The Congress of Swiss Clubs in Germany, which took place in Lübeck last weekend, was preceded by an intense year. This was due to turmoil within the committee. Around a hundred people took part this year, including 19 presidents of Swiss clubs with voting rights.
In total there are 38 member associations. A lengthy discussion took place on a potential amendment to the Articles of Association. This amendment would allow all Swiss citizens with voting rights registered in Germany the possibility to stand for election as a delegate to the Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA), the “parliament” of the Swiss Abroad.
Currently, to be eligible, a person must be a member of a Swiss club. The desire to reform the electoral system for the Council of the Swiss Abroad is not unique to Germany. Tobias Orth, co-vice chairman and member of the steering committee of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), is committed to more democratic elections.
The Swiss Foreign Ministry is also in favour of an open ballot. This potential shift caused concern with many of those present at the conference in Lübeck. “The delegate could theoretically be completely independent from the Swiss associations.
And how can we be sure that someone who is not a member of an association has a connection with Switzerland and really wants to get involved?” asked one person present. Ultimately, the congress in Lübeck did not result in a vote on the amendment. The delegates present approved a motion asking t.