Swiss Abroad seek greater role in politics
The Swiss Abroad Council has called for the creation of a special law aimed at boosting the representation of the expatriate community in politics.
“Such a law would allow the government to define its policy towards the Swiss abroad clearly and encourage expatriates to participate more in public life,” said a statement by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA).
The council which represents nearly 700,000 Swiss living across the world, met in Bern on Saturday. More than 130,000 Swiss expatriates have registered to take part in ballots.
The assembly criticised the government for planned spending cuts of the multimedia platform swissinfo and also urged the authorities to increase funding for the Swiss Revue magazine.
“The government cannot be interested in seeking Switzerland’s isolation,” said OSA President Jacques-Simon Eggly.
The assembly which is made up of representatives of the expatriate community and of public life, sits twice a year to discuss and defend the interests of the Swiss abroad.
Urs Geiser, swissinfo.ch
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