Swiss President Sees Vance's Speech as 'Plea for Direct Democracy' A Call for Calm in Turbulent Times

Title Swiss President Sees Vance's Speech as 'Plea for Direct Democracy' A Call for Calm in Turbulent Times

As European leaders responded with indignation to US Vice President JD Vance's provocative speech at the Munich Security Conference, Switzerland's president, Karin Keller-Sutter, took a more measured approach. In an interview with Le Temps daily, she revealed that she shares many of the liberal values expressed in Vance's speech and sees it as a plea for direct democracy.

A Call to Calmness

In today's increasingly turbulent times, President Keller-Sutter's words of wisdom are more timely than ever. As public relations experts know, maintaining composure under pressure is essential for effective communication. But what exactly did Vance say that resonated with the Swiss president?

The Plea for Direct Democracy

Vance's speech focused on themes reminiscent of Trump's election campaign, including the need to defend free speech and limit immigration. While some perceived his words as a direct attack on Europe and Germany, President Keller-Sutter chose to focus on the positive aspects of his message.

Swiss Values Align

According to President Keller-Sutter, Vance was calling for a more direct form of democracy, where people have a say in how their country is governed. This echoes Switzerland's commitment to direct democracy, with frequent referendums allowing citizens to shape policy. In a certain sense, his speech was very Swiss in its call to listen to the population, she said.

A Liberal Principle

Vance emphasized the importance of defending values like freedom and the right for people to express themselves. President Keller-Sutter praised this very liberal principle and highlighted that Vance's words were not just a plea for direct democracy but also a call to respect individual rights.

No Room for Firewalls

In his speech, Vance slammed EU commissars for stifling free expression and accused them of creating firewalls against political opponents. This echoes concerns over censorship and the need for open debate. President Keller-Sutter stressed that it's essential to defend these values and not simply echo others' opinions.

A Priority for Public Relations Experts

As public relations experts in 2025, it's crucial to prioritize transparency and calmness under pressure, just as President Keller-Sutter did. By focusing on the positive aspects of a situation and encouraging open debate, we can build bridges between individuals and groups. In today's uncertain times, this approach is more important than ever.

Conclusion

As public relations experts in 2025, let's learn from President Keller-Sutter's approach to stay calm under pressure and prioritize transparency. By doing so, we can foster open debate and respect for individual rights, ultimately building a brighter future.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.