- Puzzle
Charles-Antoine Albisetti, France
The “Fifth Switzerland” is a colourful, varied and multilingual puzzle with well over 800,000 pieces.
Today’s puzzle piece is ...
... Charles-Antoine Albisetti, 17 years old, a student in France, who has been fascinated by politics since he was young.
In which location or country would you say, “This is my home”?
I feel at home in two countries. First and foremost, there is France, where I grew up, went to school and was deeply influenced by the richness of its culture. France is the cradle in which I spent my childhood and adolescence; it’s a country that has given me plenty of opportunities and many precious memories. After that, Switzerland also has a special place in my heart. Switzerland feels close and far away at the same time. It is close to me geographically and thanks to the family ties I have with the country, but its unique culture makes it feel distant. As a fan of politics, I often notice the differences between the two countries, particularly with regard to their approach to compromise and their political culture. These contrasts sharpen my appreciation and give me a deeper understanding of the diversity of my Franco-Swiss roots.
Switzerland and you: what is your current relationship status?
My relationship with Switzerland is both emotional and cultural. I travel to Switzerland regularly for holidays or family visits, which lets me maintain strong ties with the country.
In what situations do you feel you do not understand Switzerland?
Sometimes, there are aspects of Switzerland that I do not understand, particularly when it comes to certain political decisions or cultural peculiarities specific to individual regions. For example, the differences between the education systems or the administrative procedures can sometimes take me by surprise.
When do you wish the country in which you live were a bit more Swiss?
Sometimes, I wish France would adopt certain Swiss practices, particularly with regard to direct democracy and civil participation. Switzerland is famous for its system of referendums and popular initiatives, which allows its citizens to take an active part in its political decisions. I’d like to see a greater share of popular involvement in France, not to mention a better way of handling waste and a better promotion of nature, the way you often see in Switzerland.
Which developments in Switzerland do you follow with pleasure?
I am delighted to follow the developments in sustainability and innovation in Switzerland, especially the initiatives to reduce people’s carbon footprint and to promote renewable energies. I am also thrilled to see that Switzerland is continuing to play an active role in international diplomacy and mediation.