines and heroes who make courageous decisions.

“Maybe not everything will be perfect this year and we will have to face difficult situations again,” Amherd said. “But if we want to, we can make a difference together.”

Five years in state government

Amherd was elected federal president by the United Federal Assembly on December 13. The woman from Upper Valais replaces Alain Berset.

Amherd has been in state government for five years. The 61-year-old centrist politician from Brig-Glis succeeded Doris Leuthard in early 2019, who resigned after more than twelve years in the Federal Council. Since then, Amherd has headed the Federal Ministry of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS), making her the first female Minister of Defense in Swiss history.

(SDA)

Source:Blick