A new parliament will be elected in Switzerland in a year’s time. And for the Greens it is clear: just like in 2019, there must be climate elections. And they want to involve their voters from the start: the party wants to shape the election program together with the supporters.
And they are taking advantage of it: Over the past three weeks, Green voters and sympathizers submitted 1,200 proposals for the “Agenda 2023-2027”. Green chairman Balthasar Glättli (50) speaks of a “lived green conversation culture”, of which he is proud.
Zurich-Berlin alone in the train
Part of the input made it into the election manifesto. The most radical demand: The Greens want to ban domestic and short-haul flights. By plane from Zurich to Geneva? That is “climate-damaging nonsense”, should be in the election manifesto.
The Greens are not saying where exactly they draw the line. By definition, a short-haul flight is a flight of up to 1,500 kilometers. Zurich-Berlin? Do not save! Basel-Paris would also be banned. And you should also take the train to Milan.
This is a strengthening of the green position. Until now, they mainly wanted to tax flights, so that they become more expensive. Exponents of the party, however, had already spoken in favor of a ban on domestic flights.
fight against discrimination
With their election programme, the Greens not only want to save the world from climate catastrophe. The party also advocates a national anti-racism program to combat discrimination. The inclusion of people with disabilities is also new on the green agenda. The subject still receives “too little attention” – the party wants to change that.
Still, it can be difficult
The Greens were among the big winners of the 2019 election year, but polls suggest next year is likely to be a lot tougher. Polls expect a loss of 1.5 percentage points – which would make the party one of the biggest losers.
Next year will show whether the participatory approach of the Greens can be converted into an electoral success. (bgs)