In the wake of the devastating fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, many Swiss citizens are asking themselves if their political system is fit for purpose. Switzerland, often praised for its efficiency, has a highly devolved system of government, where villages and towns are run by locally elected officials. This system is cherished, as it ensures accountability, but it also exposes inherent weaknesses.

When news broke of the fire, shock quickly turned to grief as 40 young people lost their lives and 116 were injured. The situation worsened when Mayor Nicolas Feraud confirmed that the bar had not been inspected since 2019. Despite the requirement for annual inspections, many feel that the local government is under-resourced to appropriately monitor safety. As the press and families demand answers, the failure of this system has led to calls for deeper investigations into local government practices.

The outrage has spread beyond the immediate community, echoing nationwide discontent over Switzerland's commitment to safety and accountability. The response from government officials and accountability measures will shape the future practice of safety inspections in the region, as citizens reflect on the potential weaknesses within their beloved political system.