Civic alliance wants to crack red-green dominance in Geneva
Published: Monday, Nov 6th 2023, 14:07
Updated At: Tuesday, Nov 7th 2023, 00:54
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In the second round of the Council of States elections in Geneva, the conservative challengers Mauro Poggia (MCG) and Céline Amaudruz (SVP) are up against the current red-green duo of Lisa Mazzone (Greens) and Carlo Sommaruga (SP). While the entire left is united behind its two candidates, unanimous support on the right is less obvious.
The left, which has represented Geneva unchallenged in the small chamber since 2007, wants to defend its two seats. The 35-year-old Mazzone and the 64-year-old Sommaruga, who were already on a joint ticket in the first round of voting, came in second and third place respectively, only just behind each other.
The call for unity, which was heeded by left-wing voters in the first round of elections, is likely to be heeded again on November 12. In addition, the two incumbent members of the Council of States are likely to benefit from the support of the far left. The latter has withdrawn its four candidates who were far behind after the first round.
Mazzone and Sommaruga are also likely to receive votes from the Green Liberals. The GLP has also withdrawn its candidate and is calling on voters to vote for those who stand for a "sustainable, open and equal society".
Popular Poggia
On the other side, the conservatives do not want to squander their excellent starting position to return to the Council of States. Mauro Poggia from the protest party Mouvement citoyens genevois (MCG), who is popular in the canton of Geneva, surprised everyone by coming first in the first round of voting.
The 64-year-old former State Councillor is running together with 44-year-old Céline Amaudruz, Vice President of the Swiss People's Party. The re-elected National Councillor came fourth in the first round of voting.
This election ticket is in line with the agreements made by the conservatives as part of their "Alliance genevoise". The FDP, the Center, the SVP and the MCG had decided to send only the two best right-wing candidates from the first round of voting back into the race. The SVP and the MCG therefore had a clear path to the run-off.
Even though this strategy has been officially approved, it is causing displeasure among some members of the center and the FDP. For example, centrist women have distanced themselves from this alliance by refusing to support the SVP.
According to observers, the outcome of the election is completely open. What is certain, however, is that the election will be decided between the four heavyweights of Geneva politics. The two candidates on the Liberté - Le Peuple d'abord (Freedom - The People First) list, Chloé Frammery and Anastasia-Natalia Ventouri, are not considered to have a chance.
©Keystone/SDA
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