Introduction
The upcoming election for the Geneva Council is shaping up to be a pivotal event as the right seeks to capitalize on the recent resignation of Antonio Hodgers. Having served for twelve years, Hodgers’ departure leaves a significant vacancy, and the stakes are high for the Green party, which has held at least one seat in the Geneva executive since 1997. With the election set for September 28, 2023, the political dynamics are shifting, and both sides are gearing up for a fierce contest.
The Greens’ Strategy
In a bid to maintain their presence in the government, the Greens have rallied around Nicolas Walder. At 59, Walder boasts an extensive political background, having served in the executive of Carouge and as a member of the National Council since 2019. His candidacy is bolstered by the support of the Socialist Party, although he is not the sole candidate from the left side of the aisle. Rémy Pagani, the former mayor of Geneva and current city councilor, is also in the running under the Union Populaire banner, appealing to left-leaning voters, especially in the working-class neighborhoods.
The Right’s Fragmented Approach
Unlike past elections where the right presented a unified front, this time the right wing is coming in fragmented. The aim is to seize the seat vacated by the Greens to tip the balance of the executive more toward their side. This election takes place within a broader right-wing majority in the Grand Council, which could provide an advantageous pathway for the second half of the legislature. The current Council is made up of PLR members Nathalie Fontanet and Anne Hiltpold, socialists Carole-Anne Kast and Thierry Apothéloz, centrist Delphine Bachmann, and the outgoing Green member Hodgers.
Right-Wing Candidates
In total, three candidates from the right are contesting the seat. Leading the charge is Lionel Dugerdil, the president of the UDC, who gained momentum from strong results in the spring municipal elections. Dugerdil has the backing of the PLR, which advocated for a singular right-wing candidate—a notion that did not gain traction.
Meanwhile, the Centre party has shifted its strategy, opting to partner with the Green Liberals and running Xavier Magnin, a former municipal councilor and ex-deputy. On a different note, the MCG, which previously held a seat until Mauro Poggia’s exit in 2023, is fielding Maikl Gerzner, an unfamiliar name in political circles, who has no prior experience in governance.
Non-Traditional Candidates
In addition to the main parties, five candidates outside the traditional political framework are vying for attention. Notable among them is Béatrice Berthet A Porta of the LOCAL party, an advocate for local commerce and a former champion athlete. Other candidates include Anastasia-Natalia Ventouri advocating against state corruption, Olivier Pahud, who promotes citizen assemblies, and Philippe Oberson focusing on traffic issues. Rémi Baudouï, a retired professor, represents the party “Genève. Peut faire mieux” and is calling for a moratorium on land development.
Conclusion
Given the multitude of candidates and the diverging political strategies, the likelihood of any single candidate achieving an absolute majority on September 28 is slim. A second round of voting is anticipated on October 19, which may result in new alliances based on first-round outcomes. The political landscape in Geneva is poised for a dramatic shift, and the implications of this election will resonate far beyond the immediate results.
