Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

‘We were too lax’ admits Swiss interior minister on Covid-19

Bald man in suit
Alain Berset speaking about his experience as health minister in 2020 SRF

In an interview with Swiss public television, SRF, Interior Minister Alain Berset has acknowledged that Switzerland made mistakes in managing the coronavirus outbreak.

“We were too lax,” Berset said, pointing out that in the summer – after the first wave – people had the feeling that the worst was over. “And then we were far too optimistic when we thought we could reopen the big events in the fall.”

The worst thing, however, is to freeze and do nothing when dealing with a crisis, added Berset. And one thing is clear: “If you make mistakes, you have to correct them as quickly as possible.”

More

The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed Berset’s own physical limits as well. As he told SRF, there were moments during the first wave when he no longer knew whether it was day or night, weekday or weekend. He said he had never experienced anything like that before.

He said that people’s health had top priority, even if that required controversial measures like closing the schools for nearly two months – “probably the most difficult decision for us”. And despite the vaccine and better medicines, he believes that the virus “will not disappear so quickly”.

More
Alain Berset and Simonetta Sommaruga

More

Cantons threaten rebellion against Swiss mini-lockdown plans

This content was published on French-speaking cantons, where infections are coming under control, have reacted angrily to Tuesday’s announcement and are teaming up to apparently oppose the government. On Tuesday, the government announced semi-lockdown plans as new Covid-19 infections cases start to rise again in Switzerland. The three-pillar plan would force shops, restaurants and leisure facilities to close after 7pm…

Read more: Cantons threaten rebellion against Swiss mini-lockdown plans

The Swiss way – which gives the individual cantons a lot of control – has its price, added Berset. “It demands personal responsibility, common sense and foresight from everyone. If that doesn’t work, we have to tighten the measures. That’s what we’ve done,” said the health minister, adding that he was impressed by the solidarity shown in the spring.

The SRF interview with BersetExternal link airs on Sunday, on SRF’s “Sternstunde Philosophie” programme.
 

Most Read
Swiss Abroad

Most Discussed

News

Swiss army seeks to buy German howitzers

More

Swiss army plans to buy German howitzers

This content was published on The Swiss army wants to purchase new German armoured howitzers to replace its existing artillery system which has been in operation for over 50 years.

Read more: Swiss army plans to buy German howitzers
US opinion polls show Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump virtually even ahead of the November 5 election.

More

Poll suggests Donald Trump has many fans in Switzerland

This content was published on Around a quarter of Swiss citizens would vote for Donald Trump if they had the chance, according to a recent poll. This percentage is higher than in many other European countries.

Read more: Poll suggests Donald Trump has many fans in Switzerland
Property prices continue to rise

More

Swiss property prices continue to rise

This content was published on Prices of owner-occupied homes rose in the third quarter of 2024 by 0.5%, with inflation affecting both apartments and single-family houses, says the Federal Statistical Office.

Read more: Swiss property prices continue to rise

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR