Isabel Garcia betrayed the GLP twice

The affair surrounding the change of party of Zurich politician Isabel Garcia spreads. Elected two weeks ago for the Green Liberals in the cantonal council, she surprisingly joined the FDP on Thursday – only eleven days after the election.

But that is not everything. SonntagsBlick’s investigation shows that Garcia betrayed the GLP twice. On April 4, 2022, at a party rally, she promised that if she were re-elected to the cantonal council, she would give up her second office as city councilor of the city of Zurich and make way for someone else from the GLP.

This is also stated in the minutes of the meeting in which the board members of districts 3 and 9 met. So those circles for which Garcia was running for election. For almost an hour, those present in Brasserie Spirgarten in Altstetten discussed the list of places for the cantonal elections. Garcia also had something to say. She wanted first place on the list – and she got it. What helped her: the promise to give up her double mandate. Such people are not welcome in the party.

Garcia didn’t go to the election ceremony

When the longtime GLP politician was finally elected as the only one on the list two weeks ago, her fellow campaigners assumed she would now step down from her second position as councillor. Party member Thomas Hug was already in the starting blocks to move up, confirms Simon Affentranger, co-chairman of GLP Kreis 3&9.

But Garcia disappeared. She even stayed away from the election ceremony. A few days later, she informed the district party and the cantonal party board via a zoom call that she would immediately leave the party and switch to the FDP. And the resignation from the city council? Suddenly no problem anymore.

“With the changed situation today, I will temporarily do without,” Garcia told Sunday’s View. It is by no means unusual for people to engage in politics at both the cantonal and municipal level. Bitter for the Green Liberals: they lose two political offices at once.

Garcia admits that she talked about a “possible withdrawal” at the party meeting and promised one. However, like all minutes, that of the meeting in question is an “abbreviated version”.

“She wasn’t loved by everyone, but she was respected”

Garcia’s old companions feel alienated. You are disappointed and angry. Externally, the GLP is diplomatic. According to a press release, Garcia’s “personal decision” was made with surprise and regret. “We’ll seek conversations with Isabel Garcia.” But behind the scenes things are brewing. The party change so soon after the election was undemocratic. Betrayal of the will of the voters.

No one in the GLP foresaw the change of party. According to companions who wish to remain anonymous, Garcia was always critical. “A thoroughbred politician who didn’t shy away from harsh tones.” But also: loyalty to the party. “She wasn’t loved by everyone, but she was respected.” Therefore, they were actively supported in the election campaign. The disappointment about the abrupt change of parties is all the greater for many.

The newly elected cantonal council meets for the first time on Monday. The seating arrangement has already been adjusted. Garcia is now in 126th place – with the FDP.

Source:Blick