Berset whines – and retreats

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Alain Berset (50) could no longer avoid critical questions for hundreds of students. The Federal President came to the University of St. Gallen (HSG) on Tuesday evening to talk about the “world in crisis” and Switzerland’s role. He also had to speak about a statement he had made in the “NZZ am Sonntag” about the war in Ukraine, which caused outrage far beyond the country’s borders.

Berset had spoken of a “war frenzy” he felt “in certain circles”. Without going into detail, in which. He also spoke out in favor of peace negotiations with Russia – “the sooner the better”. Parliamentarians, with the exception of those from the SVP, were appalled. Even his own party distanced itself from Berset’s statements.

The choice of words was unfortunate

In the university auditorium, Berset had to comment on his much-criticized statements. Although the SP Bundesrat did not want to answer questions from the journalists in the Federal Palace, it could not avoid an HSG student. What was he trying to say with his “war frenzy” statement, he wanted to know. What “circles” was he talking about?

Berset admitted that the choice of words was unfortunate. Given the reactions, one wonders whether he expressed himself correctly, according to Berset. To clarify then: “What I wanted to say: I have had a lot of contacts in recent weeks, especially internationally.” In doing so, he discovered that the discussion was almost always based on a war logic. “I understand that completely. Many countries are heavily involved militarily. But other elements are also needed.”

He referred to Switzerland’s role as depositary of the Geneva Conventions, which lay down the most important rules in wartime. The protection of the civilian population must also be discussed, the interior minister said. Here he sees a special role for Switzerland, for example in clearing mines.

Berset gave no explanation

These are arguments that the Bundesrat repeatedly puts forward today to create understanding for Switzerland’s position. Berset presented it as if his statement of “war madness” related purely to foreign countries. In an interview with “Le Temps”, which appeared a good week before in “NZZ am Sonntag”, he made it clear that he was also critical of the political debate in Switzerland.

He was “deeply concerned about the warlike climate currently prevailing around the world, including in Switzerland,” he said at the time. “You get the impression that some actors, even former pacifists, are getting carried away by the intoxication of war,” he said.

Berset didn’t take the chance to explain himself in St. Gallen. Switzerland, he said, should always ask itself whether it is doing enough to support Ukraine. However, his answer to this will come as a shock to some party members: “We are trying everything we can.”

Source:Blick