Federal council member Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (58) presents the SP with new problems. Because ten days before the Jurassic woman was elected to the state government, she held another position: she was elected vice president of the Council of States. In 2024, she would preside over the small chamber.
But nothing is happening now. The social democrats entitled to the post must find a replacement. And that turns out to be difficult – there are only three people who can do it.
Two possible with history
Including two who played a central, albeit very different role in the election of the Bundesrat: crown favorite Eva Herzog (60), who was unexpectedly not elected, and Daniel Jositsch (57), who would have had a wild candidacy with his candidacy.
In the case of Herzog, the question is whether she feels like comforting the presidency of the Council of States after the defeat of the Bundesrat. Especially since she recently said she felt a bit lonely in parliament.
With Jositsch it is not only a question of whether he wants to, but whether he is wanted. Even if the anger in the group at his lack of solidarity on his own in the elections to the Bundesrat has now largely evaporated, it is hard to imagine that he will now be rewarded with the prestigious presidency of the Council of States for thwarting of the SP tactic with the all-women ticket.
A Geneve would be interested
Only Carlo Sommaruga (63) from Geneva remains. Because the other SP council members will no longer be in the House of Representatives in 2024: Hans Stöckli (70, BE), Paul Rechsteiner (70, SG) and Roberto Zanetti (57, SO) will step down, Marina Carrobbio (56) will probably be politicizing in the Tessin government.
Sommaruga says he is interested in the position: “It would be an unexpected honor to be chairman of the Council of States,” he said when asked. “The office would appeal to me, but I’ll discuss it with my colleagues.”
The first talks will take place on Monday, after which the council members will decide who to nominate. The council is likely to vote next week.