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Who will move into the key DETEC department – and will there be a change in the unpopular defense department?
Simonetta Sommaruga is leaving the state government after twelve years. She justifies the decision with her husband’s state of health. Media and politics pay respect to the outgoing Federal Councilor.
At the same time, according to the tenor, the resignation comes at an inopportune time: Because Switzerland is in the middle of the biggest energy crisis in decades. And with the energy transition, her department is faced with a mammoth task that has occupied Switzerland for decades.
Vacancy in key department
One of the key questions in federal Bern is who will head the Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) in the future. It is also important for the SP.
SP faction leader Roger Nordmann does not reveal to SRF News how he wants to secure the department. “This is an internal task of the Federal Council. He should solve this. This is the basis for the Federal Council to function well and we respect the institutional conditions. »
Despite Nordmann’s reluctance, it seems clear to SRF federal house editor Oliver Washington: “The SP wants to keep the department – and from a left-green perspective, it has to keep it in the current energy and climate crisis.”
SVP crown favorite Rösti is probably looking at DETEC
One thing is clear: not only the SP is keeping an eye on the energy dossier, which is so important at the moment. With Albert Rösti, the SVP could send an experienced energy politician into the race to succeed Federal Councilor Ueli Maurer. It is obvious that he would like to take over the environment and energy department.
The finance department should definitely remain in the hands of the citizens. Claims at the Department of the Environment can still come.
However, when it comes to the distribution of departments, the longest-serving Federal Councilors are the first to make their wishes known. Angry tongues describe the VBS as a beginner’s department. Most recently, Viola Amherd took over – against her wishes. Guy Parmelin also moved to the Defense Department after his election to the Federal Council.
The citizens are not yet officially registering a claim to DETEC. “They focus primarily on the finance department,” says Washington. “This should definitely remain in the hands of the citizens. However, claims can still come from the Department of the Environment.”
Non-aggression pact in the left-green camp
SVP faction leader Thomas Aeschi puts his party’s claim to DETEC into perspective. “But the bourgeois side has to think twice about whether they don’t want to occupy this key department after all.”
The Greens do not want to attack the second SP seat in the Bundesrat – out of consideration for the peace in the left-green camp. “Amazing,” says the Bundeshaus editor. “Even if you consider that the environment department will be free.”
Legend:
The Greens are likely to remain on the waiting bench if they don’t attack an SP Federal Council seat, says Washington: “A green seat at the expense of the bourgeoisie should fall into the category of green dreams for a long time to come.”
Keystone/Christian Beutler
Last week, Greens President Balthasar Glättli said that no other party was more competent in climate and energy policy. “One would have to start with this self-image if the corresponding department has to be filled.” In the end, however, the Federal Council committee decides – and ultimately everything depends on your personal preferences.