Introduction to the Geneva State Council Elections
On September 28, Geneva will host its first round of the partial elections for the State Council, following the surprise resignation of Antonio Hodgers. A total of ten candidates are vying for this key position, but three candidates stand out: Nicolas Walder from the Green Party, Lionel Dugerdil from the UDC, and Xavier Magnin from the Centrist party. This article delves into their priorities and the unique traits that set them apart.
The Leading Candidates
Among the contenders, Nicolas Walder, a national councilor and former administrative advisor in Carouge, represents continuity with a twist. His primary goal is to “accelerate the greening of urban centers” and to advocate for a reduction in rental prices, alongside support for agricultural enterprises.
Lionel Dugerdil, the UDC candidate and an experienced farmer, emphasizes his commitment to revitalizing public service dynamics. His goals revolve around swiftly providing housing for the residents of Geneva and fostering better collaboration among services to reduce bureaucratic layers.
Xavier Magnin, a former deputy and past president of the Geneva Municipalities Association, shares a deep concern for housing, asserting, “We must continue developing the city while preserving agricultural zones.” He also envisions modern neighborhoods where residents have quick access to shops and cultural sports facilities.
Future Aspirations
Imagining their legacies twelve years into their potential terms, each candidate has vivid dreams. Walder hopes to inaugurate a large park in the PAV and a “house of democracy” in the Place des Nations. Meanwhile, Magnin aims to bolster a robust economy that creates jobs and houses families without compromising natural spaces. Dugerdil expresses ambition to transform the State into a more cost-effective and efficient entity, enhancing the quality of life for Geneva’s inhabitants.
Key Differentiators
In this competitive race, each candidate has articulated what differentiates them from the others. Magnin critiques Dugerdil’s UDC approach as one that seeks isolation for Geneva, arguing that he favors openness. Conversely, he positions himself against Walder’s environmental focus, which he perceives as overly dogmatic. Walder counters by asserting his commitment to addressing environmental issues and living costs, advocating for dignity and safety for all individuals in Geneva.
Dugerdil, on the other hand, brands himself as a pragmatic entrepreneur, distancing himself from frequent criticisms aimed at businesses and emphasizing a focus on local issues rather than federal ones, unlike Magnin. His platform reflects a traditional right-wing standpoint that prioritizes the needs and concerns of Geneva residents first.
Conclusion
The upcoming elections for the Geneva State Council promise to be a significant event, shaping the region’s political landscape. With candidates like Walder, Dugerdil, and Magnin bringing different priorities to the table, voters face a crucial decision that will influence the city’s future development, economic stability, and quality of life. As the election date approaches, it will be interesting to see how these candidates’ visions resonate with the electorate.
