Maja Riniker, the highest-ranking official of Switzerland, has raised eyebrows after she opted to partner with the large brewery Feldschlösschen to produce her own beer, the 'Riniker Bier', to celebrate her newly acquired title as President of the National Council. This choice has not come without controversy, especially among local brewers from the Aarau region, who feel sidelined by her decision.
Riniker, from the Federal Democratic Party (FDP), is relatively new to her post, having been the highest official for just under three weeks. Rather than reaching out to any of the ten small breweries located close to her home, Riniker turned to Feldschlösschen—a choice met with disappointment from local master brewer Kurt Hintermann, who brews the locally cherished 'Buchser Bier'.
"Es ist unverständlich, warum man stattdessen auf Industriebier setzt" ("It is incomprehensible why someone would choose industrial beer instead") critiqued Hintermann, expressing his confusion over her decision. He believes Riniker missed a valuable opportunity to promote local craftsmanship and support Switzerland’s burgeoning craft beer culture, which has gained renown for its high-quality offerings. Other brewers chimed in with similar sentiments, asserting they had not even been contacted about this presidential initiative.
Adding to the tension, Hintermann noted the irony of Riniker’s slogan, "Zusammenhalt durch Vielfalt" ("Unity through Diversity"), which seems at odds with her choice of industrial, homogenized beer. If her goal was truly to showcase diversity, why bypass the local talents brewing unique craft beers?
When pressed for her reasoning, Riniker defended her collaboration with Feldschlösschen by highlighting the brewery’s long-standing tradition as well as its role as one of Switzerland’s significant employers, boasting 1,200 employees across the country. She noted, "Feldschlösschen ist eine Brauerei mit langer Tradition" ("Feldschlösschen is a brewery with long tradition"), asserting the brewery’s importance transcended the local aspect alone.
Despite the backlash, Riniker explained the logistical aspects of her initiative. She clarified, "Feldschlösschen stellt mir für mein Präsidialjahr insgesamt 2000 Flaschen – also 660 Liter – Bier zur Verfügung" ("Feldschlösschen is providing me with a total of 2,000 bottles—660 liters—for my presidential year"), which indicates significant sponsorship backing. The labels for the beer will be covered by Riniker’s private budget, ensuring this project incurs no expenses for the federal or cantonal government.
Aside from the beer, her presidency aims to spotlight various regional products within the Parliamentary building, including goodies from local Aarauer bakeries featured prominently alongside her beer. This focus on regional diversity is intended to highlight and celebrate the economic variety present within the region.
Riniker, who is not alone among politicians wanting to leave their mark during their presidential terms, cited examples of other leaders like Andrea Caroni, the new President of the Council of States, who opted for local brewery Quöllfrisch to brew his beer. Caroni’s choice reflects the success of family-owned operations over industrial counterparts.
Going back even farther, Riniker’s predecessor, Eric Nussbaumer, had his own beer brewed by the smaller establishment "Unser Bier" which reflected the same local commitment the current brewing industry advocates.
Despite the outcry from local brewers, Riniker does not seem ready to back down, rather standing firm on personal decisions aimed to celebrate Swiss tradition, craftsmanship, and encourage economic significance—not just for large corporations, but all involved.
This move might have sparked controversy but it also shines light on the discontent brewing within the Swiss craft beer industry as small brewers continue to face challenges against larger industrial firms. The discussions initiated from the 'Riniker Bier' will ensue as both sides advocate for their visions on how to support economic and communal ties through beer.
