Monocle on Sunday Sunday 4 January
12 snips
Jan 4, 2026 
This lively discussion features Tyler Brûlé, a media entrepreneur analyzing the Crans-Montana fire and its fallout, alongside Vincent McAvinney, who connects protests in Iran to events in Venezuela. Terry Stiasny dives into UK political strategies while Lars Bavanga offers insights on tourist chaos in Arctic Norway and the broader implications of global events. The guests share lighter moments, including unique innovations that enhance daily life, making for an engaging mix of serious commentary and delightful anecdotes.
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Swiss Safety Reputation Challenged
- The Con Montana fire exposed unexpected vulnerabilities in Swiss safety systems despite the country's reputation for efficiency.
- Large-scale burn casualties overwhelmed Swiss capacity and prompted cross-border medical evacuations.
On-The-Ground Account From Con Montana
- Laura Kramer arrived 12 hours after the fire and described a town still processing the scale of the tragedy amid slow information flow.
- She recounted restaurants covering bodies with tablecloths and families waiting on updates about missing friends.
Operational Response Vs. Oversight Gaps
- Switzerland's emergency services mobilised impressively, using Rega jets and international transfers to cope with mass burn injuries.
- That operational success contrasts with questions about inspections and oversight at the venue.
