There are indications that party changer Isabel Garcia (59) knew before the elections in Zurich that she was turning her back on the Green Liberals (GLP) – while she was still a candidate for the party. FDP members of the Zurich city council had already asked members of other parties on Friday before the election how a party change would be received in principle.
Individual councilors were apparently asked how they felt about Chantal Galladé (50) moving from the SP to the GLP in 2019 or about Claudia Frei-Wyssen (44) – also from the SP to the GLP – in the same year. That’s what the politicians of Zurich say.
Changes of batch need lead time
Garcia’s deception of the electorate would be even greater if it were confirmed that the Liberals were already planning the party switch while citizens were still putting the Green Liberals on the ballot.
In any case, it is highly questionable whether the change was actually only recorded a week after the elections during a meeting between Garcia and the FDP, namely on Sunday 19 February. After all, everyone knows about the Galladé case that such a party change requires at least two to three weeks of preparation, and even more so during election and holiday periods, says a politician from Zurich.
Isabel Garcia could not be reached for comment. When asked about this, the party leadership of the FDP in Zurich said: The big question is whether Isabel Garcia had already decided internally before the election that she wanted to change party. On February 19, several holiday absences were exchanged in a video conference. However, following Garcia’s decision, the FDP decided to include her in the party and quickly complete the transition. They want to be transparent when setting up the cantonal council, it says.
Decision with far-reaching consequences
One thing is certain today: on February 12, Garcia was elected to the Cantonal Council for the Green Liberals of Zurich. Just eleven days later, she announced her departure from the party. With immediate effect, she politicized for liberal competition. Together with the liberals, she takes a seat in the canton council. An insult to many voters – especially the ecogroup and the left. Because the decision has far-reaching consequences. For example, the climate alliance of SP, Groenen and GLP loses the absolute majority in the Zurich cantonal council.
Public pressure on Isabel Garcia has increased since her party change became known. A petition has been launched on the internet demanding her immediate resignation. And: Strangers have put up posters in the city of Zurich with demands for his dismissal. An approach that the FDP sharply criticizes: such a hunt is new. Any limit would be crossed. Ironically, the FDP suspects that these come from the left, who would always advocate measures against hate on the internet.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
