Christian Vitta, president of the Ticino government: "Ready to work as a team!"

On 6 May Christian Vitta handed over the baton to Norman Gobbi. A change of presidency that took place a month late due to the coronavirus. In his speech to the population, Christian Vitta once again wanted to thank all of us: the citizens. In his calmness, and those who attended the press conference will have noticed it, he did not hide his emotion and so much pride towards the Ticino people.

During these difficult weeks the population discovered "another" Christian Vitta. How did you manage to overcome your confidentiality?

«I think that the presence and closeness of the government to the citizens in this difficult moment is very important and in this sense we have opted for transparent and regular communication. For me, feeling the Ticino community so united towards a common goal was a great support and this allowed me to communicate naturally, understanding and caring for the difficulties that every citizen has experienced at a time when even the impact emotional was strong ».

The political decision to close all the activities in Ticino before the Berne ok gave it even greater visibility. How did you feel?

“I certainly felt an even stronger sense of responsibility towards the citizens, who in these moments need to be able to count on the institutions. A responsibility that I was able to share with a great teamwork in government, with the Cantonal Doctor, with the General Staff of conduct and with my collaborators. Teamwork is the key to facing difficult moments more solidly. They were intense days, in which we had to make some difficult choices, which we knew were going to limit the freedom we were all used to. But we have always tried to act with a sense of responsibility to protect one of the most precious assets: collective health ».

Is the impression that Bern has underestimated the Covid19 emergency in Ticino real or is it only in the media?

«Initially there was a different perception of reality, which we overcome with dialogue and with the support of the many people who supported the Ticino decisions. It was important to make it clear that Ticino was experiencing a different situation than other Swiss regions, as the spread of the virus began earlier and more rapidly. All this has allowed us to obtain, as the only canton, crisis windows, in which to provide for more restrictive measures than in the rest of Switzerland to contain the spread of the virus ".

In this period, who meets or glimpses it is looking for a “direct approach”? He has received letters, congratulations ...

«I felt a great closeness from the citizens through many messages, letters and drawings also from many children. These are moments that are good for the heart, that give good emotions and that give strength. I thank you all".

At this moment it is important to be united within the Council of State, for the first time the impression is that you are very united, that the party problems have been canceled. What climate reigns? The fact that we are all men thinks that it "simplifies" the dialogue, I think of the greater emotionality of us women ...

“I really appreciated the team spirit with which we have worked in government. We have worked together, always carrying out shared and unanimous decisions through dialogue and exchange. But we must not forget the important support of many collaborators and collaborators, who have helped us in this delicate phase with great commitment and dedication. Our thanks also go to all of them ».

Is it more complicated to carry out all the tasks while keeping a distance? Can you also work from home?

“The social distance rule has certainly influenced our lives a lot. We had to adapt and find other ways to be close and ensure a different presence. At a professional level we have mostly used new technologies and in particular video conferences. However, in many cases it is still necessary to meet and therefore we have opted for larger rooms, in order to guarantee compliance with the hygiene rules. For my part, I alternated between working from home and in the office ».

You also have a family, three children, how did you explain this situation to them?

“We talked openly with our children, explaining to them the importance of staying at home. It is clear that it is difficult for young people not to be able to go out and meet friends, but realizing the importance of this measure they have dedicated the time to new and different activities. Furthermore, new technologies have allowed them to keep in touch with their friends ».

It is difficult now to make economic forecasts for Ticino, but are you confident that over the years we will be able to recover from this “invisible war”?

«Also for the recovery phase it is important to act in a united way towards a common goal, going beyond rigid and personal positions, as has been done in this moment of acute crisis. Only in this way will it be possible to revive our economy and leave a solid country to future generations ».

What to say to those who have the impression of losing a life of work and sacrifices?

«I understand this sentiment well. This difficult moment has had a very strong impact on the work of many people. The difficulties will be felt for a while and that is why we have already introduced some measures and are working on further interventions - more in the long term - to try to mitigate the effects of this crisis situation. We must remain united and overcome this difficult recovery phase with courage and determination ».

Would you still be ready to ferry Ticino also in the next few years, perhaps always at the Department of Finance?

"I am very passionate about this job because it allows me not only to deal with issues that interest me particularly, but also to live close to many people and this is the aspect that satisfies me most and that I wish I could continue to do".

How do you think the Ticino people are behaving? Very often we speak of "obedience", but the real strength in the current state remains the psychological one ...

«The Ticino people have shown a strong sense of responsibility, solidarity and unity. Ticino was an example of a strong and cohesive community and of this we can all be proud and proud of it! ».

Do you as politicians have psychological assistance, someone to take care of you too?

"No, but in this difficult moment teamwork was fundamental to support each other even in the most difficult moments, which also involved emotional implications and increased commitment for us".

When fighting with an invisible enemy like the coronavirus where and how do you continue to get motivation, strength?

"Strength and motivation come from the common goal of acting to protect the most precious asset we have: health. But in these moments the most important force has come to us above all from the citizens who have shown a great sense of responsibility ».

Now let's talk a little about you… when and how did the choice of economic studies arise?

“It was born during high school in parallel with the passion for politics. The economic direction combined with the passion for politics allowed me to be able to dedicate myself to the community, being able to make a contribution to the choices of a community ».

You have had a "fast" political career, we can say, from whom did you inherit this passion?

"From my dad who has always been active in municipal politics and with whom I have always had and still have moments of confrontation on various political issues".

When he was elected to the Council of State was it a surprise or did he expect it?

«In politics it is difficult to predict. I had put all my efforts to achieve this goal, aware that it would not be easy and obvious. I lived the election with great emotion ».

In these difficult weeks have you ever regretted having chosen a political career?

"No. During this time I appreciated the opportunity to experience that strong sense of community and unity. This is gratifying for me ».

Did Harry Potter's nickname ever bother you?

"No. I find it nice, it makes me smile and has fun! ».

She is very reserved and does not seem to have many words, but what is Christian Vitta like in private?

"I am a quiet person, calm and calm and in the most relaxed moments I like to enjoy a little joy and healthy lightness".

Passions, hobbies?

"Gardening. It is an activity that allows me to be outdoors, do some physical activity and relax my mind ».

What is your motto?

«I strongly believe in teamwork, dialogue and sharing. So, in this moment: United we will make it! ».

Last question: how do you think society will find itself after this pandemic?

"A stronger and more united society that has learned to appreciate the values ​​that will allow us to grow as individuals and as a community: solidarity, union and closeness of heart".

This interview was done in late April. Of course, many things have changed and are constantly evolving since then. From the theme of the opening of the school, to the fear of a second wave. An invisible war on a world level that none of us would ever have expected to experience, but which we are now called to face all, in the front row. If someone disturbs the slogan “united we will make it”, for many this phrase has given the strength to hold on. Let us not forget that many families have lost loved ones and that they have had to mourn away from those who could have comforted them.