The Swiss Parliament has paid an emotional tribute to Fredi Heer, a National Councillor from Zurich, following his unexpected death last week. Members from across political parties expressed their condolences and shared memories of the 63-year-old SVP politician. The somber atmosphere marked the start of the final week of the autumn session.
Key Takeaways
- Fredi Heer, a 63-year-old SVP National Councillor from Zurich, passed away unexpectedly.
- The Parliament observed a moment of silence and held a ceremony in his honor.
- His colleagues, especially from the SVP faction, expressed deep sorrow.
- A condolence book has been opened for parliamentarians to sign.
- Heer was known for his dedication and cross-party respect, particularly in the Control Committee.
Parliamentary Session Begins with Somber Tones
On Monday afternoon, the Federal Palace was filled with a sense of grief. This was especially true for the Swiss People's Party (SVP) faction. Many members shed tears even before the session began. They wore black clothing as a sign of mourning. The sudden loss of their colleague, who had been with them just the previous week, left many in disbelief.
Fredi Heer, a Zurich National Councillor, died unexpectedly on Thursday night. He was 63 years old. He experienced a medical emergency shortly before midnight while out in Zurich's District 4, an area he was deeply connected to. His vacant seat in the National Council chamber now holds flowers and candles, serving as a poignant reminder of his absence.
Fact: Political Career
Fredi Heer's political journey began at the cantonal level. He served as a Cantonal Councillor before being elected to the national Parliament. This path is often called the "Ochsentour," referring to a long and dedicated political career from local to national office.
Colleagues Offer Support to Close Friend Mauro Tuena
Mauro Tuena, another SVP National Councillor from Zurich, was visibly shaken by Heer's death. Tuena had the closest relationship with Heer within Parliament. They co-owned a small IT company and were also close personal friends. The support for Tuena extended beyond party lines, showing the respect Heer had earned across the political spectrum.
"He was one who loved life," said National Council President Maya Riniker, reflecting on Fredi Heer's character.
Before the session started, several prominent parliamentarians approached Tuena to offer their condolences. These included Barbara Gysi and Jacqueline Badran from the Social Democratic Party (SP), Sibel Arslan from the Green Party, Maya Bally from The Centre, Patrick Hässig from the Green Liberal Party (GLP), and Andri Silberschmidt from the FDP. They offered hugs and comforting words to Tuena, highlighting the deep personal connections formed within the Federal Palace.
Context: The National Council
The National Council is one of the two chambers of the Swiss Federal Assembly, representing the people. It plays a crucial role in Swiss lawmaking and oversight. Members often develop strong working relationships, even across different political parties, due to the consensus-oriented nature of Swiss politics.
Maya Riniker's Tribute and Heer's Legacy
National Council President Maya Riniker (FDP) began her address for the third week of the session directly, acknowledging the loss. She spoke of Heer's passion for life and his significant political career. She noted his classic "Ochsentour" progression from cantonal politics to the national stage, where he became an influential figure.
Heer's work on the Control Committee earned him widespread respect. This committee is responsible for overseeing the government's activities and finances. Riniker emphasized Heer's commitment to thoroughness, stating, "He always wanted to get to the bottom of things." This dedication to scrutiny and accountability was a hallmark of his parliamentary service and transcended party divisions.
A Personal Touch: "Fredi Moments"
Away from the political spotlight, Heer was known for his amiable nature. Many National Council members shared personal "Fredi moments." For example, SVP National Councillor Mike Egger recounted how Heer had taken him to the emergency room two weeks prior, after an accident at the gym. This anecdote illustrates Heer's caring side, contrasting with his firm political stance.
The SVP faction's decision to wear black in remembrance of their colleague underscored the profound impact of his passing. The unified display of mourning showed the strong bonds within the party and the shared sense of loss across the political spectrum.
A Moment of Silence and Moving Forward
Following Riniker's tribute, a cellist performed a piece in the National Council chamber. After the music ended, a profound silence filled the room for several minutes. Eyes were moist everywhere, and expressions of shock and sorrow were visible on many faces. The stillness conveyed the depth of grief felt by the parliamentarians.
After what felt like an eternity, Riniker broke the silence. "Now we must continue," she said. Her words reflected a collective understanding that parliamentary duties had to resume, even amidst profound sadness. She added, "Fredi would have wanted it this way," suggesting Heer's own dedication to his work and the institution.
To allow for personal goodbyes, a condolence book has been placed in the Federal Council room, next to the Wandelhalle. This book will remain available until the end of the autumn session. Parliamentarians can use this opportunity to write their personal messages of farewell to their esteemed colleague.
- The unexpected nature of his death left many shocked.
- His commitment to his work was widely recognized.
- He fostered cross-party respect through his diligent work.