Interview with Joel Blunier
Name : Joel Blunier
Age : 34
Country : Switzerland
Civil state : married, 2 boys
Employment : General secretary of the Evangelical People's Party of Switzerland
Political party : Evangelical People's Party / Evangelische Volkspartei EVP
1. How did you get involved in politics?
When I moved to another city I saw information of the local party of the EVP. I ordered the party program and joined after reading it. One year later I began studying Political Science at the University of Berne. There I had to do a practical training for 3 months. I decided to do it in the head office of the EVP Switzerland during the election campaign 1999. After two more years as a scientific collaborator I got elected as General Secretary of the national party in 2002.
2. What is your role in your party?
General Secretary of the national party.
3. What is your vision on Europe?
As Swiss we are not member of the EU. But if we were, my vision is a "Europe of the Regions", meaning that the different cultures, democratic traditions and historical backgrounds of each country should be respected. Subsidiarity, federalism, solidarity and the Christian roots would the core values in "my" Europe.
4. Why did you party become a member of ECPM?
The political strategies, values and positions of the ECPM coincide with the policies and values of the EVP. Compared to the European People's Party (EPP), where we used to be member of, the clear biblical-christian background of the ECPM are the binding element of the different parties.
5. What are your hobbies?
Family, church development, volleyball, playing the guitar, worship music, reading, cinema, good vines and eating.
6. Is there a Bible passage that has got your heart?
The sermon on the Mount. There I find a lot of characteristics of Jesus and values for a peaceful living together in societies.
7. What or who annoys you?
Ideological political discussions, because you'll never find workable solutions.
Arrogant persons, because they mostly try to hide their weaknesses.
8. By what or who do you get inspired?
By the Bible, good books, deep friendship, creative people who take the initiative, experienced and (mostly) older men and women.
