In the wake of the devastating fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, many Swiss citizens are asking themselves whether their political system is fit for purpose.
Switzerland, often praised for its efficiency, has a very devolved system of government, in which villages and towns are run by local officials elected from and by the community.
It is a system the Swiss cherish because they believe it ensures accountability. However, there are inherent weaknesses; hypothetically, the official approving a bar licence or passing a fire-safety check could be a friend, neighbour, or even a cousin of the bar owner.
When the news of the ski resort fire emerged on New Year's Eve, there was shock. Such devastating fires are not expected to happen in Switzerland. Grief followed as 40 young lives were lost, and questions arose regarding the cause of this catastrophe.
This week, anger erupted when Crans-Montana's Mayor Nicolas Feraud revealed that Le Constellation bar had not been inspected since 2019, although fire-safety inspections are required annually in the canton of Valais.
The mayor admitted he had only learned of this lapse after the tragic fire and noted that out of 128 bars and restaurants in Crans-Montana, only 40 had been inspected in the previous year.
Local officials face challenges juggling many responsibilities, including running schools and social services on part-time capacities. The Swiss expect a higher standard, and the fallout from the mayor's announcements was severe.
Many demanded his resignation, though he refused, stating, You don't abandon ship in the middle of a storm. Media scrutiny was formidable, with journalists questioning the mayor’s connections to the bar owners and the possibility of corruption.
The community is grappling with the implications of political accountability and local governance failures, especially considering how such oversights could cost lives.
At a recent memorial service, the urgency for answers was palpable, with public sentiments echoing a profound sense of betrayal regarding Switzerland's previously unshakeable reputation for safety and reliability.
As investigations unfold, the Swiss government faces pressure to reform fire-safety inspections and ensure that local officials are held accountable for any neglect that contributed to this tragedy.
