GLP-Moser and SP-Aebischer: love between patchwork and politics

Arriving at the parking lot at the edge of the forest, Moser takes a deep breath: “Beautiful, this sky. Do we have everything?” – “I think so,” says Otto (10). “Dad packed the food,” Ida adds.

Seven years together

The National Councilor of the Green Liberal Zurich and the National Councilor of the SP of Bern have been a couple for about seven years. Together they have seven children – the former moderator of “Tagesschau” and “Club” brought into the relationship the three daughters Laura (24), Gianna (21) and Ida – the environmental scientist the three sons Moritz, Teo (12) and Otto.

Their daughter Lotta completes the patchwork family, which lives in both Bern and Zurich Witikon. “I’ve always wanted a big family — I enjoy so much life and different characters around me,” says Moser, who grew up with an older sister. «Siblings learn to be considerate, to classify themselves. There is a correction that is very realistic,” says Aebischer, whose younger brother also has five children.

Luckily for both of them: apart from the usual fights, all the kids get along very well. “The boys benefit enormously from the girls. It gives you a different energy,” says Moser. “And Ida can talk about football with de Giele,” Aebischer adds.

Baby in the picture

The heart of the family is clearly the baby. While Aebischer gathers wood for the fire with Moritz, Teo tells Lotta made-up stories, Otto builds her a sand track for the cars and Ida smears sunscreen butterflies on her arm.

“Löttu” (Aebischer) or “Maus” (Moser) cause a lot of “Jöhs”, not only in the family, but also in the federal parliament. If the session lasts longer than 6 p.m., one of the two will pick up the little one from the nursery in the Matte district and take her to the Federal Palace. There she sits on a bench in the lobby, reading animal books while her parents take part in the final votes in the National Council. “Lotta has had readers from all sides,” says Aebischer. “We are democratic there,” Moser adds with a laugh.

The little girl, who jumps back and forth between Bern German and the Zurich dialect, understands nothing about politics, but she knows that mom and dad “work” in the main room.

Moser wants to run for the Council of States

Moser has been a member of the Grand Chamber for 16 years and chairman of the GLP for twelve years. Twelve years ago, Aebischer made the leap from TV to the political scene and sits on three committees, one of which he chairs. This means that the two are among the most experienced on the council – and regularly traded as a candidate for government council or even a candidate for federal council.

Moser’s next target is clearly the Council of States, as she emphasized the day before at Zurich’s Münsterhof. “As an experienced politician and a woman with four children, I am in the middle of life and I bring a different perspective to Stöckli,” says Moser, attacking the vacant seat of FDP member Ruedi Noser (62).

Since the resignation of Verena Diener, the GLP is no longer represented in the important Chamber of Reflection. That is in line with her nature, because although as party leader she sometimes blames other parties – such as her partner’s – she sees herself primarily as a solution-oriented politician. “We are both bridge builders, not ideologues,” Aebischer summarizes.

The environment helps

With the resignation of SP veteran Hans Stöckli, he too would have a good chance of winning a seat in the Council of States. But after twelve years as SP men’s representative, he leaves the field to a woman with Flavia Wasserfallen. The German-Swiss was able to get into the wreaths when Alain Berset stepped down. “It really depends on the family situation,” says Aebischer. In principle, the following applies to them: if an important managerial position becomes vacant, the partner will clear the space.

Logistically speaking, the blended family is a challenge, as you can feel when touring Zurich. While Aebischer accompanies Ida, who visits Zurich one weekend a month, on the train to Bern, Moser arranges Otto’s transportation to the football game over the phone. “Moritz, okay, you handing out flyers with me?”

The extended family system works because the whole environment helps: ex-partners, grandparents over 80, close friends. “We make annual and quarterly plans,” explains Aebischer. “On Sunday night there is another weekly comparison,” says Moser.

In addition to the sessions, the following applies: Monday and Tuesday they are together in Bern, Wednesday to Friday Moser is in Zurich – they alternate during the weekends.

High speed

In which city, in everyday life or on vacation: the two always get up at six. Then they read newspapers, exchange ideas and answer their emails – up to 150 a day. They also exercise together: the former athlete and the president of Pro Velo go jogging three times a week. “We have the same high speed – in racing and in life,” says Aebischer. “For some, we are almost too much. But it’s lucky for us,” adds Moser.

They are also linked by their origins – Moser also grew up in the countryside, in Weisslingen near Pfäffikon ZH. Although she comes from a middle-class family – her mother worked in healthcare, her father an electrical engineer – Aebischer’s parents served on the municipal council for the SP.

Politics at the family table

At the family table, politics is always a problem. “I’m on the same page as Dad,” says Kale high school student Ida. “My daughters are more left-wing than I am,” says Aebischer. “I’m more like Mom,” says Teo.

Although the lovers have been politicized in various parties, heated debates about economic policy are mainly emerging domestically. Like last April with the CS rescue, when she voted yes in parliament, he voted no. “You’re too religious,” she says. ‘Not me at all. We can’t save a bank every 15 years,” he replies. “I don’t think we’re going to open this barrel again,” says Moser, ending the discussion. What do the two do if things go wrong? “Have a drink together !” says Aebischer and laughs.

“We are firefighters”

There is also a beer while barbecuing at the scythe. “Tiana is very social. I like hearing her laugh before I enter a hall.” – “You’re also sociable – and incredibly life-affirming,” says Moser. Both aren’t ruling out marriage. “Right now, we have other priorities.”

Ida searches the backpacks: “We forgot the aluminum foil, shall we just put the cheeses on the hot stones?” asks Ida. “It works,” says Moser, and Aebischer adds, “Tiana and I are both firefighters. We thrive on improvisation.”