In the wake of the devastating fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, many Swiss citizens are questioning whether their political system is fit for purpose.
Switzerland, often praised for its efficiency, has a devolved system of government, where local officials elected by the community manage towns and villages.
This system is cherished for ensuring accountability; however, there are inherent weaknesses. For example, those responsible for approving a bar license may be closely connected to the bar owner.
When the news of the ski resort fire broke on New Year's Eve, shock quickly turned into grief as 40 young people lost their lives and 116 others were injured. The subsequent questions surrounding the cause of such a catastrophe deepened into fury when Crans-Montana's Mayor Nicolas Feraud revealed that the Le Constellation bar had not been inspected since 2019.
In Switzerland's Valais canton, fire safety inspections are typically conducted annually by local officials. Nevertheless, Feraud disclosed that, out of 128 bars and restaurants in Crans-Montana, only 40 had been inspected in 2025. When pressed about this oversight, Feraud cited insufficient inspection resources but provided no clear answers.
This situation did not sit well with the Swiss public, particularly given that Crans-Montana and the neighboring resort Zermatt are among the wealthiest winter destinations. Skepticism mounted as journalists queried Feraud about his relationships with bar owners, stirring concerns about potential corruption.
Families affected by the tragedy, such as the mother of two survivors, voiced urgent calls for transparency and accountability, underscoring the trauma experienced by those who narrowly escaped. The call for answers from the public parallels an acute awareness of the failures within the decentralized governance structure.
Moreover, the reaction from local officials has been criticized as inadequate. Many called for resignations, while Feraud insisted on remaining in office. The backlash was intense, with headlines across Swiss media denouncing the government's failure in safety oversight.
As the investigation unfolds, revelations continue to call Switzerland's reputation for safety and reliability into question. With the Prime Minister promising swift accountability and justice, the nation is grappling with the implications of these failures on their cherished political system.
