Science

“Today, the question we need to address is how the dialogue between the natural sciences and humanities can help to get the relationship between science and citizens back on track.” From his opening address on 14 September 2006, at the first World Knowledge Dialogue Symposium (WKD), an institutional initiative to bridge the gap between the natural and the human/social sciences. (Le Nouvelliste, 15 September 2006).

Culture

“Cinema plays an important role as a reflection of societies and cultures, apart from the fact of its influence over them. We see how A Clockwork Orange represents the phenomenon of violence, and I myself am personally fascinated by Asian movies that open windows for me, today, onto the societies of Hong Kong and Korea.” (24 Heures, Région La Côte, 5 August 2006.)

“[It is necessary] to lower the price of books. This would increase readership and increase sales by booksellers and publishers. I will never be satisfied while I have not managed to achieve this.” (Le Temps, 29 June 2006.)

Health

“A healthcare system is not only a matter of costs, but also of growth.” Consider alongside the healthcare market, the growth of prevention and preservation measures, including, for example, organic food, the wellness industry, fitness, and plastic surgery… (24 Heures, Région La Côte, 30 August 2006.)

War in Lebanon

“Peaceful and festive, Switzerland must not lecture. But it can provide emergency assistance to the human misery suffered in the Middle East, which it already does. We also wish to be able to assist in the reconstruction of peace in that region.” (Le Matin Dimanche, 30 July 2006.)

Immigration

“Immigration is always a shared chance : for the person arriving and for the host country… For it to be a chance, immigration must be controlled. Regarding policies on foreigners and asylum, one must not behave as an angel, nor as a fool, as said Pascal – the great, the true.” (Le Matin Dimanche, 30 July 2006.)

Religion

With respect to the forty years since the Nostra Aetate declaration by Pope Paul VI, which was a foundation for inter-religious dialogue: “Respect is a fragile flower, which must be constantly cared for. It is easy to destroy, but very difficult to reconstruct. We must accept that reconciliation takes time.” (Le Nouvelliste, 30 June 2006.)

The Swiss Federal Council

“Doris Leuthard must forget everything she read and heard about the atmosphere in the Federal Council, which is said to be close to hell. It’s better to keep quiet, as hard as it may be. But Mrs. Leuthard has already shown that she has the nerve…” (Le Matin Dimanche, 30 July 2006.)

Wishes for the year 2006

“We must find a more optimistic vision of our future. When we possess the willingness to solve problems, better solutions are found.” (Le Matin Dimanche, 30 July 2006.)

Some free time?

“I walk up to my chalet, I read on my chaise longue and I bake fruit pies !” (Le Matin, 5 August 2006.)