Swiss Town Of Moutier Celebrates Historic Move From Bern To Jura

“The town will rediscover its natural home,” Mayor Marcel Winistoerfer told 300 people in front of the town hall.

The residents of Moutier will be privileged to experience intense and extraordinary emotions with this change of canton, said the pro-Jura mayor, adding that a new, emotional, and adventurous chapter would enrich the country's history.

Swiss Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, who hails from canton Jura, attended the event in a private capacity. A banquet for 1,200 people, a torchlight procession, and a light and sound show were organised.

The vice president of the Jura government, Stéphane Theurillat, also spoke of a historic event in his address.“What we are experiencing tonight goes far beyond current events and is part of a long struggle for a united Jura – a struggle that entire generations have waged with conviction,” he said.

The Jura cantonal government described the process of changing cantons as unique in Switzerland.

In a more militant speech, Cédric Erard, president of the“Moutier Ville jurassienne” committee, said the fight for Moutier's cantonal affiliation had been hard. Much time had been lost through appeals that had been accepted“by an arbitrary and remotely controlled judiciary”, he said.

Erard felt that the wishes of Moutier's neighbouring municipality, Belprahon, had been ignored.“Dear friends from Belprahon, don't give up,” he told the residents of the village, to the applause of those present.

This content was published on Sep 22, 2021 The cantons of Bern and Jura have signed a road map on the politically delicate issue of how the town of Moutier will switch allegiance.