Satirist sends Guy Parmelin off with wine and wordplay

SRF’s satirical column by comedian Jovana Nikic bids farewell to Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, joking that a proper tribute is overdue seven days after his announced departure. Nikic writes that young satirists with migrant backgrounds might have little reason to honour an older white politician — but that the absence of a send-off is starting to hurt.

At 66, Parmelin is ending his time in the Federal Council, Switzerland’s governing body. Nikic imagines the Vaud winegrower swapping the council chamber for retirement and trading his helmet for a cap reading “Great since 1291”. She contrasts his departure with political manoeuvring in Serbia, then quips that, like wine, politics is best left before it turns sour.

Parmelin’s French-first approach to English earned him the 2024 Prix Champignac, a Lausanne satire award, Nikic notes. She also recalls his fondness for Asterix and Obelix, and his video call with astronauts aboard the International Space Station, during which he asked whether they were allowed to drink wine in space. Instead of magic potion, she suggests, Parmelin’s version would be Fendant.

Who will fill his “invisible footsteps” is the question, Nikic writes, speculating that Geneva politician Céline Amaudruz might take over and have Fendant served pre-chilled in the Federal Council chamber. She signs off with a reference to Udo Jürgens’ song: “You’ll be surprised when I’m retired!”

SRF’s “Zytlupe” features weekly satirical commentary by seven writers. The contributors are now also appearing in a video podcast on YouTube, Play SRF and the SRF News app; the programme continues on Radio SRF 1 and as a podcast.