The Congress of the Swiss Abroad, set to take place from July 11-13 in Lucerne, marks its 100th edition this year. Despite evolving over the years, the Congress
continues to unite Swiss citizens living abroad and highlight their unique needs.
Historical Roots
The initiative to strengthen ties between Swiss expatriates and their homeland began during World War I, spearheaded by the New Helvetic Society, which remains active today. The inaugural Congress occurred in April 1918, coinciding with the Basel Mustermesse, a major industrial exhibition.
The 2024 centenary celebration is delayed to accommodate disruptions from World War II and the Covid-19 pandemic, underscoring the event's historical endurance.
A Dual Role: Social and Political
The Congress serves as both a social and political forum. It offers Swiss expatriates a chance to reconnect and share experiences while also addressing their political interests. This political engagement is orchestrated by the Council of the Swiss Abroad, which meets biannually, including during the Congress.
Ariane Rustichelli, Director of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), emphasizes this duality: “The form has sometimes varied, but this dual dimension, both social and political, has always existed; it’s a form of continuity that we’ve seen throughout all the Congresses.”
Growing Political Clout
Over the years, the Congress has drawn varying degrees of attention from Swiss political leaders. Notably, in the 1940s, up to four federal ministers attended the Congress. Since Swiss expatriates gained the right to vote by mail in federal elections in 1992, their political influence has surged.
“The Swiss Abroad make up a potentially significant electorate, which is why various political parties are turning their attention to them,” notes political analyst Claude Longchamp. While the diaspora's political weight isn't always decisive, it holds substantial sway for certain parties.
This influence is evident as major political parties now have international sections targeting Swiss expatriates. Additionally, the growing number of party stands at the Congress and the “political party dinner,” held for the second time this year, underscore this trend.
Looking Ahead
The 100th edition prompts reflections on the future. The Swiss diaspora's profile has evolved significantly since the first Congress. Longchamp observes, “At the time of the first Congress, people who emigrated were seen as people who would never return to Switzerland again. But now, many of them are much more mobile.”
Modern communication technologies have transformed how expatriates stay connected, raising questions about the continued relevance of an annual Congress. However, Rustichelli asserts the enduring importance of in-person gatherings: “Human beings are by definition social beings... The pandemic has shown that the new communication tools cannot completely replace face-to-face meetings.”
Despite declining attendance, efforts to make the Congress more accessible, such as moving the event from August to July, are underway. Future Congresses might adopt a hybrid format, with both in-person and online editions. Rustichelli envisions a potential shift: “It is conceivable that in the future the Congress will no longer be held in Switzerland every year, but every two or three years.”
As the Congress of the Swiss Abroad celebrates its 100th edition, its legacy of connecting Swiss citizens globally and advocating for their interests continues to resonate. Photo by Wladyslaw, Wikimedia commons.