Thomas Aeschi enters race to succeed Guy Parmelin

Swiss People’s Party parliamentary group leader Thomas Aeschi has confirmed he will seek to replace Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, SRF reported, citing an interview with the SonntagsBlick newspaper.

Aeschi said he was convinced he had gained the experience needed for the role and was ready to take on the asylum brief. He said there was a great deal of work to be done in the Justice Department, adding that problems in asylum and migration remained serious and that several cantons had complained they were not being addressed. Aeschi said he would like to replace Justice Minister Beat Jans of the Social Democratic Party.

The SVP’s Zug branch nominated Aeschi as a candidate in October, but he did not commit to entering the race at the time. He told SonntagsBlick that he had taken time to consult his family, friends and politicians from different parties. He said he had not discussed his candidacy with Christoph Blocher.

Eight people from the SVP have announced their intention to seek Parmelin’s seat. The party’s parliamentary group will decide on its candidates on November 20.