Swiss cabinet members criss-cross the country for National Day speeches

Bonfires burn on a mountain range in eastern Switzerland to kick-off National Day celebrations on Monday night. © Keystone / Gian Ehrenzeller

Government ministers have spoken at various events across the country to mark the August 1 National Day.

The seven members of the Federal Council took to the podium a total of eleven times on a day traditionally marked by speeches, farm brunches, bonfires and fireworks.

In an address in his home canton of Fribourg, Interior Minister Alain Berset, who currently holds the rotating Swiss presidency, urged Switzerland to continue moving and innovating – even at a time of political, environmental and economic uncertainty.

Berset also referred to the country’s constitution – celebrating its 175th anniversary this year – as a document of courage, confidence, and self-determination.

The president had earlier sent a message to the Swiss Abroad community via a pre-recorded video.

+ Watch Swiss President’s address to the diaspora

In southern canton Ticinio, Energy Minister Albert Rösti said that Switzerland should stick to its own path, even if this means being at odds with trends elsewhere. He also warned against getting too used to the comfortable situation in which the country finds itself.

Justice Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider meanwhile had the honour of speaking at the symbolic Rütli meadow in central Switzerland, where in 1291 the legendary founding fathers of the confederation gathered to swear an oath of allegiance.

Baume-Schneider notably addressed a gathering of 150 youths, urging them to get more involved in politics and decision-making.

The other ministers spoke in St Gallen (Karin Keller-Sutter), Lucerne (Viola Amherd), and Fribourg (Guy Parmelin); Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis made an address while on his travels in Jakarta, Indonesia.

+ Read more: how the August 1 myth is built and maintained