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Even before the exploratory talks with the EU have been completed, Livia Leu (62) will leave as Secretary of State. In the future, she would rather stay in the Swiss embassy in Berlin than rush to Brussels.
According to ambassadorial circles, the diplomat ‘absolutely’ wanted to have the position of secretary of state. But after only two and a half years she no longer wants to perform her duties as State Secretary, number two at Foreign Affairs.
Mutual respect
The “Tages-Anzeiger”, which made public Leu’s departure on Tuesday evening, reports differences of opinion with her boss, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (62). While the two weren’t always considered one heart and soul, no one likes to report clear differences. Leu – very diplomat – also addresses the media on Wednesday about good cooperation, characterized by mutual respect.
On the other hand, in Bundesbern, the story that Leu’s job is a mission impossible anyway gets a boost. Just after Nicolas Bideau (53), EDA’s head of communications and former Switzerland salesman, announced that a solution with Brussels was imminent, Leu took off. Politicians criticize that Leu could not wait until the summer to announce that she would rather have German currywurst than fries in Brussels.
Cold feet
According to various sources, either the Bundesrat as a whole or the Foreign Minister would grow cold feet if an agreement threatened to be reached. “Then the negotiator will be sent into the desert and no one in the Federal Council will have to sell the population the solution with Brussels,” summarizes an interviewee.
The problem is not negotiator Leu. But a completely divided state government. Several people report that this was already visible in Leu’s predecessors Roberto Balzaretti (58) and Pascale Baeriswyl (55). “Even after ten years, the Bundesrat still does not know what it actually wants.”
SP alderman Eric Nussbaumer (62) is annoyed. “It is a debacle that the most important file in our country has to change again,” says the president of the European Movement Switzerland. Now the Bundesrat must finally return to the negotiating table. “Further delays will only damage Switzerland’s position.”
Much respect
Central National Council member Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter (59), member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council, simply hopes for a conclusion of exploratory talks with the EU before Leu’s departure. SVP National Councilor Franz Grüter (59), President of the Commission, on the other hand, has a lot of respect for the work of the Secretary of State who will be stepping down in September: “If Mrs Leu wants to go, now is probably the right time to step down.”
Leu is not worried that her departure could negatively affect further talks with Brussels. She still has enough time to complete the exploratory talks for her move. “It’s never all down to one person.” With any negotiations, a new phase begins. There are always staff changes.
Rumor has it that a Swiss ambassador from an important capital is a possible successor. The name Alexandre Fasel (62), who was ambassador to London, was mentioned.
Leu remains cautious
In an interview with the “NZZ” in December, Cassis was critical of the fact that a majority solution could be found with the EU. And Leu himself admits that the exploratory talks were no easy feat. “Sometimes there are tough discussions,” Leu told the media.
However, it leaves open whether the results will be available by summer 2024, as desired by Brussels. However, negotiations could move forward quickly. “But I always stay a little cautious,” says Leu. “You always have to stay open. You never know what’s coming.” Or who’s coming – and how long the successor will stay.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
