Simonetta Sommaruga (62) seems to resign. As “Le Temps” reports, she is said to have informed her colleagues in the Federal Council this morning. According to the newspaper, the dismissal would have something to do with the health of her husband Lukas Hartmann (78).
Political scientist Claude Longchamp tweeted a quote that probably comes from Sommaruga’s letter of resignation, which he apparently has: “The day before yesterday my husband had a stroke. This event came suddenly and unexpectedly. It made me aware that after 12 years I had changed the priorities in my life. want to say otherwise.”
Environment and Energy Minister Sommaruga was absent last week because of her husband. He was in hospital treatment, it said. Her department did not announce a request to respect privacy.
Two vacancies on December 7th
Meanwhile, a press conference of the federal councilor has been announced shortly at 2.15 pm. The topic of the conference is unknown. This practically confirms that she is actually resigning. This means that two seats have to be filled in the elections for the Federal Council on 7 December. Ueli Maurer (71) announced his departure at the end of the year just over a month ago.
Blick will broadcast the media conference live on Blick TV at 2:15 PM.