“I can finally ask myself what I, myself, want to build”: Martial Courtet, desire as a new compass

Six months after leaving public office, former Swiss politician Martial Courtet finds himself embracing a newfound sense of freedom and personal time. Having served for ten years, most recently as a minister responsible for Training, Culture, and Sports, Courtet describes his transition away from the constant demands of political life as a significant improvement in his quality of life.

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The weekends. For ten years, I never had a single one free. I am rediscovering time I didn't have with my children. It's a quality of life that I appreciate enormously.

"The weekends. For ten years, I never had a single one free," Courtet shared in a recent interview. "I was busy on Saturdays and Sundays. I am rediscovering time I didn't have with my children. It's a quality of life that I appreciate enormously."

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I think you have to have lived it to understand this permanent public pressure.

The relentless pace of ministerial work, characterized by constant public scrutiny and demands, is something Courtet says is hard to comprehend without experiencing it. "I think you have to have lived it to understand this permanent public pressure," he noted. While acknowledging the benefits of public service, such as receiving much from the population, he also highlighted the constant accessibility required, especially in Jura, where direct contact is paramount and the minister's role is a 24/7 commitment.

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Not at all a void. Relief, yes, given the turn of the campaign.

Despite the demanding nature of his previous role, Courtet insists he "loved doing the job." When asked if the end of his political career brought a sense of void or relief, he stated, "Not at all a void. Relief, yes, given the turn of the campaign." He appears genuinely content with his current life, affirming, "I am frankly doing very well."

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I am frankly doing very well.