Published22. July 2024, 12:25
US ElectionsSVP members are for Trump – except one: “Harris is better for Switzerland”
After Joe Biden’s withdrawal, all signs point to Kamala Harris as the Democrats’ replacement candidate. This pleases many Swiss parliamentarians from the left to the center – while citizens warn against “regulatory democrats”.
Vaughan
Kamala Harris wants to secure the presidential seat for the Democrats after Joe Biden withdraws.
Swiss lawmakers welcomed Harris’s potential candidacy.
On the other hand, the citizens are trusting Donald Trump – except for SVP National Councillor Jörg Rüegsegger.
Harris has already convinced him to become vice president.
Meanwhile, EPP national councillor Nick Gugger is hoping for a surprise candidacy from Michelle Obama.
It won’t be Donald Trump vs Joe Biden in the autumn: the outgoing US president announced on Sunday he was withdrawing from the race.
Instead, he is proposing his current vice president, Kamala Harris, as a replacement candidate. She was on a visit to Switzerland just a few weeks ago when she attended the peace conference in Bürgenstock.
The peace conference took place at Bürgenstock on June 15 and 16. Several heads of government attended – including US Vice President Kamala Harris.
20 minutesDid this help him build contacts in this country that could help Switzerland if he were elected? 20 minutes asked of Swiss politicians.
SVP: Harris is a “regulation-crazy socialist”
SVP National Councillor Franz Grüter does not believe Harris’s visit to Switzerland will do any good. “Harris wasn’t even on the Bürgenstock for 24 hours. I can’t imagine that this would have contributed to any sympathy,” says Grüter. “Generally speaking, when the Republicans were in power in the United States, it was always easier for Switzerland,” he says.
His party and council colleague Roland Rino Buchel also agrees with this assessment: Democrats have evolved into “regulation-crazy socialists,” he says. “Democratic presidents, especially the people behind them – visible and invisible – almost systematically harm our country when they are in power.”
FDP national councillor Simon Michel also assesses the US starting position in a similar way. Republicans support a prosperous economy and lower taxes to invest in innovation and research. “Trump himself does not ‘govern’ – the Republican majority in parliament is just as important,” the FDP man said. Like SVP Man Grütter, he also believes that Trump can stop Vladimir Putin and calm the situation in Gaza.
One SVP guy backed down – “Harris is the better choice”
“Trump doesn’t care about Switzerland,” says Bernese SVP national councillor Hans Jörg Rüegsegger. “So I think Harris would be better for Switzerland.” In terms of values it is closer to Europe. Unlike his party colleagues, he believes, “Whether it’s domestic issues like migration or social issues, but also support for the unemployed, she is definitely closer to our values than Trump.”
Harris even persuaded him to become vice president. “Trump, on the other hand, represents only the extreme position. His conduct and behavior – but also his age – are unhealthy for the future of world power.
“Harris stands for an open and connected United States”
Center national councillor Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter is relieved that Biden has stepped down. Biden’s age makes him less electable every day. Harris as a replacement candidate has raised hopes among Basel residents: “She stands for an open and networked United States, which also contributes to functioning multilateralism.” This is “extremely important” for a small economy like Switzerland.
Trump, on the other hand, would be, among other things, detrimental to the Swiss export economy. “Additional trade barriers – such as tariffs – would make the US market less attractive for our export industry.” The centerwoman believes that the meeting between Harris and Federal President Viola Amherd at the Bürgenstock could have a beneficial effect on future cooperation.
SP National Counselor Farah Rumi also believes that Harris’ visit to Switzerland “definitely generated positive empathy” that could be beneficial in future bilateral talks and negotiations. The SP woman clearly supports Harris’ candidacy – and cites the same advantages and disadvantages of choosing Trump as her council colleague Schneider-Schneiter.
“My favorite candidate is Michelle Obama”
EPP National Councillor Nick Gugger expects the Democrats to win – but he is counting on another presidential candidate: “My favorite candidate is Michelle Obama.” She has the best poll numbers and Gugger believes she has the best chances.
But whether or not she will join the race remains to be seen. It is highly unlikely, as the former First Lady has already stressed several times that she has no intention or interest in entering politics or running for the presidency.
Have you been following on WhatsApp for 20 minutes?
News overview, surprising stories and breaking news in the morning and at the end of the day: subscribe to the 20 Minutes WhatsApp channel and you will receive regular updates with our best stories directly on your cell phone.