We recently wrote about a Holocaust survivor who has devoted her life to honouring the memory of her rescuer. This woman has now been awarded one of the highest honours in Hungary. The latest articles in our magazine have also prompted many of you to write in from around the world.
The May edition of “Swiss Review” contained an article about Agnes Hirschi from Berne. On 30 October 2023, Hirschi was awarded the Order of Merit of the Kingdom of Hungary at the behest of the Hungarian president, Katalin Novák. Agnes Hirschi escaped the Holocaust in Hungary as a child – thanks to Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz, who later became her stepfather. Since retiring 20 years ago, she has made it her vocation to tell others about what Lutz did in saving her and thousands of others from the Holocaust. Hungary has now honoured her in recognition of her work. For more information, visit www.carl-lutz.com. (MUL)
The majority of Swiss Abroad have done fairly well in life, I would say, hence they deserve to be elected into the Council of the Swiss Abroad and have their say as members of the “Parliament of the Fifth Switzerland”. Unfortunately, delegate positions have only ever gone to people who belong to Swiss associations. Many of these delegates are retired and blocking the way for others. You hear of people who have been in the Council for 30 years and keep getting elected! Swiss Abroad who are not affiliated to any Swiss association should also be able to get elected.
Regarding political participation in general, it is absurd that Switzerland is still unable to make e-voting available to all expatriates. And I mean everyone – including those who live in remote corners of the world or in countries with unreliable postal services. The frequently cited “security concerns” no longer hold water given the technology at our disposal.
The “Swiss Review” article on expatriate voting behaviour in the last 36 popular votes was an outstanding analysis of how much political influence we as voters abroad actually have. revue.link/vote
The humble (park) bench is the height of culture! Places without benches are not quite as inviting. Being able to sit on a bench in peace on my own – and enjoy nature – is my idea of bliss.
When I see the picture of plastic waste on the Lake Geneva shoreline, I am reminded of the state of our own local beaches around 20 to 30 years ago. We now have containers on the street for cardboard, paper, plastic, aluminium, glass, organic and non-recyclable waste. These can be used by the public every day. When I visit Switzerland, I am quite taken aback that my daughter has to put her plastic waste in with her normal rubbish. The beaches here have never been so clean. However, there is often a mishmash of rubbish in the summer season, because tourists just put anything in.
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