GENÈVE, Switzerland—Members of Switzerland’s lower house of parliament on Friday received a surprise musical send-off to mark the end of their term ahead of federal elections next month.
A group of professional singers had snuck in on the final day of the 49th session of the National Council in Bern, disguised as clerks, journalists and photographers, before suddenly bursting into song.
In light of Switzerland’s multilingualism, the 200 parliamentarians—37 of whom will not be standing for reelection on October 18—were treated to versions of the lofty tunes in three of the country’s official languages: German, French and Italian.
Surprised and moved, the MPs thanked the choir in their midst with a thundering standing ovation.
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