Even though the Collombey refinery in Valais closed its doors in 2015, Valais residents remain attached to petroleum derivatives, gasoline, fuel oil and other flavors of diesel. On Sunday, they rejected a cantonal climate law supported by all the parties in the Grand Council and the Council of State. This planned to try to achieve zero CO2 emissions in 2040. Ten years earlier than the Federal Council.
But the UDC, the right of Haut-Valais and the Valais Union of Arts and Crafts (UVAM) contested the absurd and ruinous zeal of this project. In a campaign without nuance, they have frightened the Valais residents who will soon be rationed on meat and will have to throw their good old Jeeps into the scrapyard. As a result, they won. A majority of 55.8% emerged to go ahead with the project. However, the people of Valais said yes to the federal climate law in June 2023 with 55.4% of the votes.
In “Le Nouvelliste”, Grégory Logean, head of the UDC group at the Grand Council, savored the triumph: “This proposed law went against the reality experienced on a daily basis by the people of Valais. Common sense prevailed.” But common sense was above all financed by the oil lobby in Bern, by the umbrella of fuel importers, Avernergy. His spokesperson, Martin Stucky, was there on Sunday to celebrate the result: “It’s a great moment! he said. Without money, we can’t do what we did. The money put in place was used effectively…”
He did not say how much Avernergy had invested in Valais to interfere in cantonal politics. That said, the Valaisans were not very consistent this Sunday. In a canton where the rural electorate reveres the individual car, no one would have bet on a non-Valaisian for the widening of the motorways at 54.2%. It must be believed that the relevant section between Nyon and Le Vengeron was far too far to enthuse the crowds flocking along the Rallye du Valais.
As a result, Valais will not have a climate law. This provided for a fund of 100 million francs to support the energy transition or other projects linked to global warming. This sum could have been used for projects in the side valleys, whose infrastructure is under severe pressure due to warming.
Those who fought the law prefer the heat of the barbecue or a sausage grilled in the sun on the hood of the Subaru. It’s so much funnier. And if there is no more road to go up to the chalet, we will move the mountains. It’s just a matter of common sense!
