“I’m happy to be the normal Ueli again.” When he announced his resignation in September, SVP Finance Minister Ueli Maurer (72) showed his adventurous side. “There’s so much I still want to do,” Maurer said at the time.
This desire is now expressed in his last holiday card as acting Federal Councilor: in the form of a mountain bike by the side of the road. The bricklayer, who is crazy about sports, took the picture himself. “It symbolizes his expectation of something new after leaving office, as expressed in his farewell speech in parliament,” explains the finance department.
Sommaruga wants to “let go and get to work”
“Let go and get to work” is also the motto of SP Minister of Energy Simonetta Sommaruga (62). A motto that also adorns her Christmas card. The subject shows a young person (the child of a department employee, by the way) riding his skateboard on a promenade in Marzili in Bern.
“The photo shows a purposeful youth who is focused and energized,” explains the energy department of the image choice. “The subject also represents the openness to break new ground, to find new solutions.”
Berset wishes “flexible and strong Switzerland”
SP magistrate Alain Berset (50) wants to work as Federal President. His card features the photo “Organs of a Divided Labor – Rubber Bands” by Jeremy Ayer, winner of the 2022 Swiss Design Prize for Photography. It shows rubber bands whose composition is reminiscent of a calligraphic drawing. Berset chose the image because it goes beyond the product depicted on it, explains the interior design department.
“Time is elastic,” Berset writes. “It lengthens, fades, expands and contracts. Through events, tensions and emotions.” And so he wishes “a flexible and strong Switzerland” for 2023.
Cassis praises “Swiss diversity”
Presence Switzerland conceived and designed this year’s New Year’s card for outgoing Swiss President Ignazio Cassis (61). “The subject shows diversity as a central value in the form of local tea herbs, which together unfold the full flavor of Swiss diversity,” explains the foreign department. Diversity was also a motto of the FDP magistrate in his presidential year.
“Diversity characterizes Switzerland and is an important driver for our country,” said Cassis. It defines us both culturally and politically. “Of course it is a challenge, but it is precisely in this challenge that we often find the source of our innovation.” Especially in this year, in which the consequences of the war in Ukraine “has profoundly changed the whole world and directly affects us, diversity is gaining importance,” said the Ticino resident. “We are privileged to live in a country where we have ‘lived’ this diversity for 731 years and see it as a plus.” This has brought us democracy, cohesion and security. “It must remain a central value for Switzerland – and for the world – in the future.”
Keller-Sutter goes to the dogs
The Christmas card from FDP Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter (58) shows what Swiss diversity can look like. The subject shows two Saint Bernard dogs – namely Keller-Sutter’s godfather dog Zeus du Grand St. Bernard with daughter Cali.
Last year, the magisterial dog lover even received a visit from her godfather dog. Together with a small delegation of the Barry Foundation, which breeds the famous Saint Bernard dogs.
Amherd wants kitten
Defense Minister Viola Amherd (60) is based on the tried and tested – namely on a tried and tested cooperation: once again her niece and godson Lia Amherd – as always free of charge – signed the card.
Defense explains that the drawing shows the importance of values for our society. “Values are intertwined and thus glue our society together.” They are the basis of our cohesion and our solidarity, the importance of which should not be underestimated, especially in difficult times.
That’s why Amherd is using Pro-Patria stamps to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the August 1 badge. All cards are stamped with it – at the expense of the Bundesrat. “The tax surcharge of 45 cents benefits Pro Patria,” the DDPS said.
Parmelin with confidence
SVP Minister of Economic Affairs Guy Parmelin (63) not only has an eye for the energy supply of the country, but also for the personal energy of each individual. “Always rely on hope as an inexhaustible source of energy,” reads the slogan on his Christmas card, which is decorated with a wintry image.
He also explains himself why he chose this subject: “The beautiful winter image radiates hope for me in these difficult times,” says the Vaud resident. “The halo light effect around the sun created by ice crystals in the sky symbolizes to me the confidence I wish us all in the new year.”
Incidentally, the newly elected Federal Councilors Albert Rösti (55, SVP) and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (58, JU) have not yet sent official holiday cards from the Federal Council. Since they will not take up their positions until 2023, the Bundesrat will not receive Christmas mail from the two until next year.