Municipal vote Yes campaign launched for Muri municipality to change its name
"Muri and Gümligen dare each other" is the slogan with which the supporters of a name change for the current municipality of Muri BE are launching their referendum campaign. On September 22, voters will decide whether the municipality of Muri should be called Muri-Gümligen in future.
12.08.2024, 13:49
SDA
The name Muri-Gümligen is already often used colloquially to refer to the Bernese suburban municipality. Now the alliance name is also to be used officially.
The new name should "finally reflect the full diversity and variety of the municipality", says Raphaël Racine, one of the co-initiators, according to a statement from the pro-committee on Monday.
Anyone who mentions Muri bei Bern immediately conjures up the image of a wealthy suburb: villas with manicured gardens, swimming pools and sweeping views over the River Aare. Anyone who mentions Gümligen also immediately conjures up images of apartment buildings, commerce, industry and offices.
Until the beginning of the 20th century, Gümligen was an independent village and considerably smaller than Muri. In 1904, the people of Gümligen joined the municipality of Muri. In the decades that followed, Gümligen grew and is now on a par with Muri in terms of area and population.
The supporters hope that the double name will strengthen the identity. The long-lived coexistence would finally be formalized. In addition, the municipality will no longer be confused with its namesake in Aargau.
"The new name is far more than just a label: it is an expression of the common will to actively shape the development of the municipality and strengthen the identity of Muri-Gümligen," emphasizes initiator Angelo Zaccaria in the press release.
His proposal was approved by the municipal parliament in November 2023 by 18 votes to 16. Critics cited financial and historical reasons against the name change. Now it's the people's turn.
