Guy Parmelin warns of threat to Swiss cohesion over language cuts

Swiss President Guy Parmelin has warned that reducing French language instruction in several cantons poses a long-term threat to national cohesion. Speaking following his resignation announcement, Parmelin addressed the ongoing debate regarding the removal of French from primary schools.

Several cantons, including Zurich, St. Gallen, Thurgau, and Appenzell Ausserrhoden, are considering delaying French instruction until secondary school. In Aargau, the government is planning a later start in the 6th or 7th grade, while a similar motion is pending in Lucerne.

While acknowledging the challenges children face when learning a second national language, Parmelin emphasized the importance of long-term thinking. He noted that while English is vital as an international language, its growing dominance may decrease the willingness of young people to learn another national language. To strengthen ties between linguistic regions, Parmelin advocated for increased exchange and supported proposals such as performing military service in a different linguistic region.