Zelensky speech – these heads of state spoke to the Swiss parliament – news

Varaha Venkata Giri (India) 1970

For more than 100 years, there have been no speeches by foreign speakers during parliamentary sessions in Switzerland. This privilege was first given in 1970 to the President of India, Varaha Venkata Giri. It is not known why the old barrier was broken at that time.

Giri performed as part of his state visit. In his ten-minute speech, he praised Swiss democracy and highlighted Switzerland’s contribution to world peace through its neutrality and India’s contribution to non-alignment.

Vaclav Havel (Czech and Slovak Federal Republic) 1990

As the second foreign leader, Vaclav Havel, President of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, addressed the Swiss Parliament in 1990. After the fall of the wall and reunification in Eastern Europe a year earlier, the performance sparked huge media interest. A visit to Parliament occupies a special position as it takes place outside a session.

Eduardo Free (Chile) 1995

In 1995, Eduardo Frey, the President of Chile, was officially welcomed in a meeting at the National Council Chamber, after 25 years of Indian presidency. Frei had Swiss ancestors. Five years before the visit, Chile had returned to democracy after years of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship. The visit was accompanied by criticism from the left of the House for not coming to terms with the Pinochet era.

1998: Oscar Luigi Scalfaro (Italy) / Roman Herzog (Germany) / Thomas Kleistl (Austria) / Prince Hans-Adam II (Liechtenstein)

At the 150th anniversary of the modern federal state in 1998, the four heads of state appeared before the Swiss parliament with other guests.

Build
1/4

Purana:

President of Italy Oscar Luigi Scalfaro during his speech in the National Council Chamber.

Keystone/Alessandro Della Valle

Build
2/4

Purana:

Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein addresses the Swiss Parliament.

Keystone/Alessandro Della Valle

Build
3/4

Purana:

Austrian Federal President Thomas Kleistl with Federal Councilor Arnold Koller.

Keystone/Alessandro Della Valle

Build
4/4

Purana:

German Federal President Roman Herzog at a lecture in the National Council Hall.

SRF

Italian Chancellor Oscar Luigi Scalpero, German Chancellor Roman Herzog, Austrian Chancellor Thomas Klestil and Liechtenstein’s Head of State Prince Hans-Adam II represented the neighboring countries. France was represented by Senate President René Monory.

Purana:

Hungarian President Arbat Kons after his speech in the National Council Chamber.

Keystone/Alessandro Della Valle

Arbat Konz (Hungary) 1999

The last time a head of state spoke at the Federal Councils was in 1999 with Hungarian President Arbat Konks. It is the 50th anniversary of the Council of Europe.