Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA
After completing his studies and doctorate in political science and economics, Alain Berset worked as a visiting researcher at the Institute for Economic Research in Hamburg before becoming a strategic advisor in the Department of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Neuchâtel. In 2006, he set up his own business as an independent strategy and communications consultant. He was elected to the Council of States for the canton of Friburg in 2003 and served as its president in 2008/2009. From 2005, he also served as vice president of the Social Democratic parliamentary group and was a member of numerous parliamentary committees. He chaired the Council Bureau, the State Policy Commission and the delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie. Since January 1, 2012, Alain Berset has been head of the Department of Home Affairs FDHA. Alain Berset was Vice President of the Federal Council in 2017 and President of the Swiss Confederation in 2018.
Wednesday, 27. May 2015, 18:30 – 20:00 h
At the University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zurich, KOL-G-201 (Aula)
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.
Thursday, 27. February 2014, 18:30 – 20:00 h
At the University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zurich, KOH-B-10
What holds Switzerland together at its core? It is the ability to reach compromises that are greater than the lowest common denominator, despite our diversity. And it is also the trust in social stability and social security. Against this backdrop, the Federal Council's "Pensions 2020" reform will be a litmus test for our political culture. If we succeed in sustainably reforming and stabilising the pension system, we will strengthen more than just social security in our country - we will strengthen Switzerland as a whole.
Wednesday, 20. October 2021, 18:30 – 20:00 h
At the University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zurich, KOH-B-10
The unexpected outbreak of Covid-19 left the world shaken and faced with challenges that continue to affect us. This is also true for Switzerland, its political system, its social structure, and its economic strength. What have we learned, what can we do, what could the future look like?