BERN, Switzerland, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Scores of young climate protesters interrupted debates at the Swiss National Council on Thursday, unfurling a banner advocating action against climate change.

Their action came at around the same time that Swiss officials and federal political party representative were briefing journalists nearby from the Swiss foreign press association (APES) in Bern.

The actions of the protesters were criticized by National Council representatives, with some saying the protest broke parliamentary rules and protocol.

National Council member Thomas Egger tweeted: "With such actions, the climate youth are harming their own cause; young people who want to engage actively in politics are welcome on party lists of young people."

According to the Swiss national broadcaster RTS, Federal Councilor Viola Amherd said to parliamentarians: "I think it's good that young people are committed to important issues like climate, but I think we must also respect the rules."

The banner of the group from Climate Strike Action showed on national television read: "It's the final countdown -- 16 months left," referring to a global commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by the end of 2020.

The group continued their singing and kept the banner open despite pleas to stop from the President of the National Council Marina Carobbio Guscetti.

At the briefing, University of Geneva politics professor Pascal Sciarini said that climate change is a big issue for political parties contesting Switzerland's federal parliamentary elections on Oct. 20.

He said that young people and women were expected to play a more significant role in this election compared to the past. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)