"Swiss search souls and question government after ski resort fire.
Elected officials in towns like Crans-Montana have many responsibilities as well as fire safety
- running schools and social services, even collecting taxes.
Most of these officials work part-time and, once elected, continue with their day jobs.
Reputational damage is something the Swiss both hate and fear.
Switzerland is a rich country,
in part because of its reputation for safety, stability, reliability, and, among its own citizens, accountability.
If those in charge damage that reputation, and put the country's success at risk,
the Swiss are unforgiving.
The Swiss authorities know there must be answers, quickly.
At Friday's memorial service,
the president of Valais, Matthias Reynard, was close to tears as he promised
a 'strict and independent' investigation,
warning that 'relevant political authorities' would be held accountable.
Switzerland's president Guy Parmelin said he expected justice
'without delay and without leniency'."
The New Year's Eve fire at a bar in Crans-Montana killed 40 people and injured 116.
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