Swiss Federal Council proposes law to protect French in schools

The Swiss Federal Council is taking a firm stance to safeguard the French language in the nation's schools. A new "preventive" bill, proposed by Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, will only take effect if cantons decide to challenge the national language strategy embedded in the HarmoS concordat. This means the law is triggered only if cantons, or even just one, opt to delay the learning of a second national language.

“

Better safe than sorry.

Baume-Schneider is moving from words to action, a courageous step in a country where the federalist system jealously guards cantonal control over compulsory education. Her predecessor, Alain Berset, had only vaguely raised concerns, but Baume-Schneider is now actively intervening. This move is expected to cause some ripples, as the federal government steps into a domain traditionally managed by the cantons.

The Federal Council views this as more than just a pedagogical issue; it's about national cohesion. Switzerland's foundation rests on a shared political will, not linguistic or cultural uniformity. Multilingualism is a cornerstone of the nation, and the ability to communicate, even imperfectly, in another national language is deemed essential. The deep connection between language and identity means that abandoning the learning of a fellow national language strikes at the heart of Swiss identity.

“

Our multilingualism is one of the pillars of the country.

By proposing this law, the Confederation signals it cannot passively watch the gradual decline of French in compulsory education. This action provides crucial support to the French-speaking cantons within the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education. They have been striving to persuade their German-speaking counterparts of the necessity of early French language learning. Discussions have been intense, and the issue remains unresolved.

“

Not learning the other's idiom touches the very identity of Switzerland.