Markus Ritter believes to be the right person for the Federal Council – RTS.CH

Markus Ritter believes to be the right person for the Federal Council – RTS.CH


The succession of Viola Amherd to the Federal Council is difficult, recognizes national councilor Markus Ritter, candidate for the post. “It is the ninth election to the Federal Council I attend, but I have never seen such a departure situation.”

The Saint-Gallois centrist points to an interview broadcast Wednesday by the German newspapers of the Tamedia press group The challenges and the difficulties of the Federal Defense Department, led by the resigning Valais Minister. This department needs someone who is able to hold and take responsibility, he adds.

After the numerous refusals to be a candidate in the center, in particular that of the national councilor Martin Candinas (Center/GR), Markus Ritter says he wondered if he was the right person. “The answer is now known: ‘Yes'”.

The president of the Swiss Union of Peasants (USP) regrets the absence of candidates in cities. “At the Federal Council, you have to work 60 to 80 hours [par semaine] and be present. This does not work otherwise, “he continues, stressing that he is used to working almost without interruption throughout the year, with his mandates within the USP and the National Council.

>> Listen to his interview in the Forum program:

The Saint-Gallen Markus Ritter, the first official candidate for the succession of Viola Amherd: interview with Markus Ritter

The Saint-Gallois Markus Ritter, the first official candidate for the succession of Viola Amherd: interview with Markus Ritter / Forum / 8 min. / January 28, 2025

“Stay under radars”

Markus Ritter declares himself in favor of an “armed neutrality”. Switzerland is expected to be dismissed, he adds, notably pointing to the policy of US President Donald Trump. “He is unpredictable and he will put Europe under pressure”. It is therefore important that Switzerland “remains under radars”, notes the 57-year-old St-Gallois.

The national councilor sees several challenges Federal Department of Defense, Population Protection and Sports (DDPS), evoking criticism from the Parliament’s finance delegation, which had reported “worrying situations” for several key projects. If he had to take over the department, Markus Ritter wants to act quickly and restore confidence to employees. “The Department of Defense must be a place where we are proud to work”.

A national advisor since 2011, Markus Ritter is the only centrist candidate with the Zugois Minister of Health Martin Pfister as Viola Amherd, who announced his departure from the Federal Council in late March. The files of the two men must be examined. The group with federal chambers of the center will present on February 21 the official ticket for the election. This will take place on March 12.

ats/ebz

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