Much praise from the left and criticism from the right

SP Switzerland expresses its regret on Twitter about the dismissal of Simonetta Sommaruga (62). However, she has “great respect and understanding” for the decision and draws attention to the Bernese’s successes in the energy transition and for public transport. She also announces that the parliamentary faction will decide on November 26 on the ticket for the successor to the federal councilor.

“One of the most committed federal councilors”

SP colleague Alain Berset (50) thanked Sommaruga for her efforts. He understands her decision, even though he regrets it.

The SP copresidium also spoke personally and thanked Sommaruga for her efforts. Cedric Wermuth, 36, wrote that they were proud of Sommaruga, who had been one of the “most committed and successful federal councilors” in his 12 years in office.

Other members also express their regrets. SP Councilor Fabian Molina (32) a few minutes before the media conference. SP National Councilor Tamara Funiciello (32) was short, calling Sommaruga “role model, pioneer, fighter”.

The Greens also regret the resignation

President of the National Council Irène Kälin (35, Greens), after all the highest Swiss woman to whom Sommaruga has also submitted her letter of resignation, speaks out. She takes note of the resignation with “great regret” and thanks Sommaruga for her efforts.

The Greens react with regret and compassion. Party chairman Balthasar Glättli (50) had nothing but praise. Sommaruga has continuously campaigned for viable solutions.

It sounds similar to the Green Liberals. President Jürg Grossen (53) describes Sommaruga as a “meritorious and admirable personality and thanks her in particular for her leadership in the corona crisis.

Commoners think of the successor

Critical tones also come from the bourgeois spectrum. The center thanks Sommaruga for their efforts and wishes her and her husband all the best. So is FDP party chairman Thierry Burkart (47).

For FDP energy politician Christian Wasserfallen (41) Sommaruga’s balance sheet is not only positive. He thanks the Berner for the in-depth debates. But in the same breath he cannot help pointing out open files in her department. The party itself tweeted a little later in a similar way.

FDP National Councilor Marcel Dobler (42) goes one step further. He suspects that the timing of Sommaruga’s resignation was a strategic maneuver to secure the second SP seat in the Bundesrat. He ignores her husband’s stroke.

Opportunities for Rösti and Salzmann increase

SVP representatives are also reflecting on the significance of Sommaruga’s resignation. The president of the canton of Bern, Manfred Bühler (43), pointed out to the Greens on Twitter that Sommaruga’s resignation was the moment for a demand from the Green Federal Council.

SVP councilor Joël Thüring (28) of Basel is also thinking about the upcoming midterm elections. With the resignation of Berner Sommaruga, the chance of a Bernese SVP Federal Council increases. These are Albert Rösti (55) and Werner Salzmann (59), who are competing for the seat of Federal Councilor Ueli Maurer (71). Maurer also announced his resignation at the end of September. (Tom)