Now there is a key department available: the Ministry of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (UVEK) of the outgoing Federal Councilor Simonetta Sommaruga (62) is in high demand. Those who work there have to deal with the big chunks: safe energy supply, CO2-Neutrality, development of roads and railways, biodiversity.
It’s an open secret that SVP crown favorite Albert Rösti (55) would most likely see himself as an energy politician in this department. And if the civic representatives of SVP and FDP stick together in the Bundesrat, then the chances are not bad for him that he will get it.
Rosti fought every conversion
It would be a turning point: The country’s largest lobbyist for oil, auto, and nuclear power plants would lead the energy and environment division. As a reminder, Rösti is currently chairman of the Auto Schweiz association of car importers and advisor to the Astag association for commercial vehicles, and he works for power plant operators in the nuclear waste disposal committee.
Until recently, Rösti was also chairman of Swissoil, the umbrella organization of fuel dealers, and until its dissolution chairman of the nuclear power plant lobbying organization Action for Reasonable Energy Policy Switzerland.
“Not an ideal cast”
And on behalf of all these associations, Rösti fought against any restructuring of the Swiss energy system. If he became UVEK boss, you’d turn the goat into a gardener – right?
GLP chairman Jürg Grossen (53), who has known Rösti for years from the Bernese Oberland, does not really want to comment on such speculation. But could he live with a Minister of Energy Rösti? “I can live with anyone,” the green liberal tells Blick. For him, Rösti would not be ideal for the important Uvek: “He worked for years as an oil and nuclear lobbyist. However, it must be said that he has always campaigned for hydropower.”
In addition, Rösti has recently undergone a change in its assessment and has recently also campaigned for, for example, electric cars. Grossen: “He probably wouldn’t turn on the turbo when expanding wind and solar power. But he is not a dogmatist, he listens and can compromise.”
No illusions
We hear similar things from other parties. “It is not said that Rösti would remain in the same waters as before,” says environmental politician Stefan Müller-Altermatt (46). There were already some surprises: “I only remember Otto Stich, who was chosen by the bourgeoisie as a so-called left-wing middle class and then went full throttle to the left in office.” Therefore, no one – “neither left nor right” – should have any illusions.
SP councilor Eric Nussbaumer (62) still has some expectations of the energy policy of an SVP councilor: “Albert Rösti certainly still has room for improvement.” When it comes to promoting hydropower, he’s not worried because Rösti needs to make progress. And with solar energy, the force of facts is just so great that it can’t slow down. “Wind power with a minister of energy hash browns – but that can be difficult. But I don’t give up that easily…», he laughs.
nuclear power plant? Then a referendum battle threatens
But isn’t there a threat of a revival of the nuclear power plants with Rösti in the UVEK? That is what the left should be especially afraid of. “He can try to revive the nuclear energy problem,” Nussbaumer says. But then he would go through one referendum battle after another. “I can’t imagine a federal councilor would want that.”
It is also clear to Müller-Altermatt: “Anyone who stands as a candidate for the Federal Council must be prepared to take over any department. On the other hand, this means we’re electing a federal councilor, not a minister of the environment or finance.” A possible divisional division may not play a role.