The heart of democracy
The heart of democracy beats – sometimes at a faster, sometimes at a slower rate. On 14 February 2023, it seemed to stand still for a brief moment.
On Tuesday, 14 February 2023, 1:50pm, a black Jaguar parked in the middle of the Bundesplatz. Gérard* got out of the car dressed in combat gear and made his way towards the Federal Palace. Also on their way there were employees of the Federal Security Service (FSS) for their late shift at 2pm. When they caught sight of Gérard from the window of their car, they knew something was wrong.
They didn’t hesitate before stopping him at the visitors’ entrance to the Parliament Building and carried out an identity check. Who was this man? Why was he wearing military fatigues? What did he have in his rucksack? And what was the story behind the empty pistol holster on his belt?!
Gérard wanted to see Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, but remained vague in his explanation. Even though no parliamentary sessions were taking place on this day, various members of parliament, staff and external guests were in the building.
«To onlookers, our work may appear static, but mentally we are constantly on the go. We’re always ready for action, keep a close eye on what’s happening in the area and keep a cool head.»
Roberto, head of security operations
The FSS agents stood their ground, surrounded Gérard, informed the head of operations and carried out an explosives test for safety reasons. The test was positive. Such situations require getting a full overview, neutralising any immediate danger and keeping a cool head. All the more so, since the scenario on 14 February was reminiscent of the actions of convicted right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik in Oslo in 2011.
Breivik attack
Breivik parked a van in front of the government building in Oslo on 22 July 2011. The van contained a bomb – made from artificial fertilizer and diesel. Eight people died in the explosion and numerous buildings were damaged.
The FSS agents immediately informed the cantonal police. After all, what should the security forces expect to find in the vehicle if Gérard tested positive for explosives? Now there was no time to lose. The police ordered the evacuation of the Bundesplatz. Gérard was taken away. An inspection of the vehicle was carried out using a robot designed specifically for such tasks. After several hours, there was a sigh of relief. The vehicle posed no danger.
Was Gérard an isolated case? No. As a symbol of Swiss democracy, the Federal Palace and the Parliament Building have long been targeted by citizens wanting to express their dissatisfaction with politics. The coronavirus pandemic caused particularly serious discontent, culminating in an incident in mid-September 2021 when angry citizens attempted to storm the Federal Palace. But repeatedly individuals have also attempted to smuggle unauthorised objects – from knuckledusters to butterfly knives and ammunition – into the Federal Palace. To cause damage there?
Every day, fedpol officers patrol the area of Parliament Building and surrounding official buildings to ensure that the heart of our democracy continues to beat, undamaged – even in these challenging times.
* Name changed