Sardinia – a canton of Switzerland?

It is a fundamental pattern of social behaviour for peoples, ethnic groups, ethnic minorities or other communities to advocate self-government in their own geographical area. History provides numerous examples, almost always bloody ones. In southern Europe, recent history in the Sardinia region has seen the Basques in Spain and the Corsicans in France. Terrorist attacks, bombs and murder have been part of everyday life in their struggle for independence. In Sardinia, too, there is a strong movement seeking independence from Italian rule in order to end what it claims is poor administration and exploitation by the Roman government. The struggle, which is characteristic of the Sardinians, has been non-violent to date and has recently been enriched by an interesting development:

Withdrawal from the Roman Republic – annexation to Switzerland!

Anyone who thinks this is a joke along the lines of ‘Down with the Alps, give us a clear view of the Mediterranean!’ is completely mistaken. The initiator, Dr Andrea Caruso, is a Sardinian patriot from Cagliari who should be taken very seriously. He is also a pacifist. He wants nothing to do with bombs and grenades to enforce his plan. He rejects any form of violence. Instead, he dreams of democratic structures that would make even such a seemingly absurd plan feasible. He sees this as already being realised in Switzerland.

On 16 April 2015, he founded the ‘Sardinia Swiss Canton’ association in Cagliari, and in Lausanne he is promoting the establishment of a sister association, supported by fellow Swiss citizens who share his goals. On the ‘Cantone marittimo’ website, he describes his goals and explains that he wants to achieve them in a completely non-violent and grassroots democratic manner.

In an interview, he openly admits to being disappointed with Italy and the EU: ‘We are neither against Italy nor against Europe. Culturally and emotionally, many of us carry Italy within us. Nevertheless, we realise that the relationship no longer works, like a love that has faded. A separation is inevitable, free of hostility, but still with affection and respect.’ As for the European experiment: ‘It is extraordinary and ambitious, but unfortunately too many mistakes have been made. The inequalities and dissatisfaction are now too great. If we decide to look after ourselves, we don't need the EU, far away from everything and surrounded by the sea.’

That sounds like a disappointed lover looking around for someone else. How does he view the possibility that the dream partner will say ‘yes’ but the Italians will refuse to grant a divorce? He does not accept that: "We see it rather as an act of self-determination, as has happened time and again throughout history. In the past, such events were brought about by bloody wars. Today, in a civilised world, of which Europe is the best example, we should achieve the same goal with the purest principles of democracy. We here will try to formulate together the will for democratically recognised autonomy. In the meantime, we ask you Swiss to weigh up the pros and cons of a possible application for membership."

In fact, he puts forward strong arguments in favour of seeking union with Switzerland. Overnight, the Sardinians would gain a functioning democracy, an efficient administration and... the Swiss franc! Caruso speculates that this would enable Sardinia's economy to be revamped into a model candidate. The Swiss, meanwhile, would finally no longer be a landlocked country. Instead, the Swiss could finally holiday on their own beaches! If that isn't a good prospect!

It would be, dear Andrea! It would be almost as good as the prospect of the Swiss having access to the Mediterranean if the Alps were to disappear! Some dreams are just too good to come true!

With a Sardinian ‘Adiosu’, I bid you farewell for today.

Joachim Waßmann