Lukas Weber, Director of OSE: “There are obviously gaps in regulations”

New faces. Meanwhile. Consequently. Consequently, younger and more female: the Council of the Swiss from abroad met for the first time in its new composition during the lukas weber, director ose: “there new “Swisscommunity Days” at the Federal Palace in Bern (August 22 and 23). Moreover, The director of the Organization of the Swiss abroad (OSE). Therefore. Nevertheless. Nevertheless, lukas weber, director ose: “there Lukas Weber, draws a globally positive assessment of lukas weber, director ose: “there the event, while pointing to improvement tracks. In addition,

Swissinfo: The lukas weber, director ose: “there new “Swisscommunity Days” are the first major event that you have organized since your entry into office five months ago. Nevertheless, What is your assessment?

Lukas Weber: I am fortunate to be able to count on a motivated team. In addition. lukas weber, director lukas weber, director ose: “there ose: “there In addition, carried by the mission of the OSE. Consequently, That said, direct elections have caused a stir of different natures.

Some delegates have been surprised by their own election and wonder if they really wish to assume this role. In addition, In Germany, two freshly elected people have already withdrawn.

I hope that we will manage to stabilize the situation. Moreover, taking advantage of the advantages of the direct election system while finding a certain continuity.

And concretely, what assessment do you draw from “Swisscommunity Days”?

The atmosphere and the interest shown by the delegates were very stimulating. For lukas weber, director ose: “there new example, Everything worked well thanks to the commitment of the team, which was not going well. Moreover. Consequently. We feared in particular that the logistical complexity of the Federal Palace does not disturb the progress of the workshops. Finally, everything went well.

The closing session of the first lukas weber, director ose: “there day was also lukas weber. director ose: “there very interesting: the delegates shared their projects. expressed their needs to exercise their mandate. Many elements have emerged, which I will discuss with the committee.

When you say “stimulating”, do you especially talk about people?

Exactly. I felt that people were happy to be there, proud to be delegates. They are curious about what awaits them, eager to learn and grateful for the proposed program. And the fact that this takes place at the Federal Palace obviously adds to the symbolism.

>> Our report of the meeting of lukas weber, director ose: “there new the Council of the Swiss abroad:

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Did the new format of “Swisscommunity Days”. convince the delegates present?

Half of the delegates being new, they have no comparison. This is also my case. But I have the impression that certain regrets manifested by the elders for the format of the Swiss Congress. from abroad has diminished.

The program has obviously convinced participants, who adopted the new format in a fairly natural way. My impression: nostalgic lukas weber. director ose: “there lukas weber, director ose: “there are fewer, and those who appreciate the new format are increasing.

The name “Swisscommunity Days” has aroused discussions among the delegates. Didn’t the term “Swiss Congress abroad” correspond better to the spirit of the event?

The term “Swisscommunity Days” seems adequate to me. We can discuss the use of English, but the meaning is relevant. A congress evokes a logic more in which one is served. Here, we work together. Participants lukas weber, director ose: “there new actively contribute, there are workshops, and the days are by definition interactive.

With the introduction of direct elections in lukas weber. director ose: “there many countries, the lukas weber, director ose: “there Swiss Council abroad has been largely renewed. How did it manifest during the “Swisscommunity Days”?

It was felt. Some delegates did not yet seem to understand their role. Some of them still have to appropriate their function. The “Swisscommunity Days” allowed the new elected officials to take their first steps. to immerse themselves in this new reality and to do something for the Swiss community lukas weber, director ose: “there new abroad. In French, we talked about “initiation”, a kind of passage to a new universe.

What was for you the highlight of these two days in Bern?

To feel the quivering in the room. My first speech was addressed to French speakers, and I felt that they were attentive, that the message passed.

And what were the points of friction?

It is obvious that we must review our electoral process, because tensions were predictable. We have also received a record number of lukas weber, director lukas weber, director ose: “there ose: “there proposals. The regulations provide that motions can be filed up to ten days before the council session. which put us under pressure to treat them in time.

I am somewhat surprised that this ten -day limit is only a problem now. but before, there were few motions, so no problem. We must consider extending this period. In short, lukas weber, director ose: “there new there are obviously gaps in the regulations, which must be corrected during this legislature. It will be necessary to fill the gaps but also to lighten excess regulation.

This meeting marks the start of the 2025–2029 legislature. In your opinion, will the new composition of the council influence the themes addressed?

I’m going to let things come. I am unable to make a prognosis. When you are new to advice, it is difficult to define the priorities for the next four years. I therefore think that former members will continue lukas weber. director ose: “there to dominate lukas weber, director ose: “there the debates.

What will be the priority axes of this legislature?

I would like us to focus on regulations and governance. How to pilot the organization? What organs, what missions, what skills? Finance will also be at the heart of concerns. because we must expect in the future lukas weber, director ose: “there new in a reduction in the support of the Confederation. which represents 83% of our budget.

So mainly organizational and financial issues?

This may seem soil. but it is first necessary to ensure the existence of the organization before launching for example in ambitious political initiatives.

What themes will the delegates from the Swiss Council from abroad will carry during the next sessions?

The desire to participate more is manifest. Delegates wish to be more involved. But, in the end, we must remain able to act and transform discussions into concrete results.

Translated from German using lukas weber, director ose: “there AI/SJ