Speech by Federal President Guy Parmelin on the Fire in Crans-Montana on January 1, 2026

Summary

On January 1, 2026, a devastating fire broke out in a bar in Crans-Montana, which proved to be one of the worst tragedies in Swiss history. Guy Parmelin, President of the Confederation, delivered a memorial address in which he expressed his deepest condolences to the victims and their families and reaffirmed Switzerland's solidarity. The speech emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation, honors the rescue workers, and calls for national unity in this time of mourning.

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Detailed Summary

The speech was delivered on January 1, 2026 in Sitten, the capital of Valais. Federal President Parmelin spoke to the authorities and representatives of the cantonal government on the occasion of a tragedy that had occurred the night before.

The fire in a restaurant in Crans-Montana claimed numerous lives, predominantly young people, and caused approximately one hundred injured, many of them seriously. The Federal President emphasized that behind these numbers stand concrete people, families, and interrupted life paths.

Parmelin assured that the Federal Council supports the victims and their relatives and places itself fully at their disposal. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is already working on communication with relatives of victims living abroad. The Federal President assured international partners of Switzerland's full support in managing these tasks.

The speech honored the solidarity between the cantons and the rapid mobilization of authorities as well as the extraordinary work of rescue services, firefighters, medical personnel, and police forces, who were confronted with indescribable scenes of violence and suffering.

Parmelin emphasized that the investigative authorities will clarify the exact circumstances of the disaster with full support. He called Switzerland to unity, to prayer, and to dignity, reminding that Switzerland shows its strength not in being spared from tragedies, but in how it faces them with courage and mutual aid.

In an emotional address to the young generation of the country, the Federal President emphasized that the lives of the victims must not be reduced to their tragic deaths, but must be honored as a promise, energy, and part of the shared future. He announced that the flags of the Federal Palace would be raised on this day to symbolically express this commitment.

Key Messages

• The fire disaster in Crans-Montana is characterized as one of the worst tragedies in Swiss history, with numerous deaths and approximately one hundred injured
• The Federal Council expresses its deepest condolences and assures the victims and their families of the state's full support
• Switzerland guarantees international coordination and communication with foreign relatives
• The rescue workers, firefighters, and medical personnel are praised for their courage and dedication
• The investigative authorities will clarify the exact circumstances with full support
• The speech emphasizes national unity, mutual aid, and adherence to the values of Swiss society as a tribute to the victims
• The young victims should be honored as a promise and part of the shared future, not defined solely by their tragic deaths

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