Introduction
The recent resignation of Antonio Hodgers, who served twelve years on the Geneva Council, has ignited a competitive election for his seat, with significant implications for the Green Party (Les Verts). Historically, the Greens have maintained at least one representative in the executive branch since 1997. As this election approaches, the stakes are higher than ever.
Nicolas Walder: A Strong Candidate for the Greens
To retain its presence in the executive, the Green Party is rallying behind Nicolas Walder. At 59, Walder boasts an impressive political background, having served on the executive board of the City of Carouge and representing the canton in the Swiss National Council since 2019. His experience positions him as a formidable candidate for this crucial role.
Competing Left-Wing Candidates
However, Walder isn’t the only left candidate in the mix. Rémy Pagani, the former mayor of Geneva and current member of the municipal council, is also contesting for the Union Populaire, a party positioned to the left of the Greens. At 71, Pagani aims to rally voters from working-class neighborhoods and mobilize those who often abstain from voting.
The Right’s Dispersed Strategy
The right-wing parties are experiencing disunity as they seek to capture the seat vacated by Hodgers. Understanding the significance of this opportunity, they hope to shift the executive balance further to the right. With a Grand Council predominantly composed of rightist majorities, achieving their goal would create a favorable landscape for the remaining legislative session.
Current Composition of the Geneva Council
The current Geneva Council comprises members from various parties, including Nathalie Fontanet and Anne Hiltpold from the PLR, Carole-Anne Kast and Thierry Apothéloz from the Socialists, Delphine Bachmann from the centrist party, and Pierre Maudet representing Liberties and Social Justice. With the departure of Hodgers, the right sights an opportunity to gain ground.
Right-Wing Candidates Emerge
Three right-wing candidates are positioned for the election on September 28. Following a successful municipal election earlier this spring, the UDC is campaigning with its president, Lionel Dugerdil, who previously ran in 2023. Supported by the PLR, Dugerdil is vying for the right’s unified representation after the party unsuccessfully called for a single candidate from the right.
Other Right-Wing Contenders
Alongside him is Xavier Magnin, an ex-councilor and former deputy representing Le Centre, who has allied with the Green Liberals to move away from the previously strong coalition. Lastly, Maikl Gerzner from the MCG, a newcomer to the Council since Mauro Poggia’s departure, is running without significant political backing, which could hinder his chances.
Candidates from Outside Traditional Parties
Notably, there are five candidates contesting outside of the traditional party system, although experts predict their chances of success are slim. Among them is Béatrice Berthet A Porta, representing the party LOCAL, who advocates for local commerce. Similarly, Anastasia-Natalia Ventouri is fighting corruption through her list, “Ensemble pour l’Evolution.”
Olivier Pahud, Philippe Oberson, and Rémi Baudouï round out the field with their own unique platforms, from promoting citizen assemblies to addressing urban traffic issues, each hoping to sway the electorate.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Second Round
Given the crowded field of candidates and the political dynamics at play, it’s likely that no single candidate will achieve an absolute majority on September 28. If this occurs, a second round of voting is scheduled for October 19, which may lead to new alliances based on the initial election results. The outcome of this election will not only determine the successor of Hodgers but could also reshape the political landscape in Geneva for years to come.
Conclusion
The upcoming Council election promises to be a significant contest, particularly for the Greens aiming to maintain their historical foothold within Geneva’s executive. With challenges from both the left and right, voters will be closely watching how these dynamics unfold as the election date approaches.
