In Valais, the Greens are faltering while the UDC consolidates its local roots

Published on November 11, 2024 at 5:21 p.m. / Modified on November 11, 2024 at 5:57 p.m.

The city of Martigny embodies the reality of Valais municipal elections. By not reaching the quorum – set at 8% – the Greens lose their 8 legislative seats in the Octodurian city, while, conversely, the UDC is making a comeback, pocketing… 8 seats. This reality of the bend of the Rhône is reflected throughout the canton. The day after these local elections, environmentalists are stunned while the UDC triumphs. Two opposing trajectories which are part of an underlying trend.

Valais has always been a canton largely resistant to environmentalist ideas. Whether facing the wolf or Lex Weber for example. And this materialized at the ballot boxes. At a time when the green wave was sweeping Switzerland, in 2019, the Valais Greens obtained a seat in the National Council for the first time, just six years after their entry into the cantonal parliament. “The Greens arrived very quickly, very high. But, unlike the UDC, they did not succeed in the stabilization phase and are experiencing a backlash since the ecological theme has decreased in intensity,” analyzes Kevin Pellouchoud, vice-president of the UDC of Valais romand.

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