The governor of the Bank of France, François Villeroy de Galhau, was attacked with a hammer at the end of June in Basel, Swiss media reported on Wednesday.
This content was published on
2 minutes
AFP/dos
Português
pt
Diretor do banco central francês foi atacado na Basileia em junho
Contacted by the AFP news agency, the Bank of France confirmed an “isolated incident” but “without consequence”. It said Villeroy de Galhau is fine.
According to newspapers from the Tamedia group, including the Tribune de GenèveExternal link, the attack occurred on June 26 near the Basel-based Bank for International Settlements (BIS), of which Villeroy de Galhau is also president.
More
More
How a secretive central bankers’ club responds to crises
This content was published on
Few people have heard of the Bank for International Settlements, yet alone know how it operates.
“Around 6:30pm, François Villeroy de Galhau was crossing the central square by the train station when a man approached him from behind and hit him on the head with a hammer,” wrote the Tribune de Genève. The paper stressed that it was not yet clear that the suspect had specifically targeted Villeroy de Galhau.
The Frenchman found himself on the ground but thanks to “the courageous intervention of passers-by, the police were able to arrest the suspect, a 39-year-old Swiss man”, the paper wrote.
The day after the attack the Basel public prosecutor indicated that an elderly man had been attacked with a hammer but did not reveal his identity.
Unclear motive
According to an intermediate decision by a cantonal court, a copy of which was obtained by the Tribune de Genève, the incident has “the characteristics of an attack” but could also have had a political or ideological motivation.
Three months later the Basel City public prosecutor is not prepared to give any further information about the case, invoking in particular the secrecy of the investigation, AFP writes. However, it confirmed it is investigating suspicions of attempted murder.
The court does not exclude the fact that the alleged perpetrator probably suffers from a “psychological illness”, the Tribune de Genève said, adding that during the interrogations, the suspect behaved in a strange way and seemed very distracted.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss authorities keep close eye on West Nile fever in Italy
This content was published on
Authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation after the death toll in Italy due to the disease has risen to seven.
Swiss authorities aim to keep negotiating with US on tariffs
This content was published on
A day after the US tariff shock, Swiss officials are still in contact with Washington. One economist meanwhile warns of a hit to Swiss jobs.
Bern biodiversity project brings boost for forest bees
This content was published on
More sunlit areas in forests can boost the number of wild bees – both in overall terms and in terms of species diversity.
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Foreign currencies going off Swiss central bank menu
This content was published on
Swiss central bank buys less foreign currencies to support the franc as it balances the needs of exporters with the rising cost of goods.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.