Tensions Surface At Council Of The Swiss Abroad

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) The Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA) began its new term of office in the prestigious setting of the House of Representatives at the weekend. While the atmosphere was festive, internal criticism caused a stir. This content was published on August 26, 2025 - 10:41 8 minutes

In my work, I focus on topics that are relevant to Swiss citizens abroad – from political developments in Switzerland and their impact on the diaspora to social, economic, and cultural issues. Before joining SWI swissinfo, I worked as a local journalist for the Aargauer Zeitung. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Multilingual Communication and, as is typically Swiss, completed an apprenticeship as a commercial employee.

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As a correspondent at the Federal Palace for SWI swissinfo, I report on federal politics for the Swiss Abroad. After studying at the Academy of Journalism and Media at the University of Neuchâtel, my career path initially took me to various regional media, working in the editorial offices of Journal du Jura, Canal 3 and Radio Jura bernois. Since 2015, I have been working in the multilingual editorial department of SWI swissinfo, where I continue to practise my profession with passion.

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The emotion was palpable on Saturday among the 120 or so representatives of the diaspora who had come to Bern from the four corners of the globe. Enthusiastically welcomed by Filippo Lombardi, president of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), they didn't fail to capture the moment with numerous photos.

The symbolic significance of this inaugural meeting was enhanced by the presence of the president of the House of Representatives, Maja Riniker, who had come specially from canton Aargau. In her speech, she praised the key role played by the Swiss Abroad.“You represent a courageous Switzerland,” she told the delegates.

She also outlined the clear priorities facing the CSA in the years ahead: access to electronic identity (e-ID), guaranteed political rights at cantonal level for all Swiss Abroad, and adapting health insurance to the realities of life outside national borders.“It is precisely the task of the new delegates to make these demands heard,” she emphasised.

For Riniker, the parliament of the Swiss Abroad plays a central role in maintaining a lively dialogue between the diaspora and Switzerland. She concluded by thanking the participants for their commitment:“You are our best ambassadors abroad.”

A look at the lives of the Swiss Abroad

Three true ambassadors were also present: Simon Geissbühler, the Swiss representative in Israel, Frank Grütter, ambassador to Singapore, and Viktor Vavricka, ambassador to New Zealand. All three gave an update on the situation in their countries and an insight into the life of the diaspora there.

Geissbühler spoke in particular about the links between the 24,400 Swiss nationals in Israel and the embassy against a backdrop of war.“I've stopped counting the number of times I've had to go to a civil protection shelter to protect myself,” he said. In this crisis situation, he notes that it is essential to maintain close links with the Swiss in the country.“Even when we were forced to close the embassy, we always remained operational. A member of staff was always on hand to respond to requests,” he says.

The new Council of the Swiss Abroad has more young delegates. Swissinfo / Samuel Jaberg

For his part, Viktor Vavricka highlighted a problem concerning some 600 Swiss pensioners in New Zealand, who receive a pension from both their country of origin and their host country.“The Swiss pension is deducted from the New Zealand pension, which is not justified,” he said. As a result, many of them receive no pension from their host country, which is lower than that paid by Switzerland.“We're trying to find a solution, but unfortunately there is no political will in New Zealand to change the situation,” he said.

Frank Grütter described the community of some 2,600 Swiss citizens in Singapore as homogeneous and spread over a small area, which facilitates exchanges. He pointed out that there are around 1,300 Swiss companies operating in the city-state, generating some 25,000 jobs.

“My priority is to be a leading service provider for the Swiss in the country and to build up a local network,” he said.

The most sensitive point of the day

It was supposed to be a mere formality, but the official election of the 120 members from abroad and the 20 members from within the Council of the Swiss Abroad, as well as that of the president and the Committee of the OSA, provoked strong reactions.

The delegates from abroad were initially confirmed without discussion. This was no doubt due to the fact that, for the first time, direct elections were held in over 40 countries.“Our aim is for all seats to be filled by direct elections in the next legislature,” Filippo Lombardi said.

But then things got tricky. The CSA also includes domestic delegates: representatives from the federal parliament, the business world, public organisations and associations committed to the community of the Swiss Abroad.

The ambassadors from Israel, New Zealand and Singapore in conversation with Swissinfo journalist Camille Kündig. Swissinfo / Samuel Jaberg Domestic members elected en bloc

In accordance with the Articles of Association, the OSA board nominated these domestic members. This method of appointment, as well as the absence of some of them during the last legislature, led to heated exchanges. Several delegates were criticised by name.

In the end, the CSA decided to elect all 20 domestic members, despite the controversy, and to officially confirm their election – a point that was almost forgotten.“We're certainly elected, but I feel uneasy knowing that some people here did not want me to be elected,” parliamentarian Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter told the delegates gathered in the House of Representatives.

She called on the OSA Committee to do a better job of preparing the next appointment of domestic members, so that the Swiss Abroad could have confidence in the process and the people proposed. Filippo Lombardi supported this request.“The aim is to adapt the regulations during this legislative period,” he said.

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