Federal President Amherd in an interview: “Selenski’s energy impressed me”

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 fmXrkB”>

The snowfall in Davos GR disrupts the tightly planned program of Viola Amherd (61). Flying with the Super Puma as planned on the shortest route to Davos is suddenly no longer an option given the weather conditions. And so the Federal President had to necessarily shorten the media conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky (45) on Monday evening.

After the reception by Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang (64) in the morning and the meeting with Selenski in the afternoon, Amherd has the next appointment in the evening: a short conversation with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a hotel in Davos.

Immediately after the media conference we go to Belp airport, where the Federal Council plane – Plan B – is already ready to take off. Blick is on board. And has the opportunity for a short interview during the twenty-minute flight.

Blick: Mrs. Amherd, are you glad you can catch your breath for a moment?
Viola Amherd: Yes that’s me. It’s a tough day. We haven’t had such a high-level visit from China in a long time. The meeting with Li Qiang was important. The same goes for Volodymyr Selensky. Two such receptions in one day means a lot of preparation.

What will you remember from today?
Certainly the good exchange with the Chinese Prime Minister. It was a very open conversation, the content was substantive, but there was also room for a touch of humor. For example, we talked about skiing in Switzerland. And the private conversation with Zelensky was very impressive.

What impression did he leave on you?
I’m amazed at the energy he exudes – after such a long time when his country has been at war. I told him that too and he said it was because he had a very clear goal in mind: the victory of Ukraine. That impressed me. If you imagine yourself in his position…

They announced today that Switzerland is planning a peace summit. What can you say about this?
Ukraine and Switzerland have agreed that we want to organize the summit together. The goal is for as many heads of state as possible to participate. The teams from both countries will start discussions on Tuesday.

Are you planning to visit Zelensky in Kiev again during your presidential year?
He invited me. We’ll see what’s possible. There is a very intensive exchange between Switzerland and Ukraine. Alain Berset, Ignazio Cassis, Simonetta Sommaruga: There have been many federal councilors in Ukraine.

Regarding China, will Switzerland comment on the human rights situation in the country in the future? Apparently, China only wants to discuss the further development of the free trade agreement under these circumstances.
Compliance with human rights is central in Switzerland. We also discussed this today.

After making eye contact with her media representative, Amherd doesn’t want to say anything more on the subject. Difficult terrain. Furthermore, Amherd seems relaxed despite the packed program that evening. While she eats a Birewegge that the flight attendant offered her, she looks at the Instagram story that her communications team has posted. But then it’s time to look ahead: the Federal President will be present at the WEF until Thursday – many appointments are planned.

For what purpose are you traveling to Davos?
This year the subject of Europe is particularly close to my heart. The EU file is crucial for Switzerland. I will have important conversations there these days.

So tonight’s meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is the most important of the WEF week?
This is a very important exchange for me. But other important dates are also coming up. Meetings are planned with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and new Argentine President Javier Milei, among others.

Source:Blick