“We had to learn that we were wrong”

Sermin Faki and Sophia Reinhardt

You have to give Ignazio Cassis (61) one thing: even if the agenda is more than full – the Federal President will not be disturbed. He has just returned from Paris and has to go to his next appointment when Blick meets him for an interview. But you don’t feel any rush or stress.

Blick: You were the first president of Switzerland. What is the essence of this office for you?
Ignacio Cassis: First of all, it is a big task to ensure the cohesion of the country. You are the face of the Federal Council both internally and externally.

Were you able to deepen a personal relationship in particular?
During my year as President, I met all the Heads of State and Government of our neighboring countries and exchanged views on several occasions with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Such relationships are extremely important. Our neighbors are our most important partners because most of our lives and economic relations take place with these countries. The state visit by Italian President Sergio Mattarella was of course particularly important to me as Tessin.

What will you remember most?
Undoubtedly the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Even understanding what was happening was a challenge. All of Europe was equally disoriented. Aside from that maybe a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.

Why?
She was a special woman, just the elegance of her person – and that at the age of 96! How she summarized in a few words historical connections … the war in Ukraine with the history of Russia and even Prussia. That was impressive.

You mentioned it: Your presidential year has tragically taken on a historic dimension. For the first time since 1945, there is a war of aggression in Europe. Will that be the overwhelming memory of this year?
Without a doubt – not just for me, but for millions of people. In Ukraine, but also throughout Europe. It is not for nothing that one speaks of a turning point in time.

At the end of February, the Bundesrat found it difficult to find a position – for example on sanctions. It was very busy for days. Can you explain us why?
Interestingly, this is perceived differently abroad: we had made our decision quickly. But yes, in these moments you have to distinguish between emotionality and rationality. If you are not responsible, you can act out your emotions. However, rationality means thinking about the consequences of the decisions you make for years to come: what do sanctions mean for the neutrality policy, Swiss law and good offices? In my opinion, 48 hours is a must for this.

Nevertheless, the impression was created that the Bundesrat only acted under public pressure.
The Russian attack started at 04:00. I had already scheduled the first extraordinary meeting of the Federal Council for 9:00 am. We needed clarity on several issues. Because we had all succumbed to the illusion that we would never have to worry about war in Europe again. We had to learn that we were wrong about that.

The war has given new meaning to the question of how Switzerland should respond to international or domestic conflicts. You can see it in Iran right now. Are we also experiencing a turning point here?
History will answer that question. It is clear that Switzerland strongly condemns the executions related to the demonstrations in Iran. We have made that clear to the Iranian authorities both in Bern and in Tehran.

Let’s go to Switzerland. Quasi as father of the fatherland: How did you experience the country this year?
Like very beautiful. I was able to visit Switzerland from north to south and from east to west and bring them closer together. I love this country, it is phenomenally beautiful. We went with the entire Bundesrat to Geneva and Graubünden and met the people. So many people thanked us for what we do. All the criticism you experience on social media was far away there.

Do you think the pandemic has left a scar on society?
a scar? I don’t know if that’s the right word. Perhaps it was a lesson to many. Many people today are more aware of how grateful we can be to live in this country. In international comparison, we suffered relatively little during the pandemic, even if it was a very difficult time for some. Many people have realized that it is not God-given that we do so well. And that the Bundesrat, the Parliament and the cantons may not be doing so badly after all.

Speaking of leadership, you have two new members in the Bundesrat. Have you already tried to talk to Albert Rösti and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider?
Of course I look forward to the newly elected members. I know them both: Albert Rösti from my time in the National Council, and I often sat next to Mrs. Baume-Schneider in the Council of States because she was second vice president there. We sometimes exchanged ideas. After the election to the Bundesrat, I spoke to both of them. But it was mainly about the discussion about the division of departments. I wanted to explain the rules to them as best I could.

Her party, the FDP, criticizes the fact that French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland is over-represented in the Federal Council. How do you see it – as Tessin?
I’m not saying anything about that. It is for the parliament to elect the government. Woe betide if the government intervenes…

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, you will not be without a job in the coming year either. keyword Europe. They radiate hope that we are on the right track here. On what do you base this hope?
After the hangover after the conclusion of the negotiations on the framework agreement, the Bundesrat has again indicated the direction. Between July and the end of the year, talks with the EU were more intense than in a long time. In the exploratory talks, both parties tried to find pragmatic solutions. This also has something to do with the war. He showed us that we are part of the same destiny community.

When will the Federal Council decide whether to start official negotiations?
There are still open questions. The Federal Council therefore decided on 23 November to intensify exploratory talks with a view to a negotiating mandate. Can you bring a negotiating mandate into an election year? I think so, if you have a good basis for it, even though the elections are certainly an aggravating factor. Europe will then become an issue anyway.

It is said that nothing concrete would be on the table before 2027 anyway. Will you live to see another diploma as a federal councilor?
We will see. Both parties are interested in a solution. The base must be good for this. It can happen quickly because a lot has already been clarified. But the devil is in the details – and there are thousands of details. One thing is clear: a referendum on a possible outcome of the negotiations will certainly not take place until after 2024.

Finally, between Christmas and New Year, do you find some time to take a break from this busy year?
At least that’s my wish! Hopefully I do nothing but be at home, see my loved ones and enjoy the peace. I don’t plan sports, political talks or cinema. Maybe I can finally read a little again.