Council presidencies Future President of the Council of States Engler forgoes reception
The centrist politician from Graubünden, Stefan Engler, is expected to be elected President of the Council of States at the beginning of December. However, he plans to forego the usual celebration in his home canton.
24.11.2025, 09:32
SDA
It is a compulsory event for him, said Engler in an interview with the Keystone-SDA news agency. Such a celebration in the middle of the winter session is usually associated with stress and is more of a must than a pleasure for many of the invited guests.
He would much rather get together with the population at other public events in the regions during the year. This was also confirmed by Daniel Spadin, Director of the Graubünden registrar's office, on request.
Expenditure of up to 200,000 francs
Spadin explained that Engler's decision to cancel the event also meant that the canton of Graubünden would no longer have to spend between 150,000 and 200,000 francs. This is how much past celebrations cost, for example that of National Council President Martin Candinas (center).
As the money is not earmarked for a specific purpose, Engler cannot dispose of it - it simply remains in the state coffers. If he could, he would support initiatives for children and young people for more equal opportunities, which would be restricted by the federal government's austerity program, for example, he said.
Others should shine
However, the savings were not the main reason for him to forego the reception, said Engler. "I just feel more comfortable this way." Perhaps the Council of States' autumn trip to Graubünden would be a little more festive instead.
Engler also does not want to travel to Fribourg for the celebration of Pierre-André Page (SVP), who is expected to be the new President of the National Council, which traditionally takes place on the same day as the Council of States' presidential celebration. "He should be the center of attention there and be celebrated," said Engler.
The office of President of the National Council, which is considered the highest office in Switzerland, is also much more prestigious than the office of President of the Council of States. In this respect, he was also very pleased for his colleague from Graubünden, Martin Candinas, when he was celebrated accordingly.
The celebrations were also an expression of the Swiss understanding of the state, and that was a good thing, said Engler. "Nobody should let me stop them from celebrating in the future."
