Die Schweiz – Erinnerungsnation mit Zukunft

Switzerland lacks the usual attributes of a nation, such as a common language or a common religion. Rather, it is our cultural diversity and our history that make us what we are. Morgarten in 1315, Marignano in 1515, the Congress of Vienna in 1815 and the end of the Second World War in 1945 - all these turning points have shaped our country. They are all part of our history and should therefore not be played off against each other.

Because our culture of remembrance is so important for the identity of our country, we should endeavour to create as realistic a picture of history as possible. The historical merits of the Old Swiss Confederacy, as well as of modern Switzerland, only become clear when we see how skilfully our country has positioned itself in an often threatening geopolitical environment. What is striking is the will to stick together - even when powerful centrifugal forces were at work, such as during the religious wars or in the era of aggressive nationalism.

Today's successful Switzerland has deep roots in the old Swiss Confederation (communalism, federalism); however, it is above all our institutions and fundamental values that have held us together as a nation since the 19th century, from the right of initiative and referendum to proportional representation, freedom of expression and multilingualism. A prudent policy of cultural and social cohesion and the protection of interests: this is still the basis of our success today.