Thu, May 9th 2024
Martina Bircher, Aargau SVP National Councillor, solidifies her candidacy for the cantonal government.
SVP National Councillor, Martina Bircher, is set to secure the Swiss People’s Party (SVP)’s second seat in the upcoming cantonal government election. The decision came during the cantonal party conference in Suhr AG on Wednesday evening, where the 40-year-old triumphed over internal party competitor, parliamentary group president Désirée Stutz, by securing 158 votes to Stutz’s 117.
Bircher, who has served as a National Council member since 2017 and owns a consultancy for social services, is recognized for her stringent policies on asylum and social matters. Additionally, her role as deputy mayor of Aarburg underscores her practical approach to governance, which she passionately defended to the delegates at the conference.
The election this October is crucial as it marks a shift in the government council’s composition, historically dominated by men. This comes after Education Director Alex Hürzeler’s announcement of stepping down after a 16-year tenure.
In the broader electoral landscape, other incumbents such as Health Director Jean-Pierre Gallati seek re-election, alongside Finance Director Markus Dieth (center), Construction Director Stephan Attiger (FDP), and Interior Director Dieter Egli (SP). Notably, the SP has opted not to contest the vacant seat this year.
The Greens are rallying behind Roth Müri, a Grand Council member and city councillor from Baden, aiming to reclaim a seat lost to the SVP in 2016. Additionally, the Green Liberals are pushing for a governmental debut with National Councillor Beat Flach. The EPP, however, has decided to sit out this electoral round. The elections are set for October 20, where the cantonal populace will also choose the 140 members of parliament.
©Keystone/SDA
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