National Day Basel Grand Council President: Privileges oblige you to share

In his speech at the Basel National Day celebrations on the Bruderholz, Grand Council President Claudio Miozzari (SP) linked the privileges of living in Switzerland with the duty of social commitment. Sharing privileges is crucial for social cohesion, he said on the evening of August 1.

According to the speech text, Miozzari described Switzerland as a privileged place in the current challenging international situation. The Swiss are generally doing well in a country that is much more stable economically and politically than many other countries - including in its immediate neighborhood.

However, privileges are also associated with the obligation not to close one's eyes to the more needy people and their fates. Particularly when it comes to climate and environmental protection, the privileged position offers the basis to go ahead.

"Because our country is doing well, we can be a role model," said the President of the Grand Council, linking climate policy with global social policy.

But even in our own country, we are faced with people who are poor and can do little to change this despite working hard. And there are refugees who should be allowed to share in the privileges.

"Sharing privileges, charity and social commitment are crucial for our social cohesion," said Miozzari in his speech: "For integration and development, for prosperity and peace."