Amherd successor: Martin Candinas resigns for Federal Council

Today valentine. New Monday 20th January 2025 07:00 AM REPORT

Successor to Viola Amherd –

Favorite Candinas doesn’t want to become Federal Councilor – Zgraggen is also canceling

The Graubünden Center National Council was already considered the top favorite to succeed Viola Amherd. Now he is taking himself out of the race. Another name is no longer on the list of candidates.

Published today at 11:17 am

Leo Müller (left) and Martin Candinas: The Graubünden favorite to succeed Amherd has canceled.

Photo: Matthias Spicher

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The Graubünden centrist National Councilor Martin Candinas, who was considered the successor to Federal Councilor Viola Amherd, does not want to become a Federal Councilor. He announced on Monday morning that he would not run for office.

In a press release he writes that his current work as a center national councilor inspires him and gives him joy. He is also involved “with deep conviction” in various associations, organizations and companies. He wants to continue doing that. These activities also allowed him enough flexibility to have time for family and friends, explains the 44-year-old, who has three children.

A candidacy for the Federal Council would require full conviction and dedication. Passion is the most important criterion for this task, writes Candinas. And: “As unique and attractive as the office of Federal Councilor is, it is currently not igniting an inner fire in me.” That’s why he decided not to run for office.

Zgraggen also cancels

The Uri Councilor of States Heidi Zgraggen also announced on Monday that she was not running for office. In a press release she writes that “my commitment and my full strength are dedicated to the concerns of the canton of Uri, the mountain areas and the whole of Switzerland”.

Zgraggen is a member of the state political and legal commissions and groundbreaking decisions will be made there in the coming months.

Pfister and Bregy don’t want to, Kutter clarifies

Candinas was considered the top favorite after Mitte President Gerhard Pfister canceled on Saturday. He “would not be a happy Federal Councilor,” said Pfister in our interview. On Sunday, the center faction leader also abstained Philipp Bregy for the benefit of his children and family on a candidacy for the Federal Council.

The Zurich National Councilor Philipp Kutter However, he is toying with the idea of joining the state government. He says he has the confidence to take on the position, but only wants to run to succeed Viola Amherd if the family supports it. And he first had to clarify whether he could carry out his office as a Federal Councilor despite his disability. Kutter has been paralyzed from the neck down since a skiing accident in 2023. The Zurich National Council says: “It would be a strong sign if someone who is dependent on a wheelchair could become a Federal Councilor today.”