Federal Councilor Viola Amherd resigns. Political opponents in her home canton also regret this. The reactions.
The 62-year-old Viola Amherd (Die Mitte) announced her resignation from the Federal Council at the end of March. The bang in the Federal Parliament is something to talk about in Valais: Franziska Biner, President of the Center Upper Valais, very much regrets the resignation of “her” Federal Councilor Viola Amherd: “It is a great shame for our party, an outstanding politician is leaving with her,” says Biner.
Legend: Franziska Biner, President of the Center of Upper Valais, very much regrets the resignation of “her” Federal Councilor Viola Amherd. Keystone/Jean-Christophe Bott
She emphasizes Amherd’s down-to-earth nature and its close contacts back home. «Viola held up Valais and was a great role model. “She motivated a lot of people to get into politics and showed what can be achieved,” she adds.
Viola held up Valais and was a great role model.
Amherd was always in a good mood: “Typical Viola: She wanted to play tennis with Roger Federer, that’s her humor, her down-to-earth attitude. How Viola lives and breathes.”
Legend: “It is a shame that Valais is no longer represented in the Federal Council,” said Romano Amacker, President SVP Obewallis. Keystone/Jean-Christophe Bott
Romano Amacker, President of the SVP Upper Valais, is surprised by the resignation of the Federal Councilor, who has only been in office since 2019. “The Upper Valais is losing a Federal Councilor and a popular figure. It is a shame that Valais is no longer represented in the Federal Council,” said Amacker. He praised Amherd’s down-to-earth nature and her ability to make the Valais voice heard.
Upper Valais is losing a Federal Councilor and a popular figure.
Despite differences on issues such as rapprochement with the EU, he emphasized their closeness to the people and sympathy. «In Upper Valais they were simply called Viola. One of us, we will miss her. She has had an impressive career,” he adds.
Claudia Alpiger, President of the SP Upper Valais, is not surprised by the resignation of Federal Councilor Viola Amherd. “This doesn’t come out of the blue, also because of Gerry Pfister’s recent resignation,” said Alpiger.
Resignation doesn’t come out of the blue.
She emphasizes how Amherd has positively embodied Valais in Switzerland with her “likeable and unconventional manner”. “The Federal Council meeting in my home town of Brig was also a formative experience,” said Alpiger.
Aaron Heinzmann, President of the Upper Valais Green Party, commented on the resignation as follows: “She was a very competent Federal Councilor who politicized soberly and sensibly,” said Heinzmann.
Viola Amherd politicized soberly and with reason.
She represented the canton very well. “She also promoted the advancement of women,” says Heinzmann.
Regional Journal Bern Freiburg Valais, January 15, 2025, 5:30 p.m. ; müla,swak;buec;lehl
2025-01-15 16:05:00