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While German-speaking Switzerland is preparing for the first steps of relief from the crown blockade, the Ticino authorities are holding back. You want to stick to the strict measures for another week. The government considers a slower pace appropriate due to the proximity to the border, says Ticino correspondent Karoline Thürkauf.
SRF News: What does the Canton of Ticino want to do differently from German-speaking Switzerland?
Karoline Thürkauf: The Ticino government wants to let the economy rest until May 2. For example, as in German-speaking Switzerland, hairdressers should not be allowed to open next Monday. In recent weeks, however, Ticino’s economy has closed much more than that of German-speaking Switzerland. The Federal Council had approved this to Ticino with the windows of previous crises.
Ticino’s economy closed much more than that of German-speaking Switzerland.
How do Ticino authorities justify this step?
If the Federal Council does not approve the new window of crisis now required, the Ticino economy would start next Monday, so to speak. So not slowly and gradually, which is seen everywhere as a sensible way out of the crown crisis.
The Ticino government is also in favor of a new crisis window due to the still very tense situation in Lombardy. The photos of the crowded Italian hospitals are still scary. With a strong opening, tens of thousands of border workers would soon return to work in Ticino. You want to avoid that.
The images of the crowded Italian hospitals are profound.
In German-speaking Switzerland, the economy is pressing to open more quickly. How is it in Ticino?
It is very impressive. Ticino’s economy is largely behind the government’s efforts to start life slowly and with the help of a new window of crisis. There are no strong demands for economic openness: those voices are very likely to be heard in the catering sector.
Is the town of Ticino ready to withstand the strict measures?
Until now, the population has implemented government requirements very well. The Ticino people don’t want a quick opening. This is also demonstrated by the widespread resistance to opening schools. The world here in Ticino is different. Most people wear masks, even when walking in the woods.
Most of the Ticino population wears masks, even when walking in the woods.
Will the cantonal government receive permission from the Federal Council to proceed more slowly?
It is difficult to estimate what the Federal Council can already decide today. Logically, there are two reasons for the acceptance of Ticino’s demand: the new crisis window allows the economy to start slowly, as the Federal Council also strives to achieve it. Furthermore, Federal Councilors Berset and Cassis have repeatedly emphasized how well the dialogue between North and South works. This good deal is unlikely to be tarnished due to the one week extension.
The interview was conducted by Christina Scheidegger.
