The army has lost its credibility

Céline Amaudruz, a National Council member for the Swiss People's Party (SVP) from Geneva, has announced her candidacy for the Federal Council. She aims to succeed Guy Parmelin in the Federal Council and secure the SVP seat for Western Switzerland. Amaudruz made the announcement at a press conference in a Geneva hotel on Thursday. The official nomination process will conclude next week, with the SVP deciding its formal candidate on November 20. The final vote for the Federal Council will take place on December 9. Amaudruz explained she decided to run after learning of Parmelin’s retirement unexpectedly. She took up a new position on October 1, which required time to consider her decision. She emphasized that the opportunity to serve in the Federal Council was unique for both herself and Western Switzerland. Amaudruz acknowledged she does not fit the traditional image of an SVP candidate. However, she argued that despite different backgrounds, she shares the party’s core concerns. As head of a listed company that is Switzerland’s second-largest grain producer, she claimed to have a strong connection to agriculture. She added that should she ever deviate from the party line, her Geneva party leader would remind her. Regarding criticism that she is moving closer to the Free Democratic Party (FDP), Amaudruz stated many FDP politicians do not hold as clear a stance as she does on European policy, immigration, and border protection, issues central to the SVP. She referenced her involvement in the neutrality debate as evidence of her commitment to SVP principles. On tax policy, Amaudruz noted that the SVP and FDP are relatively aligned. She emphasized her focus on strengthening household purchasing power, particularly addressing the disparity in taxation between married and unmarried couples. The location of her press conference near Geneva’s Cornavin train station was deliberate. Amaudruz highlighted the importance of rail transport for Western Switzerland and stressed that her campaign is aimed at serving all of Switzerland, not just her region or party. Roger Köppel, another SVP politician, has criticized Amaudruz, though specific details of his comments were not provided. Amaudruz expressed surprise that she had been considered capable for ten years but is now questioned.