Portmann rules out 2027 re-election, may seek Council of States seat

Zurich FDP member of parliament Hans-Peter Portmann will not seek re-election to the National Council in 2027, but says he could run for the Council of States, SRF reports.

Portmann, 63, shared an article by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung on X and wrote that when a political mandate becomes routine, it should be brought to an end in the foreseeable future. He said his commitment to the community, which began in his youth, would continue.

A bank manager, Portmann has served in the National Council since May 2014. Before that, he spent 19 years in the Zurich Cantonal Council, first as a member of the then CVP. He switched to the FDP in 1999.

According to the NZZ, Portmann would consider a Council of States candidacy only if the FDP and SVP agreed on a joint two-candidate ticket representing the centre-right. The parties are expected to decide on their nominations in spring 2027, after the cantonal elections.

Zurich is currently represented in the Council of States by Tiana Moser of the GLP and independent Daniel Jositsch.