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The NZZ finds it “strange” that Pierre Maudet (45) was re-elected to the government of Geneva on Sunday. A man who “a few months ago was finally convicted of a corruption crime. Who lied to all the authorities. Who covered up money flows and was fined for a tax offense. Responsible for indiscretions and the biggest government crisis in Geneva in decades.”
Yes, on the other side of the Röstigraben that may seem strange. But there are good reasons for that.
Genevans are used to a lot
Politicians tripping over business is nothing new in Geneva. A politician who posts private friends? Happens over and over. State councilors getting violent at the exit? Already seen. Government members who, thanks to connections, can get dirt-cheap housing – unlike many Genevans who struggle to pay their rent. Already seen everything.
The people of Geneva have developed a great tolerance towards fallible politicians, also because they have no other choice. Maudet could also benefit from this. In the city on the Rhône, too, they did not mind that he accepted an invitation to Abu Dhabi. It’s that he lied about it for years. But the old and new Council of State apologized for this – and the population forgave him.
Geneva has had enough
This nonchalant attitude is the fruit of great disillusionment. The current government – like so many before it – has got nothing going. Geneva is stuck and the problems (housing shortage, traffic) are getting bigger. The canton needs a leader. Even during his reign, Pierre Maudet showed himself to be a doer – someone who solves problems in concrete and often unconventional ways.
For the people of Geneva, this means there is someone leading and getting things done. Also during the election campaign, he was the only one who proposed concrete solutions to very real problems – be it with a cantonal uniform fund to reduce health insurance premiums or in energy policy.
Maudet, the campaign machine
No one in Geneva conducted such a dedicated and new electoral campaign as Maudet and his Liberté et Justice Sociale movement. Close to the people, modern, different. He has chosen neither the left nor the bourgeois side, but rather emphasized that these categories do not help Geneva. Many citizens feel the same way. Maudet managed to attract many people who would otherwise not go to the polls. He mobilized enormously.
And now? Maudet is elected and must come to terms with those who removed him from office. Must build trust, integrate, do a good job. Whether it succeeds also depends on whether the other members of the government are ready. The popular vote: the Abu Dhabi affair is over, Maudet has been elected by the people. His colleagues have to accept that. Geneva deserves it.
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.
