(MENAFN- Swissinfo)
Markus Ritter from the Centre Party has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed Defence Minister Viola Amherd on the seven-seat Swiss government.
This content was published on
January 28, 2025 - 14:26
3 minutes
Keystone-SDA
Français
fr
Markus Ritter candidat à la succession de Viola Amherd
Original
Read more: Markus Ritter candidat à la succession de Viola Amher
+Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox
The Centre Party's cantonal section announced on Tuesday that it was proposing the parliamentarian and president of the Swiss Farmers' Association to the parliamentary group.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I enjoy difficult tasks,” Ritter, 57, said. The defence ministry, which is being vacated following the announcement of Viola Amherd's resignation, is currently facing major challenges, he said.“Such challenges have always made me progress,” he added.
+ Swiss defence minister denies 'chaotic' handover
The defence ministry is a key department“that deserves our full attention” in these troubled times in Europe and around the world, he said. We must“look to the future” and quickly find solutions to current problems.
Ritter has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2011. He has been president of the Swiss Farmers' Association since 2012. He began his political career as a municipal councillor in Altstätten, canton St Gallen, in 1993. Ritter is recognised as an influential member of parliament.
However, he has a slight handicap when it comes to election to the government, as he comes from the same canton as Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter.
+ The 'magic formula' of Switzerland's direct democracy
Decision on March 12
Ritter is the first Centre Party representative to officially enter the race to succeed Amherd.
The Centre Party's cantonal parties have until February 3 to propose candidates. The Centre Party parliamentary group will decide on the ticket on February 21. The election to the government will take place on March 12.
+ The top Swiss job that nobody wants
Ritter has announced his resignation as Swiss Farmers' Association president for 2028. The association is already planning his succession. If Ritter is elected to the government, the procedure would be accelerated, the Swiss Farmers' Association said in a press release on Tuesday.
Translated from French by DeepL/ts
MENAFN29012025000210011054ID1109141618
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.