A look at the candidates’ campaign videos.
With bizarre appearances on social networks, the candidates compete for the favor of the electorate.
The Zurich election campaign hasn’t exactly been a political thriller so far. For a long time it looked as if the seven previous government councilors would be re-elected without competition in February – despite the resignation of one of the magistrates and a data scandal in the judiciary. But now the outcome of the elections no longer seems so clear.
According to a new Sotomo survey, the director of education Silvia Steiner (middle) and the SP candidate Priska Seiler Graf both take seventh place in the favor of the voters. And Jacqueline Fehr (SP) and Carmen Walker Späh (FDP) cannot sit back and relax, although Peter Grünenfelder (FDP) and Benno Scherrer (GLP) are behind in the survey.
Reason enough for the candidates to put themselves in the spotlight again during the hot phase of the election campaign.
The annoying Benno Scherrer
Benno Scherrer really wants to be a member of the government council, and that’s what his campaign video shows. Whether it’s cooking, going to the cinema or when friends come to visit, the Scherrers are all about cantonal politics. In endless monologues, he lectures on photovoltaic systems, the reduction in corporate taxes and teacher training at the teacher training college. Much to the chagrin of his partner Irene. A friend asks her in the video: “Tell me, is he always like that?” The resigned answer: «Yes. Always.”
Irene therefore has only one wish: «Please choose Benno. I can not anymore.”
A look at the comment columns on Instagram and YouTube shows: the humor is popular. One would not have thought Benno Scherrer, who at first seemed brittle, capable of so much self-mockery. He may lose the election, but he won the competition for the self-deprecating web video with his appearance.
Peter Grünenfelder and the adventure on the farm
Peter Grünenfelder – known in his childhood by the nickname Panther – ventures into the lion’s den. Finally, he describes himself as an opponent of the “protectionist” Swiss agricultural policy.
In an election campaign video by the Zurich Farmers’ Association, he made a guest appearance on the farm of SVP National Councilor Martin Haab in Mettmenstetten. Wearing rubber boots from a traditional British brand and a chic parka, the Avenir Suisse boss strides through the cowshed and chases the calves away with a pitchfork. Then he begins his campaign speech: “Today we have over four thousand pages of regulations for Swiss farmers! Of laws and regulations! We have to stop that!”
In one sentence, Haab wants to know from Grünenfelder what Zurich agriculture can expect from him if he is elected. Grünenfelder: “My election program is crystal clear: I can reduce 20 percent of all regulations. This also applies to the agricultural bureaucracy. That’s where I start on the first day.”
If that day comes, it is to be hoped that Grünenfelder will not simply shred files with his enthusiasm, as an employee of the director of justice apparently did a few years ago.
Lots of love for Carmen Walker Spaeh from Baba
There is nothing better for an election campaign than convincing testimonials. Carmen Walker Späh must have thought the same thing. And who would be more suitable for the task in Zurich than Baba, the grill master at the pump station on Zurich’s Utoquai?
In a Tiktok video, Baba grins at the camera next to gastronomy king Michel Péclard and commercial fisherman Adrian Gerny and says: “We love you. We’re fans right now. And Zurich needs you.” Péclard shouts: «We give you our vote!»
One could almost be envious of Baba’s sincere affection for the economics director. Or as one would say on social networks: «Find yourself someone who looks at you like Baba looks at Carmen.»
Silvia Steiner looking for sympathy in the chicken coop
Silvia Steiner looks for the sympathies of the voters – in the chicken coop. As befits her status, the education director drives up in a Mercedes SUV (electric drive!).
The farmer Marc Peter wants to know from her why she wants to stay on the government council. Steiner: «I would like to continue to support the people of Zurich. I’ve already achieved a lot in the last two legislatures, and I still have a lot of things to do.”
We would have liked to know more about the successes. Instead, Steiner polishes eggs and tells viewers that she spent a lot of time on a farm as a child and still enjoys spending her free time in nature.
The latest survey indicates that some voters would rather see Steiner out in the fresh air than on the government council after February.
Martin Neukom and the liquid manure truck
During the election campaign, Martin Neukom does what Martin Neukom loves to do best: lecture. Instead of emotions, he relies on a dry presentation in his web clip. While his middle-class colleagues pay a visit to the farmers, Neukom sets his sights on their important commercial vehicle: the liquid manure truck.
In a dark blue suit, the green construction manager is sitting on a beige armchair. Behind him is an image of a tractor with a trailer squirting brown liquid onto a field. Two thirds of all nitrogen emissions are caused by agriculture, for example when spreading manure, explains Neukom and immediately has a solution ready: instead of using rotating discs, manure should be spread with a drag hose. Thank you, Mr. Building Director, for this tip in the living room at home.