Published on January 15, 2025 at 7:50 p.m.
3 mins. reading
Viola Amherd was said to be leaving; Federal Bern was buzzing with rumors of a joint announcement with his PLR colleague Ignazio Cassis. Recently, the federal councilor was put under pressure by the UDC, which demanded her resignation. But the speed of the Federal Councilor’s departure, for the end of March, nevertheless surprised the entire political community. Many imagined the Valaisanne, responsible for the army and sports, wanting to honor women’s Eurofoot in July. “We are very surprised by this resignation,” confirms Neuchâtel national councilor Fabien Fivaz, vice-president of the Green parliamentary group. Her Jura socialist colleague, Pierre-Alain Fridez, member of the security committee, even saw her in “a trend” to stay, given the projects launched.
The feeling is shared on the other end of the spectrum, at the SVP, where national councilor Manfred Bühler admits to having been surprised. “But I cannot say that this Wednesday is the worst day of my political career,” slips the Bernese, whose party had accused Viola Amherd of endangering the security of the country. “In a tense geopolitical context, she preferred to prioritize gender issues rather than rearmament,” says Manfred Bühler. His successor will have to give the army its priorities again.” Criticisms with which the other right-wing party, the PLR, did not join. His group leader in the Chambers, Neuchâtel resident Damien Cottier, “thanks the federal councilor for her commitment”. Welcoming his successes, such as the purchase of new combat planes, the national advisor nevertheless calls “to reflect today on a real security strategy”.
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