published
The FDP politician will be a mother in a few weeks. However, she says, her joy is marred by the war in Ukraine.
The fate of the Ukrainian civilian population is very important to her, says foreign policy officer Markwalder. She has been to Ukraine several times, including as President of the National Council in 2016.
Adrian Moser
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FDP National Councilor Christa Markwalder becomes a mother.
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The joy about the “surprising, wonderful gift” is great.
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However, she is saddened by the situation in Ukraine, where mothers cannot even be sure that their maternity clinic will not be hit by Russian bombs.
National Councilor Christa Markwalder is expecting her first child in a few weeks, as the FDP politician confirmed in response to a 20-minute request. For her and her husband Peter Grünenfelder “a surprising, wonderful gift and the greatest joy of our lives”.
The 46-year-old from Bern has been involved in politics in the National Council since 2003 and also works for Zurich Insurance. It is the first child for her and her husband. Not only the parents-to-be are happy, but also the two grandmothers, the families and friends were overwhelmed, she says.
The changed circumstances have awakened the lawyer’s joy in a former hobby again: “During the winter months I knitted a lot of baby clothes.” Otherwise, she is well prepared for motherhood, knowing “that you can’t plan everything”.
“The fate of the population is close to my heart”
She is saddened by the situation in Ukraine, where hospitals are also being attacked. “I am appalled and shocked by the suffering that is currently happening in Ukraine.” She has visited Ukraine several times, says Markwalder, who is a member of the foreign policy commission. She was also there during her National Council presidency in 2016. “I’m very concerned about the situation, especially those of expectant mothers who can’t even be sure that their maternity hospital won’t be hit by the Russian bombs.”
The fate of the civilian population, who have fought so bravely for their freedom over the past 30 years, is close to her heart, says Markwalder. “Switzerland must help, for example with protective vests, which are made available to the Ukrainian population in an unbureaucratic manner.”