Swiss Federal Councilor Moritz Leuenberger announced his retirement today, effective December 31st, 2010. Mr. Leuenberger was elected to the Federal Council and took up the portfolio of Transport, Communications, Energy, and Environment Minister in 1995. During his tenure Swiss public transport has developed into one of, if not the finest in the world. Introduced during his tenure were the countrywide "Taktfahrplan" (regular interval coordinated service) passenger transportation plan involving all Swiss railways, bus companies, and urban transportation systems. Passenger rail services to both major Swiss airports usable by all passengers, not just those willing to pay high fares. The introduction of the Traffic Transfer Act that generated the funding to build the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, and the Gotthard Base Tunnel. He also shepherded through funding to assist in building Highspeed lines in Germany and France, that helped tie Switzerland into Europe more efficiently. Mr. Leuenberger also served two terms as President of Switzerland. He will be missed.
Swissinfo announcement
Hi,
He has to be the longest serving Councillor in the Swiss political history....And a good one too.
I agree: he will be missed. The Swiss Raiway scene today is a direct compliment to his guiding hand; a brilliant operation. I've sampled it MANY MANY times during my 17 visits there.
Cheers
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.