These profiteers are already lurking

Ruedi Studer and Daniel Ballmer

The SP and SVP are still struggling to succeed Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga (62) and Finance Minister Ueli Maurer (71). The favorites come to the fore in both parties. And behind them are already lurking potential profiteers!

Because when a new federal councilor is elected, a seat usually becomes vacant in the National Council, the Council of States or in a cantonal governing council. And it has to be refilled. So after the election of the Federal Council is before the election!

The Bernese Jura would be happy if they go for Rösti. select

In the SVP, ex-party leader Albert Rösti (55) is the crown favourite. If the Bernese National Council wins the state government on December 7, a Bernese Jura will slip into parliament for him: Manfred Bühler (43) would celebrate his comeback.

Bühler was a member of the National Council for four years and was relegated to first place in the 2019 elections. “Of course I would accept the mandate of the National Council as a nice side effect,” says the cantonal SVP boss with a smile at Blick. And adds: “It would be important for the Italian part of the canton to be represented again in federal Bern.”

Salzmann choice could even be a chance for Rösti

The starting position would be more exciting if Council of States Werner Salzmann (60) was elected. Then his successor would probably be determined next spring – six months before the elections. It is clear that the SVP is claiming the seat for itself. For example, National Councilor Lars Guggisberg (45) probably belongs to the group of candidates. “That’s a hypothetical question,” he tells Blick. “But if you look into the next terrain room, I’d definitely consider a candidacy.”

Perhaps Albert Rösti would also participate, then he could also benefit from a pity bonus.

Only the SP would probably be reluctant

It is also clear that the other parties would not give up the seat to the SVP without a fight. At least on the part of the Greens and Green Liberals, an attack is likely to usher in the election year. De Groene Bernhard Pulver (57) could try to take the seat of the SVP in the spring instead of just in the autumn.

A premature attack would be delicate for the SP, which wants to defend the seat of Hans Stöckli (70) in the Council of States in the autumn with Landsraadslid Flavia Wasserfallen (43). The SP would probably omit the midterm elections and focus on the general re-elections in October.

On the other hand, the choice of Hans-Ueli Vogt (52) from Zurich would be completely boring, as far as the aftermath is concerned. He gave up his seat on the National Council last year and no longer holds any political office to inherit.

Herzog-Wahl would promise an exciting race

Several scenarios are also possible for Sommaruga’s successor. Should councilor Eva Herzog (60) make it to the Federal Council, it would be a challenge for Basler SP. As the most powerful party in the city canton, it would certainly continue to claim the sole seat in the Council of States.

National councilor Sarah Wyss (34) is in the spotlight – also because her office and party colleague Mustafa Atici (53) has no ambitions. However, Wyss would not be undisputed: she has only been a member of the National Council for two years and is still trying to settle in federal Bern. Possible competitors within its own ranks include councilor Salome Hofer (36) and former party chairman Pascal Pfister (46).

But even in Basel, the other parties would not give up the seat without a fight – especially since Basel-Stadt will lose one of the five seats of the National Council in the autumn of 2023. In the battle for other mandates, the extra platform of a Council of States election campaign can only come in handy.

Bern needs a new member of government

In Bern, new elections are not only on the way if an SVPer is elected to the Federal Council, but also if Evi Allemann (44) wins the race in the SP. Because then you need a replacement in the governing council of Bern.

SP Landsraadslid Nadine Masshardt (38) would have great ambitions for a government office. She withdrew herself from the Bundesrat race on the day of Sommaruga’s resignation. But immediately added that she “would seduce an executive office at some point”. So she was to be expected. Especially since Flavia Wasserfallen, a serious competitor, has been eliminated for the time being, as she is a candidate for the Council of State.

SP seat in the Jura pretty sure

For the SP, however, defending the seat of government would not be an easy task. The Greens may well want to win a second seat. Or the GLP plans to join the cantonal government for the first time.

That leaves SP councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (58). Because her election to the Federal Council would also have consequences. The SP in the canton of Jura should quickly look for a successor. With good prospects: Even if there are competitors from other parties – the SP has practically guaranteed the Jura seat.