Motions, postulates, interpellations or simple questions – in the past year alone, Parliament has tabled 2,716 motions. The pool of ideas, desires and demands is almost inexhaustible in Bundesbern. Every year there are also funny or rather bizarre claims between them. Blick offers a small selection.
Stamp special stamp
Getting married has been an option for everyone in Switzerland since the beginning of July. For Swiss Post, it is nothing short of a “milestone on the road to equality”. That is why it has issued a special stamp. This is a thorn in the side of Ausserrhoden SVP National Councilor David Zuberbühler (43). This is misuse of state funds for propaganda purposes – “division in society”, he says. In an inquiry to the Federal Council, he therefore proposed that the Swiss Post withdraw the stamp and destroy the remaining circulation. Here’s treachery: she didn’t.
Shooting ranges as oases of peace
Biodiversity is of paramount importance. With the Greens, but also with Defense DDPS. Weapons and shooting ranges must become real “treasures of biodiversity”. Léonore Porchet (33), a Green from Vaud, is disturbed by the fact that roads often cross the site. Pollution and noise would have a huge impact on flora and fauna. She proposes converting all firing and firing ranges to non-motorized traffic areas. However, the Bundesrat is reluctant: cantons and municipalities are usually responsible. The question is whether road traffic on shooting ranges is actually the biggest noise problem.
Talking like a beak has grown
In the future, Swiss German should also be admitted to the National Council, St. Gallen SVP National Council member Lukas Reimann (40) demands. Swiss German is experiencing a “cultural boom”, including on social media. Reimann is convinced that it would be good if the Grand Chamber cultivated the dialect more. This would also do justice to the diversity of Switzerland. He also sees no problem for French and Italian speakers in the Council: the interpreters must also be able to translate from the dialect instead of standard German.
Endangered woodcock
The woodcock seems to be close to the heart of GLP National Councilor François Pointet (53). He is particularly concerned about the bird: in 2021, 11 percent more animals will be hunted than in the previous year. The population of the already endangered species continues to decline, he points to a study – firing a wide range of critical questions at the Bundesrat. However, this refers dryly to the same study, according to which changes in habitat are decisive. Hunting, on the other hand, hardly affects the woodcock population.
Assistance with masturbation at state expense
The state-backed organization Sexual Health Switzerland wants to make masturbation a problem – including in schools. It would be a “declaration of war” on a “long too long taboo”. Shame and the feeling of doing something forbidden are still too strong. State-funded masturbation courses for children are going too far for the SVP. Land council member Verena Herzog (66) van Thurgau would like to turn off the organization’s money tap.
Break milk is sour
If that’s not enough for you, here’s another demand from Animal Rights: The animal welfare organization has launched a petition to demand the end of the milk break day in Swiss schools. This is organized annually by Swissmilk and aims to draw attention to milk as a “healthy snack”. The animal rights activists are outraged: because what is done to cows and calves in the dairy industry is not for children’s eyes. The lobby advertising leads to an uncritical and distorted image of the dairy industry.