Political jostling has begun to replace the Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer who announced his resignation on Friday.
Maurer is a member of the Swiss People’s Party, which now has to select candidates to fill the vacant seat. The final decision will be by a parliamentary vote.
55-year-old Albert Rösti from Bern is the favourite - he’s a former party leader and popular with his colleagues. He speaks French, which seen as an advantage.
But others point out that the party have never had a woman on the Council.
Relative newcomer, 45-year-old Esther Friedli is being touted as a contender. She’s from Sankt Gallen and has impressed in her three years in parliament.
It’s likely the party will offer up 2 candidates for parliament to choose from – but there’s some speculation it could be three. The vote will be next month.
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