Zurich’s decision to scrap French lessons in primary schools is drawing sharp criticism from the federal government.
Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, responsible for culture and national languages, warned in interviews this weekend that the move risks undermining Switzerland’s cohesion.
She stressed that while cantons have autonomy, the Confederation must act if they fail to uphold national language policy.
Baume-Schneider noted that French-speaking regions are actually increasing German instruction, and many feel the balance is being lost.
Earlier this week, Zurich’s parliament voted by 108 to 64 to abolish French from the fifth year of schooling, delaying it until the ninth year.
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