![Monument to Stefano Franscini (1796-1857) in Faido village square, erected to mark his centenary in 1896 (detail).](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/stefano-franscini-titel-300x225.jpg)
Saluting one of the first Federal Councillors, Stefano Franscini
On 16 November 1848, the first Federal Council elections were held – a unique event in Europe at that time. The composition of the first national government is striking. And who wouldn’t have wanted to be friends with Stefano Franscini?
Revolutionary fire breaks out
![Europe 1848/49, the flames of revolution are everywhere. Starting in France, uprisings soon followed in Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, Hungary and south east Europe.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/europa-1848-49-en-300x252.jpg)
Switzerland, a case apart
![Switzerland after 1848, a case apart within Europe](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/die-schweiz-nach-1848-en-300x226.jpg)
So that’s what you call federalism?
![Scene commemorating the entry into force of the Swiss Federal Constitution on 12 September 1848 (detail).](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/gedenkblatt-zur-inkraftsetzung-der-bundesverfassung-am-12-september-1848-300x172.jpg)
Centres. Margins. Unwritten laws
![The first Federal Council, 1848](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/Der-erste-Bundesrat-1848-1-300x200.jpg)
![The composition of the Federal Council since 1848](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/die-zusammensetzung-des-bundesrats-seit-1848-de-300x92.jpg)
Federal Councillor Stefano Franscini. A passion for education and learning
![Stefano Franscini, padre della pubblica educazione, father of public education, circa 1850. Drawing by Vincenzo Vela.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/stefano-franscini-vela-294x300.jpg)
![The Federal Polytechnic School, now ETH Zurich, built in 1855 by Gottfried Semper (1803–79), photographed circa 1930. Franscini wanted to create a federal university, a place of study that would bolster national cohesion by encouraging cultural exchange. However, his plans were scuppered by opposition from the cantons with universities already under their control and resistance to educational federalism. Franscini had to make do with the foundation of the Federal Polytechnic School, an institution of lesser status at that time.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/eth-1855-300x195.jpg)
One for all, but not all for one
And suddenly the penny drops
![Inauguration in Faido in 1896 of the monument to Stefano Franscini, created by Antonio Soldini (1854–1933), a pupil of Vincenzo Vela.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/einweihung-des-denkmals-fur-stefano-franscini-in-faido-1896-300x221.jpg)
![Statue of Stefano Franscini (1796–1857) on the village square in Faido. A masterpiece worthy of a true master.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/stefano-franscini-denkmal-200x300.jpg)
Liberalism born of enlightenment
![He holds a manuscript in his right hand, while his left rests on three books that embody his achievements: STATISTICA, [STORIA], ISTRUZIONE. Stefano Franscini monument in Faido (detail).](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/stefano-franscini-statistica-225x300.jpg)