SP-Jositsch points to wild candidacy

Daniel Jositsch (57) positions himself. He flirts with the vacant seat of SP federal councilor Simonetta Sommaruga (62). But: For their successor, the party leadership wants to sit on a purely female card.

It is impossible for the party leadership of the comrades to be represented by two men in the Bundesrat. Not even temporarily.

Jositsch points to wild candidacy

Not everyone is happy with the decision. As Jositsch revealed to the “NSZ”, he already opposed the decision at the meeting of the party and faction leadership.

He told Radio SRF that he would consider running for office if the parliamentary group allowed men. But when the “NZZ” followed suit, he pointed to a wild candidacy. From a purely legal point of view, the official ticket is only a proposal from the party.

However, according to the Zurich law professor, the Federal Assembly is free to choose who to elect in the Federal Council. More decisive than gender and canton affiliation are skills and whether someone fits into the Federal Council.

A strong candidate

In itself, Jositsch would stand a good chance of becoming a member of the Bundesrat. No one denies that the SP Council of States has the necessary skills. He also belongs to the social-liberal wing of the SP, which should get him votes from the conservatives in parliament.

But the left wing of his party will probably also be in favor of him. In recent years, Jositsch has repeatedly made a name for himself with surprising statements, most recently on the organic initiative and the Frontex vote.

Please prohibit support

A wild candidacy of Jositsch could fail, despite his popularity with the bourgeoisie, because of the SVP. Because since Christoph Blocher (82) was voted out, the SVP has even declared war on wild candidates. Anyone chosen who is not on the official ticket will be automatically kicked out of the game.

Therefore, the SVP will not be able to officially support Jositsch’s wild candidacy, as SVP councilor Alex Kuprecht (64) remarked at the “Tages-Anzeiger”.

Wild elections – ordeal for the SP

Wildly elected federal councilors have already become a crucial test for the SP. Otto Stich (1927-2012) was elected by the Federal Assembly in 1983, although the official ticket mentioned a woman, Lilian Uchtenhagen (1928-2016).

Stich was the third federal councilor elected against the will of the party. The SP then discussed whether they should withdraw from government altogether. Ultimately, she would remain part of the executive branch, but 40 percent of members voted to withdraw from the Bundesrat.

History repeated itself 10 years later when instead of Christiane Brunner (75) Francis Matthey (80) was chosen. However, he resigned under pressure from the SP. As a result, Ruth Dreifuss (82) was elected as a federal councilor by way of compromise. (Tom)