Vatter warns SVP its justice department demand could backfire

Political scientist Adrian Vatter says the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) risks limiting its own options by demanding the justice and police department in the next Federal Council election, SRF reports. The party announced in early October that it wanted to take over the department to pursue tougher action on asylum.

Vatter, a political science professor at the University of Bern, said it was unprecedented for a party to seek not only a Federal Council candidate but also a specific department. He called the move a “political overreach”, saying the constitution gives the full Federal Council responsibility for assigning departments.

He described the SVP’s demand as an attempt to challenge the independence of the government’s collegial system and increase the party’s influence. He said the party had repeatedly sought to change the system, including through popular initiatives and its call for the Federal Council to be elected by voters. Vatter also said the strategy could be intended to deter candidates the party does not favour, such as Geneva National Councillor and SVP vice-president Céline Amaudruz.

The demand also creates a dilemma for the party, Vatter said. A candidate expected to take a tough line on asylum would need both strong executive experience and firm loyalty to the party line, but no one in the current field has both. National Councillor Michael Graber and parliamentary group leader Thomas Aeschi are aligned with the party, but lack government experience. Cantonal government members such as Pierre Alain Schnegg have executive experience but, Vatter said, sometimes diverge from the party’s hard line.

Vatter also questioned the focus on the justice department because it is not yet clear whether it will become available. He called the demand a “somewhat obscure job posting” that ultimately restricts the SVP itself.

Aeschi is considered the leadership’s preferred candidate, but he is the only one hesitating and has asked for time to decide. Vatter said a Federal Council candidate is expected to show full commitment to taking office. Aeschi, he said, needs to make a clear decision soon, as the prospects of the other SVP hopefuls depend on it.