National government in Valais Federal Council visits home of President Viola Amherd
President Viola Amherd shakes hands.
Image: Keystone
The Federal Council arriving by train in Sion.
Image: Keystone
President Viola Amherd and the President of the Valais cantonal government Franz Ruppen toast at the aperitif.
Image: Keystone
President Viola Amherd shakes hands.
Image: Keystone
The Federal Council arriving by train in Sion.
Image: Keystone
President Viola Amherd and the President of the Valais cantonal government Franz Ruppen toast at the aperitif.
Image: Keystone
The Swiss government embarked on its annual two-day Federal Council trip on Thursday. It takes the Federal Council to Valais, the home of President Viola Amherd.
27.06.2024, 12:24
27.06.2024, 13:32
SDA
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- On its annual trip, the Federal Council is visiting Valais, the home of President Viola Amherd.
- The first stop is a reception in Sion, which is traditionally attended by official guests and hosts as well as interested citizens.
- Federal Councillor Beaume-Schneider will only join them in the afternoon, as she was detained in parliament in the morning.
The members of the government arrived in Sion by train in the morning and will continue their adventure in Brig. "We are looking forward to sharing this moment of conviviality and exchange with you," said Amherd to the 100 or so people who welcomed the Federal Councillor in the old town of Sion in summer weather.
"This trip is an opportunity to strengthen the ties between the members of the government, but also with the population," Amherd continued. "It is a real pleasure and an honor to receive the Federal Councillor in Valais," replied Franz Ruppen (SVP), President of the Valais cantonal government.
Ruppen went on to say that Valais and the federal government are linked by numerous projects, such as the A9 highway, along which the train with the Federal Councillor will travel but which has not yet been completed, and photovoltaics in the Alps.
"Maybe you will talk about it on this excursion, but to be honest, I don't wish you to. The main purpose of a school trip is to establish and strengthen relationships, to exchange ideas, to be amazed and to laugh," continued the State Councillor, causing laughter in the audience.
Celebrating closeness to the people
The President of the General Council of Sion, Virginie Rossier, praised the "simplicity" with which this meeting was taking place, "without excessive security protocol". She also said that it was an excellent idea to stop off in the capital of Valais, the second largest wine-growing municipality, at aperitif time.
After the speeches, there were opportunities for photos and handshakes with the national government, while women dressed in traditional costumes served the aperitif.
Six of the seven members of the Federal Council were present in Sion. As Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider was detained in parliament in the morning, she will join her counterparts in the afternoon.
