The Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA) began its new term of office in the prestigious setting of the House of Representatives at the weekend. While the atmosphere was festive, internal criticism caused a stir. The emotion was palpable on Saturday among the 120 or so representatives of the diaspora who had come to Bern from the four corners of the globe. Enthusiastically welcomed by Filippo Lombardi, president of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), they didn’t fail to capture the moment with numerous photos. The symbolic significance of this inaugural meeting was enhanced by the presence of the president of the House of Representatives, Maja Riniker, who had come specially from canton Aargau. In her speech, she praised the key role played by the Swiss Abroad. "You represent a courageous Switzerland," she told the delegates. She also outlined the clear priorities facing the CSA in the years ahead: access to electronic identity (e-ID), guaranteed political rights at cantonal ...
