Eight possible candidates emerge to succeed Guy Parmelin

Eight SVP politicians are being discussed as possible successors to Guy Parmelin, SRF reports, after his resignation. The potential candidates include federal and cantonal lawmakers, the party president and a business owner.

Natalie Rickli, a member of Zurich’s cantonal government and a former member of the National Council, has long been considered qualified for the Federal Council and has executive experience. Esther Friedli, a member of the Council of States for St Gallen, has also regularly been mentioned since her election to the chamber.

Thomas Aeschi, a National Council member from Zug and leader of the SVP parliamentary group, is among the party’s best-known potential candidates. His prospects may have fallen because Martin Pfister, who is also from Zug, was elected. Pascal Schmid, a National Council member from Thurgau and an SVP asylum specialist, has increasingly featured in speculation and is seen by some in the party as a potential heir apparent.

Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, a National Council member from Graubünden, is rarely considered a serious contender. She would need votes well beyond the SVP in a joint session of parliament, and many lawmakers from the Centre, Social Democrats, Greens and Green Liberals would probably oppose her election.

Céline Amaudruz, an SVP National Council member from Geneva and a member of the party’s executive board, is seen as the strongest potential candidate from French-speaking Switzerland. Other parties, however, view her as a hardliner. Franz Grüter, an SVP National Council member and business owner who also sits on the party’s executive board, represents the party line but is regarded by other parties as approachable and statesmanlike.

Marcel Dettling, SVP president since 2024, is considered a serious but divisive candidate. His strengths lie mainly within the party, while his prospects of winning support in parliament are seen as weaker.