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Federal Advisor Alain Berset on the nation’s Corona status and responsibility for leading the country through the crisis.
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed that Switzerland had the pandemic under better control than other countries. “We now have one of the worst locations in Europe,” said Alain Berset, deeply concerned, on Wednesday.
But the entire continent is on alert: curfews, “partial closure”, “slowdown”; in many countries, public life is closing down again. And the federal government and the cantons also agree: If the numbers continue to rise, the measures must be toughened.
That raises fears: in the population, in the economy, in the cultural scene and in sports. Above all, there is the uncertainty of many people that the virus is apparently spreading uncontrollably.
Federal Councilor Berset knows this too. In the “Talk of the Day” he repeated: “The situation has deteriorated significantly.” The central question for the Confederation and the cantons is now: what to do? A middle way is needed, Berset clarifies: “We have to protect the health system, society and the economy at the same time, with the aim of minimizing the harm for all.”
Working with reality
Easier said than done, as the effects of the spring lockout demonstrated. Berset admits that it is a tightrope walk, and shows understanding for the uncertainty and resentment of the population: “Yes, the uncertainty, the unknown, all this is difficult. But that’s the reality and we have to work with it. ”There is no proprietary recipe for crisis management.
“In intensive care units, it’s not just about the number of beds and fans.
Berset warns once again about the devastating effects of overloading hospitals. “We have seen it in other countries. Nobody in Switzerland wants to see those pictures. “Also, it is not enough to just focus on the number of beds and ventilators in intensive care units. Because caring for seriously ill Covid 19 patients requires a lot of staff. There is risk here too to reach limits at some point.
Surveys show that the majority of the population considers adequate measures to contain the pandemic. Confidence in democracy is intact.
But the Federal Council also knows: there is resistance. “Some people demand that everything be closed and that no one leaves the house. Others find that the virus does not even exist. Both extreme positions are not sustainable for a country. “
But what does the head of BAG say about the votes comparing Covid-19 to severe flu? “Fortunately, it is not a virus that would kill half the population. But it is much more serious than the flu. “In addition, the elderly and people with previous illnesses are at special risk for serious illnesses.
Do we live in an “expertcracy”?
Berset also makes it clear that he does not express his personal opinion. “I’m not a doctor. I trust the federal scientific task force. She clearly says: it’s a serious situation.” Switzerland has outstanding scientists: they are gathered in the working group. “We have to benefit from this knowledge.”
The Federal Council translates the discoveries of science into politics. “It is not part of the Scientific Working Group’s job to lead the policy. We make the decisions. “The maxim of the health minister: do not exaggerate, but do not underestimate it either. In addition, the voices of society and companies are also taken into account, says Berset.
It is an honor to be able to work for the country in such a difficult situation.
No one is jealous of the work of executive politicians who have to make unpopular decisions with potentially serious consequences. In the end, they have to take responsibility.
Sleepless nights
Berset admits that this is not always easy. “There is a difference between having an opinion and having to decide.” The task is very demanding. But I am also grateful. It is an honor to be able to work for the country in such a difficult situation. “
He wakes up again and again at night and doubts that this measure or that regulation is correct: “The most important thing in crisis management is not to avoid mistakes, but to recognize and correct mistakes as soon as possible,” concludes Berset.
