Saas-Fee: Initiative for more mass immigration
While Switzerland is voting on the sense or nonsense of unrestricted immigration, a small Alpine republic is taking a completely different approach. In the free vacation republic of Saas-Fee, an initiative for more mass immigration is being launched.
The accommodation establishments of Saas-Fee are primarily in the foreground in this respect and want to change from accommodation establishments to reception centers for those wishing to enter. "In doing so, we are in principle addressing everyone outside the Free Holiday Republic of Saas-Fee. Valaisans and Swiss who want to recover from the fiercely fought referendum on the immigration stop, as well as Europeans who, for once, do not want to be subject to Swiss residence restrictions," the initiators say. For them it is clear: Saas-Fee has not reached the limits in terms of immigration. "The boat is far from full! We have enough capacity in our hotels and vacation apartments, sorry, of course reception centers. If necessary, we also open the wellness facilities and convert the deckchairs into sleeping places, so that those willing to enter do not have to be turned back."
Apparently, the breakaway Alpine republic in the Saas Valley is not taken entirely seriously by the political scene in Switzerland. At least, this is how the dry refusal of those responsible for Swiss politics to make a statement can be interpreted. "We give no comment!", is there in the typical Swiss diplomat slang to learn. "They do what they want in Bern. Then we'll just do what we want," is how the initiators in Saas-Fee put it in a nutshell.
Besides the touristic statement that Saas-Fee as a tourist resort wants to prove its cosmopolitanism and its loyalty to international guests and employees, there is also the concern about the future of tourism in Switzerland behind the call of the Free Holiday Republic of Saas-Fee. Labor shortages, cost explosion in labor recruitment, loss of image abroad and the associated threat of a decline in overnight stays loom if the initiative is accepted. This sword of Damocles must be avoided.
Should the Free Holiday Republicans actually implement their idea, sanctions from the federal government cannot be ruled out. "No comment," is the word from government circles. Behind closed doors, however, there are rumors of sealing off and closing off the access routes. "No problem," say the initiators. "After all, we have our own EU border in the south. If the old Valaisans managed to leave the country there centuries ago, it will also be possible to come to us that way today." Already, pitchforks and scythes are being sharpened and snow catapults are being brought into position to lend weight to this right of free entry and exit. It seems that the indomitable Gauls are now called Saasers. Affaire à suivre!
The "Free Holiday Republic of Saas-Fee" goes back to the agency Matter & Gretener.
