In the wake of the devastating fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, many Swiss citizens are asking themselves whether their political system is fit for purpose. Switzerland, often praised for its efficiency, has a very devolved system of government, in which villages and towns are run by local officials elected from and by the community.
This system is cherished for ensuring accountability, although it presents inherent weaknesses. For instance, the official approving a bar license or conducting a fire safety check may be personally connected to the bar owner.
When news of the ski resort fire emerged on New Year's Eve, the initial shock quickly turned to grief as 40 young people lost their lives and 116 were injured. Questions about what caused such a catastrophe soon arose, and the ensuing anger peaked when Crans-Montana's Mayor Nicolas Feraud disclosed that the bar had not been inspected since 2019.
In Crans-Montana, fire safety inspections fall under the mayor's jurisdiction and are supposed to take place annually. However, Feraud admitted he became aware of the inspections lapse only after the fire, revealing that only 40 out of 128 local bars and restaurants had been inspected in 2025. When pressed for reasons, he pointed to a lack of inspectors to manage the volume of properties needing reviews.
This prompted tough questions from journalists regarding the mayor's relationship with the bar owners, and concerns of potential corruption emerged, which Feraud vehemently denied.
Families affected by the tragedy, including a mother of two survivors, are demanding a transparent investigation, stating the urgent need for answers in light of the life-altering trauma experienced by those who escaped.
The aftermath of this disaster has also raised deeper issues concerning Switzerland’s devolved governance structure that many citizens felt was nearly flawless until now.
Elective officials in towns like Crans-Montana juggle multiple responsibilities, often working on a part-time basis while managing critical duties such as fire safety, schools, and social services. However, the outrage following the mayor's lack of accountability during the press conference suggests that the public expects better oversight, especially in safety matters.
Crans-Montana’s issues, combined with the tragic loss of life, have activated strong sentiments against local governance and raised doubts about the integrity of the fire safety system. Calls for reform are gaining traction, including suggestions to transfer fire safety inspections from local jurisdictions to higher authorities within the canton.
In light of the emotional scars left behind and the overarching national concern for safety standards, Swiss officials acknowledge that urgent answers are needed, both for the victimized families and the broader community. A strict and independent investigation has been promised, with the Swiss government affirming its moral obligation to ensure accountability following this catastrophic event.
