Fraternity in politics: Utopia or necessity? Politics  02/09/2004

In our times marked by fragmentation, provoked by a growing polarization at all levels of the federal administration, and by the widespread vision of politics as a power struggle between political parties, the Berne Congress taking place at the BEA (Bern-expo) on Saturday, September 4th, will take a fresh look at the underlying principles of political behaviour, in the light of a new idea: universal fraternity. This initiative will offer politicians a new stimulus for their political commitment and also support dialogue between politicians and young people. The keynote address: “Fraternity in politics: Utopia or necessity?” has been entrusted to Chiara Lubich. In 1996 in Naples (Italy), she founded the Movement for Unity in Politics, which has since spread to various countries. Ms. Lubich, Founder of the Focolare Movement, has spoken on this important topic in various international political settings: London, Madrid, Bratislava, Brasilia. The Congress will be opened by the Swiss Federal Chancellor, Annemarie Huber-Hotz. Ms. Lubich will be introduced by the Ticino National Councillor, Chiara Simoneschi-Cortesi. A dialogue will follow between Congress participants and politicians of various countries who have taken on board this new political idea. Ample space will be given to the youth in the afternoon session. This Congress follows the one held in March 2003 in Martigny, Switzerland, attended by 250 people engaged in politics at various levels. Many national MPs, members of the parliaments from various cantons, mayors and young people will be present. The chief promoters of the Congress are: W. Donzé, National Councillor, (Frutigen, Berne), Swiss mayors, M. Schwery of St. Léonard (Vallese), R. Lurati of Canobbio (Ticino), M. Wenger of Schaffhausen, S. Pont of Mollens (Vallese), M. Weber, deputy mayor of Oberägeri (Zugo), the President and the delegate of the Youth Parliament of Vallese*, Laurent Mösching e Krystel Bovy. * The Youth Parliament of Vallese was founded in 1995. Similar organisations exist in other Swiss cantons. Anyone resident or studying in Vallese, whether Swiss of foreign, can take part. The Youth Parliament discusses topical subjects affecting regional, national and international politics.