- In the “Rundschau” JSVP President Nils Fiechter and Strategy Director Sarah Regez answer questions about the Young SVP’s problematic proximity to right-wing extremists.
- Fiechter defends his head of strategy against internal criticism. Both brush aside calls for resignation.
A week ago, “Sonntagsblick” made it public that Sarah Regez, head of strategy for the Junge SVP, had taken part in a meeting with Martin Sellner, activist of the right-wing extremist Identitarian movement in Austria, in May 2023. Apparently members of the right-wing extremist “Junge Tat” were also there. Since these headlines, there have been rumblings in the young party of Switzerland’s largest party: six sections are demanding Regez’s resignation, and in an open letter members are demanding that the party leadership distance itself from right-wing extremism.
Max Slongo, President of the Junge SVP Säntis, told the “Rundschau”: “I think what’s problematic is not necessarily that she was at a meeting, but what’s problematic is that she doesn’t distance herself afterwards.” You can talk to everyone, but: “If there are red lines, if there are extremist demands that are also inhumane, then the head of strategy for the young SVP in particular must clearly distance herself from them. I really regret that this hasn’t happened until now.”
At the “Rundschau” counter, Sarah Regez said when asked whether she shared Martin Sellner’s positions: “I think there may be overlaps with the Junge SVP.” There are overlaps with all sorts of groups, but they clearly support the positions of the Young SVP. Regarding the controversial term “remigration,” she says: “I have to say very clearly that we fundamentally reject anything that involves violence, be it physical or psychological violence.” She rejects demands like “all foreigners out”.
She didn’t do anything wrong. She did everything right.
The President of the Young SVP Switzerland, Nils Fiechter, does not respond to the demands of his party members to clearly differentiate themselves against right-wing extremism in the “Rundschau”: “I talk to everyone.” As president of the country’s largest young party, he doesn’t feel the need to distance himself from other groups across the board. And stands behind his head of strategy and partner Sarah Regez. «She didn’t do anything wrong. She did everything right.” He did not want to provide any further information about his relationship status.
Critics within the party see it differently. Max Slongo says: “She is no longer capable of acting.” The party leadership of the Young SVP Switzerland is obliged to replace her.
The party leadership of the Young SVP has invited the cantonal party presidents to a discussion.
Rundschau, April 10, 2024, 8:05 p.m.; red/webs/fulu