The absence of Jura ministers at the funeral of Gérald Schaller is causing discussion

The funeral of former minister Gérald Schaller gave rise to an absence described as “noticeable” and “embarrassing” by Rémy Meury. The CS-POP deputy tabled a written question on the subject this Tuesday. No active member of the Government was present at the ceremony which was held on Saturday, December 28, during the end-of-year holidays. The cantonal executive was represented by the State Chancellor who delivered the Government’s tribute to the deceased. Rémy Meury emphasizes that Jean-Baptiste Maître indicated, in his speech, that no minister was able to be free to attend the ceremony. For the CS-POP deputy, this poses a problem.

A protocol regulation that was not followed

Rémy Meury says he is “shocked” by the absence of members of the Government at the funeral of Gérald Schaller. He recalls that there is a protocol regulation which dates from August 16, 2022 and which provides for the procedure to follow during such events. The document arises from the LOGA, the law governing the organization of the Government and the cantonal administration. He thus mentions the presence of a Government delegation at the funeral of a former minister, as well as a speech by its president. These two points were clearly not respected, indicates Rémy Meury. The CS-POP deputy also underlines that the LOGA provides that the President of the Government is replaced, in the event of impediment, by the Vice-President and that if the latter is also absent, it is the oldest member of the executive who replaces him. There is therefore no question of a replacement provided by the chancellor, underlines Rémy Meury. The elected representative from Lémont asked why the Government did not respect the protocol regulations that it itself issued. He also wants to know more generally how members of the executive ensure a presence in the event of an emergency during vacation periods. The Government spokesperson did not wish to react immediately. Julien Hostettler specifies that the cantonal executive reserves its response to the author of the written question. /comm-fco