Swiss President Amherd: unity key to overcoming challenges together

President Viola Amherd: "Solving challenges together" Keystone-SDA

President Viola Amherd emphasised the importance of unity in addressing current challenges, stating that polarisation is not the solution.

Speaking at the federal celebration on Wednesday evening in Möriken-Wildegg, Aargau, Amherd, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, underscored the need for collective effort and inclusion.

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“We may speak different languages, but we don’t talk past each other,” Amherd said, according to her prepared speech. “We may have intense and tough debates, but we include everyone.” She praised Switzerland’s introduction of the referendum 150 years ago, a constitutional reform that laid the foundation for direct democracy by ensuring each individual’s voice holds significant weight.

Amherd stressed that democracy requires active participation and responsibility from its citizens, encouraging everyone to use their voice to foster a shared understanding and achieve common goals. She expressed her admiration for the solidarity and assistance shown by people and volunteers in areas recently affected by storm damage, highlighting the strength of community action.

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The celebration, held on the eve of Switzerland’s National Day, took place at Yul Brynner Square in Möriken-Wildegg. The square, named after the Oscar-winning actor known for his role in “The Magnificent Seven,” was established ten years ago in honour of Brynner, who was a citizen of the Aargau municipality and had renounced his American citizenship.

Translated from German by DeepL/amva

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