It is official! The Vaud national councilor Jacqueline de Quattro (62) is a candidate for the Council of States. “Because of my career, it is obvious that I am applying for a seat,” says de Quattro, who first spoke to Blick Romandie. Before being elected to the National Council in 2019, the FDP politician spent 13 years in the Vaud government.
De Quattro informed its party of its decision on Friday afternoon. The FDP chooses its candidate for the Council of States race on December 8 during a congress that promises to be exciting.
Not only the incumbent FDP state councilor Olivier Français (67) has announced that he no longer wants to participate in the autumn elections of 2023. The Green Adèle Thorens (50) also wants to leave. This means that both seats in the Vaud Council of States will be vacant.
Contested candidacy
There are rumors that former State Councilor Pascal Broulis (57) could also be in the running for the seat. Jacqueline de Quattro is not afraid of a possible duel at the top. The 62-year-old lawyer by training says she is a competitor, has been practicing martial arts for years and likes to compete “with the best”.
One of De Quattro’s strengths is its consensus orientation. “This is essential to find efficient solutions,” says the resident of Vaud: “However, it seems increasingly difficult to compromise.” She observes increasing polarization and intolerance.
If the FDP bets on the Quattro on December 8, the race will really start. De Quattro competes for the seat with SP National Councilor Pierre-Yves Maillard (54) and Raphaël Mahaim (38), National Councilor of the Greens: “Both have my full respect. By working together and crossing swords, you know each other well’, the Quattro tells her opponents.
What she wants to do
If elected, the Quattro would be involved in energy, business, security, tourism, crisis management, sports and sustainability. “The issues of equality and violence against women, as well as men and children, have always been a concern of mine,” the 62-year-old told Blick. She therefore applauds the fact that a young mother is also applying for the SP seat in the Bundesrat race without wanting to name her favourite. (lazy)