Roger Nordmann wants to be Berset’s successor: ‘Do I look desperate? No!”

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As a federal councilor he would not represent his canton, but the whole of Switzerland. Roger Nordmann (50), candidate for the Federal Council of the Vaudois SP, said this to the media on Wednesday. He is already the fifth candidate to succeed Berset.

Mr Nordmann, you have already run unsuccessfully for the Council of States in the canton of Vaud, and your candidacy for the presidency of the CS-PUK has also failed. Now you want to become a federal councilor. Is this the last ditch effort to save your political career?
Roger Nordmann: Do I look desperate? No. I would like to take up a new office: that of the Federal Council. Of course I want to continue serving our country. But this position would be a whole new dimension.

What makes you ideal for this?
I think I have a few assets: I am a bridge builder. Always look for common ground with other political parties, never refuse dialogue and be prepared to make concessions. This is the basis for developing solutions.

What specifically sets you apart from the other four previous candidates?
I am very good at understanding complex problems, getting to the heart of the matter, integrating other opinions and ultimately providing solutions. I have shown this time and time again in parliament over the past 19 years – for example in the areas of energy policy, tax reforms and AHV financing.

Nevertheless: you would be the fourth Latin-speaking federal councilor, the third Roman, the second from the canton of Vaud. Do you think the United Federal Assembly would even elect you?
Sure, that could be a problem. But the SP faction has decided that the candidacy is open to people from all parts of the country. That’s why I’m running. And I generally consider myself Swiss. I speak three national languages ​​and am committed to the entire country. So I am a Swiss Roman.

So you think you have real chances?
I wouldn’t run for office if I didn’t think I had a chance. But my candidacy is an offer. Because without candidates there can be no democracy. Everything else must first be decided by the SP faction and later by the Federal Assembly.

Who do you see as your biggest competition in the race to succeed Berset?
It is not my place to make predictions. That’s what the media is for.

What if it doesn’t work?
That wouldn’t be a problem. Once again: my candidacy is a proposal that I make to Switzerland. A final decision will be made no later than December 13.

Source:Blick