Viola Amherd, who heads the Department of Defence and Sport, chose a “camouflage” motive in blue tones with contrasting silhouettes of various athletes. According to a press release, the minister’s niece designed the graphic, printed on 100% recycled paper. The card includes a quote about dreams and changes from poet Horst Bulla, who on social media says that he defends a society without war and that he loves life – a peaceful note from the defense minister.
Federal Council
From a distance, home affairs and health minister Alain Berset’s card looks like a glacier against a black sky. At a closer glance, it is a photograph of the Pompei historical site covered with a white tarp to protect it from bad weather. A poignant metaphor says the minister about the importance of protecting heritage to build the future. The photo was taken by Lausanne photographer Virginie Rebetez nominated for the Swiss Design Awards.
Federal Council
The two government ministers from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party Ueli Maurer and Guy Parmelin chose more traditional images according to RTS. Economics minister Parmelin chose a modified view of the Matterhorn with small Swiss crosses and golden symbols. His mantra for the new year: “Let’s dare to take a fresh look at what seems immutable.”
Federal Council
Maurer, who held the rotating Swiss presidency in 2019, chose a series of traditional Swiss images including a fondue pot, skis and a cow with snow falling on a black backdrop.
Federal Council
The holiday card of the Justice and Police minister Karin Keller-Sutter also includes more straightforward imagery, opting for a drawing of young children from different racial backgrounds holding hands around a Christmas tree. The illustration was created for UNICEF by a 9-year-old girl from eastern Switzerland, where Keller-Sutter is from.
Federal Council
Simonetta Sommaruga, who will hold the rotating Swiss presidency in 2020, chose a photograph of two young trumpet players. A pianist herself, RTS assumes the photo is of children of a staff member.
Federal Council
Lastly, foreign minister Ignazio Cassis chose a photo of a mountain of salt in a storage shed, which according to the ministry represents the beauty as well as the independence of Switzerland. RTS writes that it is also a message about Switzerland’s role in the world like “salt in soup.”
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Government Christmas cards make a statement
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This year's choice of official Christmas cards by Swiss government ministers says as much about their personalities as their political messages.
Ministerial flights bone of contention amid green transport drive
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The seven members of the Federal Council (government ministers) have justified their continued use of private jets by pointing out that the fleet’s 13 pilots need to be airborne for a minimum number of hours to meet the conditions for their flying licenses. Last year, pilots were obliged to take the jets on empty flights…
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