Evi Allemann wants to be in the Federal Council: “I know how much energy that takes, what tolerance for frustration”

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

Bernese government councilor Evi Allemann (45) is “full of energy and creative desire” for the job in the Federal Council. “I am ready,” the SP woman told the media in Bern on Monday.

Blick: A year ago you stood as a candidate for the Federal Council as a successor to the retiring SP federal council member Simonetta Sommaruga (63). But then you didn’t get on the ticket. What shows that your chances are better now?
Evi Allemann: My analysis is mainly that my chances are hardly worse. We’ll see if they’re any better.

So nothing has changed since your last candidacy?
The premise is different. This time the race is open to all genders. Furthermore, a general renewal election is different from a replacement election. And at the same time I told myself that if I were still interested in taking responsibility at the national level, I would dare to do it again. Then I don’t have to blame myself for not having the courage to take advantage of this opportunity. I know what energy it takes, what courage, what tolerance for frustration. But I also know the joy it can bring.

You are the first woman to run for Berset’s successor. Should you save the reputation of the SP as an equality party with your candidacy?
It is clear: the SP is an equality party. And she always has to ask herself the gender question, but in my opinion this is not the focus this time. The starting position in this respect is different than a year ago. Today we have three women in the Federal Council and three men. In this situation, it should not matter to the SP whether a woman or a man is elected on December 13.

Is it even a bonus that you might be the only candidate and almost guaranteed a ticket, so to speak?
We will see. Nothing is ever certain in politics.

Nevertheless: the canton of Bern already has a government member, SVP federal councilor Albert Rösti (56).
This may be seen as a disadvantage for some. But not only cantons, but also various regions, both urban and rural, must be adequately represented in the Federal Council. With me you have someone who comes from an urban area. I live in the city of Bern and bring the urban focus. This could also be interesting for Zurich.

You are described as solution-oriented and willing to compromise, which is how you advertised yourself today. The criticism of you is that you are not rough around the edges and are somewhat inconspicuous. Is that enough to become a federal councilor?
It is often good to know where your own limits are. What also helps: appearing modest, with the aim of not always having to negotiate every step in public, but to be able to work calmly and seriously. As a board member you often benefit greatly from this.

Source:Blick