“A falsification of the voters’ will”: This is how FDP President Thierry Burkart reacts to Matthias Jauslin’s move to the GLP
The Aargau National Councilor Matthias Jauslin turns his back on the FDP and joins the GLP. FDP party president Thierry Burkart reacts soberly and rejects Jauslin’s criticism of the FDP’s environmental and climate policy.
A picture from times gone by: FDP politicians Matthias Jauslin and Thierry Burkart in conversation in the Federal Palace.
Bild: Anthony Anex/Keystone (6. 3. 2018)
Thierry Burkart, what was your reaction when you found out about Matthias Jauslin’s change of party?
Thierry Burkart: We acknowledge the decision. Given the fact that Matthias Jauslin has often voted differently than the rest of the group in recent years, we are not surprised by his decision. Of course, we would have welcomed it if he had consistently taken this step before the federal elections around a year ago.
Jauslin justifies his change with environmental and climate policy. He wants to tackle this progressively, but he no longer sees the willingness to do so in the FDP. Can you understand that?
Both the FDP and I myself supported the climate law, as well as the electricity law. However, we are against increasing subsidies without having any benefit for the climate.
The change is annoying, however, because the Aargau FDP no longer has a voice in the Grand Chamber. As President of the National Council, Maja Riniker is only allowed to make casting decisions.
This is of course unpleasant because the change results in a distortion of the will of the voters, especially since the FDP was actually awarded two seats and the GLP was actually only awarded one. But we have to live with that now. A year ago, Zurich cantonal councilor Isabel Garcia switched from the GLP to the FDP. The GLP insulted us viciously, a GLP politician even went to court. In the opposite case, she apparently thinks it’s okay.
Are you disappointed that Matthias Jauslin didn’t inform you personally?
The cantonal party president informed me of his decision this morning. How he does it is up to him. That doesn’t change the fact anyway.
The party change became apparent because Matthias Jauslin repeatedly voted differently than the rest of the group. The positive thing about it is that Jauslin, as a deviant, can no longer get his party and you as party president into trouble?
He hasn’t done that in the past either, because his different attitude was regular and known to everyone. It’s his decision. But he would still have been welcome with us.
