In a few days, the newly formed Bundesrat will take action. And across the country everyone agrees: from that moment on, a woman is in charge – the new Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter (58).
After KKS, as the St. Galler is called, prevented the election of Eva Herzog (60), who is considered strong, to the Federal Council and outperformed the other alpha animal, Alain Berset (50), in the division division, she will now take power by taking over the state government.
One factor is forgotten
So free ride for KKS? Not at all. Because in this calculation one factor is forgotten: Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (58). The calculation that it would be easier to play with the funny woman from Jura than with the stern Herzog from Basel might turn out to be a misconception.
The new SP Bundesrat is only at first sight – from a bourgeois point of view – the lesser evil. Because funny, charming and affable does not mean harmless (as many think). So say those who know Baume-Schneider, whether from their time in the Jura government or from the Council of States.
Not as good as their sheep
To assert yourself as the only woman and only SPler in a cantonal government for 13 years – as Baume-Schneider succeeded in Jura – shows: the woman has endurance. Jurassic government councilors’ speeches at the election ceremony on Thursday also said: Anyone who thinks Baume-Schneider is as good as his black-nose sheep will be surprised.
In the Council of States it sounds similar: as chairman of the Committee on the Environment and Energy, EBS (as Keller-Sutter’s name is also shortened to Baume-Schneider) has shown great caution and skill. “Elisabeth has certainly helped the general decree to bring the energy supply to a breakthrough,” says her party and committee member Roberto Zanetti (68). “She is extremely patient – even in difficult situations.”
“She Will Surprise Us”
And Appenzeller Council of States Daniel Fässler (62, center) says Baume-Schneider led the committee meetings with great charm, but also efficiently, meticulously and decisively. “To see only the happy Jura woman in Elisabeth Baume-Schneider does not do her justice.”
Zanetti also thinks EBS is underrated: “Which federal councilors have burned themselves into Switzerland’s collective memory?” he wonders. And he himself gives the answer: “Willi Ritschard, Adolf Ogi, Ueli Maurer.” There were also questions in advance. “Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will surprise us,” predicts Zanetti.
Other voices are clearer but less flattering. EBS is as persistent as it is charming. Some call her a leftist Ueli Maurer (72) and are convinced that she too will scratch the collegiality principle if she finds it opportune. Others see her as a calf biter and predict: “Keller-Sutter will have blue calves.”
Who’s Afraid of KKS?
This prospect should iron out many a worry in the Federal Palace, where there are fears of an undue concentration of power in the hands of liberal Federal Councilor Keller-Sutter. This is not good for the functioning of the country, according to “24 Heures” from the center – and even the SVP suspects that KKS is doing everything it can to take over the undisputed leadership role. It was also rumored in the “Weltewoche” that she had tried to prevent Albert Rösti from becoming environment minister.
Even in her homeland, the Iron Lady, as KKS was known as St. Gallen’s governing councilor, faced strong winds for her claim to power. “The strongest member of the Federal Council has a special responsibility,” wrote the “St. Galler Tagblatt” recently. She must ensure that the concordance is revived. “If it becomes rigid in power politics, the end of this equalization system insight.”
SP councilor Roberto Zanetti, on the other hand, has little use for such theories: he can’t do much with the ‘calculating Iron Lady’, as Keller-Sutter is portrayed. “I experience them in a very different way, and in personal contact they are certainly humorous and sensitive.”
Instead of living up to their image, the two federal councilors behave the other way around for some. At least that promises excitement.