GLP boss Grossen wants to join the Council of States

GLP chairman Jürg Grossen (53) is participating in the race for the vacant seat in the Council of States in Bern. SP legend Hans Stöckli (70) announced this year that he would no longer defend his seat.

“I am convinced that entrepreneurial qualities are also needed in the Council of States,” says Grossen on Blick TV. He’ll take these – and more. In the past twelve years in the National Council, he has been able to gain broad political experience.

Strong competition

However, it will not be easy for the Green Liberals to win the seat in Bern. There is strong competition. SP alderman Flavia Wasserfallen (43) and former Green alderman Bernhard Pulver (57) are the favourites. The second seat of the previous Werner Salzmann (60, SVP) is considered safe.

But the greats are not worried: “My chances are certainly intact.” He likes to be challenged and accepts this challenge. “Strong competition stimulates the market,” he says. If it does not work, he will also run for the National Council.

Apart from Bern, only Zurich remains

Gaining a foothold in the Council of States is one of the main goals of the Green Liberals in the election year. If one day they want to move to the Bundesrat, there is no escaping the small room. Otherwise, the relatively young party will need a seat in the Council of States in order to establish itself properly. But so far they are not represented in the Stöckli. “We will do everything we can to get it moved,” says Grossen.

Besides Bern, the GLP currently only has ambitions for the Council of States in Zurich. Group chairman Tiana Angelina Moser (43) is in the race for the successor to the seat of FDP councilor Ruedi Noser (61), who takes off his hat. (Tom)