Government Women's umbrella organization makes no recommendation for new Federal Council
The Swiss women's umbrella organization Alliance F has not made a recommendation for the election of the new Federal Council. This means that the women's organizations are not in favour of either Martin Pfister (ZG) or Markus Ritter (SG) from the center.
10.03.2025, 15:49
SDA
The co-presidents of Alliance F, Kathrin Bertschy (GLP/BE) and Maya Graf (Greens/BL), said that women would be underrepresented in the Federal Council after the election and that this was a major problem, especially in view of the current global situation. Bertschy told the media after the Federal Council hearings that the women's organizations were concerned about the tendency for autocrats to spread their wings and for the US President to make arbitrary decisions.
In addition to security policy and international issues, the Federal Council candidates were also asked about domestic policy concerns. Topics included equal opportunities for women and men in working life and the very high rates of femicide in Switzerland.
"We will closely monitor whether what we have heard from him will be implemented," said Graf about the future Federal Councillor. For example, the promotion of women in sport and thus the work of outgoing Federal Councillor Viola Amherd will be continued.
Both candidates received feminist books from the Alliance F. "It was a very interesting discussion with exciting questions," said Ritter after his hearing. "I can't judge whether it did me any good or harm. I always try to answer the questions to the best of my knowledge and belief," explained Pfister.
