25 years of daily conversation 25 Daniel de Roulet: Still mad

Daniel de Roulet, an 82-year-old Swiss author based in Geneva, has expressed his enduring frustration with Switzerland’s political landscape and its strict migration policies during a recent interview marking the 25th anniversary of the Tagesgespräch program. Known for his critical perspective on Swiss history and politics, de Roulet emphasized his desire to tell stories from the bottom up, focusing on marginalized voices rather than traditional historical narratives shaped by generals and politicians. Born in 1944 in Saint-Imier in the Bernese Jura, de Roulet grew up as the son of a French-speaking pastor. He initially pursued careers in architecture and computer science before turning to literature later in life. His literary career began in his fifties, after which he authored nearly 40 books, many centered around Swiss history and culture. His works span a wide range of topics, including a ten-volume novel cycle exploring nuclear power from Hiroshima to Fukushima, as well as travelogues detailing journeys through Switzerland and France's 56 nuclear reactors. De Roulet’s relationship with Switzerland is complex. While he acknowledges the country’s significance in his life, he often critiques its policies, particularly its stringent immigration laws. Despite this, he insists that his books should remain accessible and non-polarizing, aiming to entertain while provoking thoughtful reflection. This approach contrasts with some of his more radical past actions, such as setting fire to the chalet of German publisher Axel Springer in Rougemont in 1975. Decades later, he wrote a book about the incident titled “Ein Sonntag in den Bergen,” which sparked controversy, especially in German-speaking Switzerland. Despite his age, de Roulet continues to be actively engaged in his work. He is currently working on new projects that explore the rebellious spirit of his generation, artificial intelligence, and the story of a Swiss painter in the American Wild West. His archive has already been donated to the Swiss Literary Archive, though he does not place importance on whether his books will outlive him. What drives him is a deep dissatisfaction with the current state of the world: “If the world were in order, I wouldn’t write at all.” De Roulet’s critique of Swiss society extends beyond migration policy. He argues that history is often told from the top down, focusing on powerful figures rather than the experiences of ordinary people. As a writer, he believes literature can fill gaps left by thin archival records, allowing him to imagine and reconstruct the lives of underprivileged individuals who left behind fewer documents. This method sets him apart from historians, enabling a narrative that blends factual research with creative interpretation. His early years in Saint-Imier, where his father was a pastor, gave him a unique vantage point within Switzerland, allowing him to navigate both French and German-speaking regions with ease. This linguistic fluency has influenced his ability to engage critically with Swiss identity and politics, offering insights that resonate across cultural divides. The controversy surrounding his 1975 act of arson against Springer’s chalet highlights the tension between his public persona as a critic and his private actions. The incident, which occurred decades ago, remains a sensitive topic in certain parts of Switzerland, reflecting broader debates about freedom of expression and political dissent. However, de Roulet maintains that his intent was never to incite violence but to draw attention to systemic issues he believed were being ignored. As he approaches his eighth decade, de Roulet shows no signs of slowing down. His ongoing projects reflect a continued commitment to challenging the status quo through storytelling. Whether addressing historical injustices, technological advancements, or the human condition, his work remains deeply rooted in a vision of a more just and equitable world.