This is how Doris Leuthard wants to rebuild the Federal Council: a managerial trio must run the government – Switzerland

Anyone who governs the country’s biggest crisis since World War II is under immense pressure. The crown pandemic is demanding a lot from federal advisers. “The workload has pushed me to my physical limits,” Health Minister Alain Berset said in the book “Lockdown.” Managing such a large department, says the Federal Council of SP, is a challenge for him.

The pandemic and its aftermath currently require almost total attention: the seven federal advisers barely have time for strategic matters. This is one of the reasons that once on the committee worry about fundamental issues. What are the consequences of Corona for the state government as such? Are you still up to the task in times of crisis? And maybe now is the right time to rebuild the Federal Council.

Former federal councilor Doris Leuthard believes the executive is no longer organized in a modern way, especially in view of the crisis in the crown. The CVP representative, who was in government from 2006 to 2018, knows very well: “Unfortunately, to this day, practically all ideas for a government reform have failed.” Still, now may be the right time to think about it. Leuthard described his ideal to the CH Media editorial team:

A trio manages the Federal Council

According to the former magistrate, the reform should begin with the Federal Presidium. Today it is an office without specific competencies. “A presidential year is really nice,” emphasizes Leuthard. But if you also have to manage a larger department, this is very demanding. “Especially when you still have a crisis to deal with.”

Leuthard also thinks beyond national borders. Due to annual changes, hardly anyone knows the local government, he says. “If someone stays in office for a long time and appears regularly on the international stage, it still works. But it is no longer sufficient to effectively represent the interests of Switzerland. “

The idea of ​​a longer Federal Presidium never appealed to a majority. Therefore, Leuthard proposes a real management committee in the Federal Council: a trio that prepares important business, manages meetings and is responsible in case of crisis. The incumbent federal president, his predecessor, and the vice president would be represented at this peak. “That would give a certain continuity, both internally and externally, greater visibility, and more experience can be collected and transmitted,” says Leuthard.

Relief in everyday business

Seven federal councilors cannot do the same as 15 or 17 ministers from other countries. Especially since the government should act as a strategic body. Leuthard believes that he must free himself from the operational workload. I would appreciate if each department had a permanent secretary of state. As the highest-ranking civil servants, they are currently deployed primarily with regard to diplomatic relations and international treaties.

Leuthard also states: “Parliament is demanding and often requires the presence of a Federal Council.” In crises in particular, the responsible committees must be adequately involved. In addition, however, the Federal Council could be relieved to “better prioritize their appearances on commissions.” These should be limited to the occurrence of a presentation and important points or differences in dispute. Office managers and employees could become increasingly involved. In return, it is even more important that the Federal Council involve the relevant parliamentary bodies in its important projects at an early stage.

Doris Leuthard’s career in pictures:

Central support in crisis

In the summer, the Federal Council abandoned crisis management and communication leadership. Annoyance soon grew with the vacillating and uncoordinated cantons. Competition disputes with the federal government followed. Finally, Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga even called for an end to this “storm.” Should the Federal Council hold the reins even tighter in the future? For Doris Leuthard it is clear: “Crises must always be accompanied in a centralized way.” On the one hand, this is faster and more efficient, and on the other, it enables credible communication throughout Switzerland.

The former Federal Councilor also sees the need to act in terms of political support in crisis. In the spring, the parliament and the parties were locked up for weeks, the Federal Council reacted with an emergency law. Leuthard advocates using an existing vessel consistently when setting the course: the Von Wattenwyl talks between members of the government and their party leaders. In a confidential environment, you can hold meetings, exchange information, and get feedback faster and faster. After all, the parties of the Federal Council have a responsibility.

Nine federal councilors? It is not a good idea

Leuthard, on the other hand, is skeptical about the idea of ​​increasing the Federal Council to nine members. So far that has not been able to achieve the majority either, remember. “I also have my doubts because that requires strong leadership. This is not foreseen in our collegiate system. “Another former Federal Councilor just rushed in with the idea. Regarding the corona pandemic, Adolf Ogi (SVP) told Radio SRF:” If we are honest, we have to say that there are members government overburdened. “After the crisis, a government reform is appropriate. It must be checked whether the Federal Council should continue to have seven members.

Of course, a raise would also be interesting for reasons of party decorum. For example, a nine-member Federal Council would open up more opportunities to give strengthened Greens a seat.

This is not the first time the question has arisen as to whether the government system is still up to date. Corresponding governance reforms have already failed in parliament, most recently in the Doris Leuthard era. But the crisis in the crown could also give an unexpected boost here.