Swiss President Guy Parmelin told Corriere della Sera that Rome's anger over the release on bail of the Crans‑Montana bar owner is understandable but emphasised that magistrates act independently. The New Year's Day fire killed 40 people, including six Italians, and injured more than 100. Italy has recalled its ambassador from Switzerland and urged the formation of a joint investigative team amid strong public outrage. Parmelin described the recall as an ordinary diplomatic step and warned against political interference in the judiciary.
Swiss President: Italy's Anger Over Crans‑Montana Bar Owner's Bail 'Understandable' — Diplomatic Row Follows
FILE PHOTO: Swiss President Guy Parmelin speaks during a press conference, after several people died and others were injured due to a fire and explosion during a New Year’s Eve party at the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana, in Sion, Switzerland, January 1, 2026. REUTERS/Pierre Albouy/ File Photo
Swiss President Guy Parmelin told Corriere della Sera that Rome's outrage over the decision to grant bail to the owner of the Crans‑Montana bar where a deadly New Year's fire occurred was understandable, while stressing that magistrates operate independently.
Background
The blaze broke out in the early hours of January 1 at a bar crowded with teenagers in the Swiss ski resort of Crans‑Montana. The fire killed 40 people — including six Italian nationals — and injured more than 100, a tragedy that has dominated media coverage and public discussion in Italy.
Diplomatic Fallout
Italian authorities expressed fierce anger after bar owner Jacques Moretti was released on bail. The Italian Prime Minister's office called the decision "a serious affront and a further wound inflicted to the families of the Crans‑Montana victims and of those who are still hospitalised." Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged Switzerland to heed Italy's request to form a joint investigative team.
Italy also recalled its ambassador in Switzerland back to Rome to consult on next steps and to convey what it described as "deep indignation" to the chief prosecutor of the Valais canton. Parmelin said Switzerland had not been formally notified of the recall and described it as an ordinary diplomatic measure; he added that after consultations the ambassador would return to Switzerland.
Parmelin's Defense Of Judicial Independence
"It's not the job of politicians to interfere with the judicial system. We can certainly understand the indignation," Parmelin told Corriere della Sera, underlining that magistrates act independently and must be allowed to carry out their work without political pressure.
What Happens Next
Both governments face public pressure to show transparency and cooperation. Italy is pushing for a joint investigative team to ensure cross‑border coordination, while Swiss authorities maintain that the domestic judicial process must run its course.
Reporting: Valentina Za; Editing: David Holmes (Reuters).
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