During a celebration of the Swiss national day in Nicosia on Wednesday evening, Swiss Ambassador to Cyprus Christoph Burgener deconstructed for his audience what it means to be Swiss.
He noted that on this day, Switzerland proudly celebrates being a ‘confederation’ while functioning as a federation.
“A nuance that becomes considerably less academic when the conversation turns to Cyprus.”
The ambassador said, “the Swiss don’t overdo patriotism”. They celebrate their canton or regional state more than the country, unless the national football team makes it to the World Cup quarterfinals, in which case they remember they are one country and wave the Swiss flag.
A local country
“Apart from National Day and sporting events, Switzerland is above all a local country,” he said.
“In our small sized country, we have 26 different school systems, 26 different tax systems, different public holidays – and yes, even different rules for dogs. In some cantons, dog training is compulsory, in others it isn’t.
“Our principle is straightforward: as local as possible, as federal as necessary. Municipalities handle local affairs, cantons govern most public policy, and the Federal Government steps in only where a common national approach is absolutely needed.”
Power sharing
Burgener added that the President of the federal government changes every year.
“We think power, like fondue, is best shared. And furthermore, when it’s controlled by solid checks and balances.”
He argued that federalism teaches that “diversity is not a problem to solve; it is a strength to build on”.
It is not homogeneity that unites the Swiss but their willingness to work together despite their differences.
“What unites us is that we trust each other, even though we are different, and we don’t always agree,” said the Swiss diplomat.
Ambassador Christoph Burgener formally presenting his credentials at the Presidential Palace in 2022. Credit: PIO
Challenging world
Noting the wars, brutal occupations and polarisation dominating current affairs, the ambassador said dialogue, compromise, mutual respect and cooperation matter more than ever in Cyprus and the world today.
“Peace is strongest when it is anchored in rules, not in power. In dialogue, not in division; and in international and humanitarian law,” said Burgener.
“Switzerland, and I know Cyprus as well, will continue to stand up for these principles,” he added.
The ambassador commended Cyprus on its EU Presidency, noting that despite its small size, it was able to play an important role on the international stage.
Cypriot life lessons
Wrapping up, Burgener said he was about to go on his final posting at the end of the year – retirement – after four “wonderful years” in Cyprus. He hailed the memories and friendships, but also noted humorously the “unique Cypriot life lessons” gained.
For example, that "five minutes" is not really a unit of time, like in Switzerland.
“Here in Cyprus, it is more, let’s say, an expression of optimism.”
Also, that a dinner invitation is never just a dinner but “a delicious meal that can feed a whole delegation”.
“And then there is the famous CIN – Cypriot information network,” he mused.
“Cypriots have elevated the informal information ecosystem into an art. By the time the newspapers publish a story, everyone already knows what happened, why it happened, who was responsible, and what will probably happen – or not happen – next.”
Concluding, he said: “For a diplomat, it's an invaluable source of local intelligence, and a perfectly legitimate reason to count late-night Taverna evenings with Zivania as working hours.”
