SVP’s leading figures decline race to succeed Parmelin

Several prominent members of Switzerland’s largest party, the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), have ruled themselves out of the race to succeed Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, SRF News reports. Four people had entered the contest by Friday morning, with party members able to put themselves forward for the official ticket until noon.

Political scientist Sean Müller of the University of Bern said the current field included candidates from all parts of Switzerland and was a respectable offer. He said serving in the Federal Council remained attractive, even though it was an exhausting job.

Müller said the number of people who had declined was greater than the number of candidates, but he did not believe the office had become less appealing. Whether someone is available for a particular election can also depend on chance, he said. He compared the situation with a similar difficulty faced by the Centre party last year.

Among those who have ruled themselves out, SVP parliamentarian Franz Grüter said he and his family had decided against a candidacy. National Councillor Christian Imark cited his family situation, while St Gallen Council of States member Esther Friedli said she would not stand this time.

St Gallen National Councillor Mike Egger has said he could consider running for the St Gallen cantonal government in 2028 instead. National Councillor Nicolas Kolly is seeking a seat in the Council of States.

National Councillor Magdalena Martullo-Blocher has also said she will not run. SRF noted that she would need support beyond the SVP in a joint session of parliament, and that many members of the Centre, Social Democrats, Greens and Green Liberals might oppose her election.