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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Swiss Evangelical Reformed Church numbers dropping in French-speaking Switzerland
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As in German-speaking Switzerland, the number of members of the Reformed Church in French-speaking Switzerland is also declining.
Gotthard traffic queue hits 20km during holiday weekend
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The traffic jam at the Gotthard north portal reached a length of 20 kilometres on the motorway between canton Nidwalden and canton Uri.
Swiss Interior Minister visits Cannes Film Festival
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Swiss Interior Minister left the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday after three days of intensive dialogue, meetings and film screenings.
Swiss theatre director breaks with tradition at Vienna’s Rathausplatz
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With the proclamation of the "Free Republic of Vienna", the start of the festival on Friday evening was unusually political.
Swiss foreign minister backs Berset at Council of Europe
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Cassis described Berset as the "ideal candidate" to help the Council realise its aim of ensuring security and peace in Europe.
Gay conversion therapy banned in Swiss canton of Valais
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On Thursday, the canton approved a new Health Act which includes a ban on therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
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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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