Major success for the SVP in the St. Gallen parliamentary elections
Published: Sunday, Mar 3rd 2024, 21:10
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The SVP has extended its supremacy in the parliamentary elections in the canton of St. Gallen. After winning seven additional seats, the party now has 42 seats in the 120-member cantonal council. Whether the party will also achieve its goal of two seats in the government will become clear on April 14.
The SVP emerged as the clear winner of the parliamentary elections in the canton of St. Gallen. The cantonal party, which was founded in 1992, achieved the best result in its history. With 42 new seats, it can, for example, push through the council referendum (at least 40 seats) on its own. In addition, together with the FDP (19 seats), it forms a right-wing majority in the Council.
The centrist party remains the second strongest force. The former CVP was able to hold on to its 27 seats. The downward trend continued for the St. Gallen Free Party: the FDP lost another three seats, having already lost four seats four years ago.
There were further losses for the SP and above all for the Greens. While the Social Democrats will still have 18 cantonal council seats in future (-1), the Greens lost three seats and are now represented by a total of six cantonal councillors. Contrary to the national trend, the Green Liberals were able to retain their six seats.
With these results, the 120-member St. Gallen Cantonal Council will be made up as follows over the next four years: SVP 42 (+7), Center 27 (-), FDP 19 (-3), SP 18 (-1), Greens 6 (-3), GLP 6 (-), EVP 2(-).
Second round of elections for the government
It remains to be seen whether the SVP will be able to continue its victorious run in the cantonal council in the St. Gallen government. It was previously represented there by Stefan Kölliker, who, like his SP counterpart Fredy Fässler, did not stand for re-election.
On Sunday, the five previous members of government Susanne Hartmann (center), Marc Mächler (FDP), Beat Tinner (FDP), Laura Bucher (SP) and Bruno Damann (center) were all easily re-elected.
Of the new candidates, Dana Zemp and Christof Hartmann (both SVP) performed best by far. However, both fell well short of the absolute majority.
Bettina Surber from the SP followed with a difference of around 10,000 votes and Daniel Bosshard from the Greens just behind her. The result of Sarah Bösch, who is not a party member, was a surprise. She beat the GLP candidate Sarah Noger-Engeler by 563 votes.
Both SVP candidates declared on Sunday afternoon that they would stand again in the second round of voting. This also applies to Sarah Bösch. The GLP, Greens and SP will decide in the next few days which candidates they will stick with.
©Keystone/SDA
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