The highlights of the official ceremony in the church
The greetings are a bit long. They could have been a little shorter. So here is the running summary for you:
Moderator Philipp Langenegger: “Welcome to Herisau City. As you can hear, I’m a true Appenzeller: musical and poisonous.”
Emotional violin and piano music by Tönz and Kohler in a suit with a bow tie. Applause. Bow.
Langenegger: “Wonderful. Now a lady is speaking.”
FDP President Jennifer Abderhalden: “Fortunately, Caroni didn’t focus on becoming a drummer. Otherwise we wouldn’t be here today.” Laughter. And: “We wanted to give you something sporty, Andrea. Unfortunately a match with Roger Federer didn’t work out. In return we will give you an autograph card from him.” Laughter. Applause.
Langenegger: “Thank you very much, we will continue with Landammann Yves Noël Balmer.”
Balmer: «Dear Andrea. You are many things, but you are not an opportunist, and I give you my respect for that. Thank you for your commitment.” Applause.
Federal Councilor Karin Keller-Sutter: “You have a liberal compass. I wouldn’t say that you are the only and last of your kind.” But there aren’t many of them left.
Applause. Langenegger: «Thank you. And please now give a big round of applause to Andrea Caroni.”
Caroni: “Please speak slowly and clearly, it says here.” Caroni beams. “If you go into a church where you live and there are old friends there, then you have to be very careful not to end up at your own funeral. But: Hurray, I’m still alive.” Laughter.
Caroni during his speech.
He then thanks many people. For example, with FDP President Jennifer Abderhalden: “For the time that we were allowed to go around the houses, around the political ones.” Or with Balmer: “You are a political powerhouse.” Or from Karin Keller-Sutter: “What else can you say about the legendary KKS? I am also looking forward to speaking at your celebration in Wil. Thank you for your words earlier.”
Applause. Photos. Langenegger says something incomprehensible. Then it becomes quiet.
Tönz and Kohler play emotional pieces of music again with violin and piano. Applause. Bow.
The first ceremony in the church is over just nine minutes late.
But Langenegger says: “The festival is just starting now. At the fruit market.” The Herisau music association will play and stand in front of the church.
