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In the rural community, the voters clearly said yes to the new constitution.
The Innerrhoden rural community started in Appenzell at 12:30 p.m. On the most important political day of the year, decisions are made by hand in the open air.
As expected, the election of the ruling and the standing mayor was unspectacular. Roland Inauen was elected as the ruling mayor and Roland Dähler as the standing mayor.
The remaining members of the Innerrhoden government, the professional commission, were also confirmed in office. In the case of Ms. Statthalter (Health and Social Director) Monika Rüegg Bless and Builder (Construction and Environmental Director) Ruedi Ulmann, other names were called as opposing candidates. However, the previous ones received significantly more votes. So the professional commission will remain the same for next year.
Legend:
The Innerrhoden cantonal government (from top left to bottom right): Jakob Signer, Ruedi Ulmann, Stefan Müller, Ruedi Eberle, Roland Dähler, Roland Inauen and Monika Rüegg Bless.
Canton of Appenzell INnerrhoden
There were no surprises in the total revision of the cantonal constitution either. Several speakers spoke out for or against the revision. In the end it was clearly approved by those entitled to vote.
The term total revision is somewhat misleading in that the constitution has not undergone any major substantive changes. After the many partial revisions, it was revised, especially linguistically, made clearer and more precise, gaps were closed or things were removed that were no longer necessary due to federal law.
The criticisms of the new constitution
Nevertheless, certain points were criticized in advance and also by the local community by two speakers. For example, that the government can decide on larger amounts on its own than before. Or the new emergency law regulation – a lesson learned from the pandemic – a shortened term of office, as well as the right to vote for everyone – including, for example, people who are incapable of judgment.
Legend:
Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider was a guest at the municipality of Appenzell in 2024.
Keystone/Gian Ehrenzeller
Every year, guests of honor are invited to the rural community. This year, among others, Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the Neuchâtel cantonal government, the Norwegian ambassador to Switzerland, Kjersti Rødsmoen, and FCSG President Matthias Hüppi were there.
More to come…