Silence, Parliament is in session

29 September 2022, the penultimate day of the autumn session of the National Council. Politicians are busy discussing and debating projects, motions and interpellations. It is a session like any other, or almost.

In the visitors' gallery, a group of climate activists decide to interrupt the debate in progress. With a banner and paper airplanes, they demand stricter measures for better climate protection.

Keeping an open house safe

How did they get in? In Switzerland, sessions of the Federal Assembly are open to the public, apart from major exceptions relating to national security or where personal privacy must be protected. Anyone can attend, get an idea of the political action first hand, and seize the opportunity to understand the ins and outs of our democracy. fedpol is responsible for security in the Parliament Building. It controls the entrances to ensure that the rules are enforced.

Cloth and paper is all the activists needed to make their point. There was nothing suspicious at the security check. The paper was hidden under their clothes. The metal detector at the entrance did not beep and no body search seemed necessary.

However, any type of activism must comply with security; rules apply. The proceedings had to be respected. fedpol officers intervened. The activists did not resist and left the visitors’ gallery. There is no objection to their commitment to the cause, but the rules are strict, the safety of the building - and especially public safety - must not be compromised in any way. The session resumed.

This incident shows once again how important it is that the activities of the Parliament can proceed without disruption. Security in Parliament is also the security of our democracy. The September incident involved posters and paper airplanes. What will come next?