In central Switzerland, votes and elections are also held in the municipalities. A selection of important decisions in alphabetical order.
Lucerne
Malters: Bodenmatt retirement and nursing home can be converted and extended. Among other things, there are more single rooms and centers for assisted living.
Meggen: In the future, certain properties will be able to heat with energy from lake water. The population has approved a corresponding contract with CKW, which is responsible for the construction and operation of the energy network.
Throw out: The Hotel Lützelau can be rebuilt. A hotel complex is being built with health and spa services, as well as apartments.
Obwalden
Sarnen: The population clearly says that the 2025 budget is for the capital. A surplus of almost 640,000 francs is expected.
Schwyz
Laughter: The indoor project “Sports and Culture on the Lake” costing about 58 million francs can be achieved, and the population is also saying that the double gymnasium is temporary at the Biberzelten site. A new underground car park at the lake has been rejected.
Uri
Andermatt: Former local councilor and vice-president Jost Meyer (FDP) lost the absolute majority and was voted out. Fabian Imhof (center) and Claudia Tresch (independent) are new to the local council. One local council seat remains vacant.
Burghland: The population clearly says yes to a loan of 646,500 francs for the renovation of the church square.
File: The local council can improve the lake front. The Sovereign agrees with all three related submissions. This includes a commitment loan of 2.1 million francs for the purchase of property.
To wash: In Wassen, two local council seats were vacant and there were no official candidates. Felix Baumann and Andreas Baumann have been elected to the local council. The duty to hold office belongs to them. You now have ten days to present compelling reasons not to take the city council office.
Juice
Bar: Vital Hotz (center) takes a new seat on the local council. He prevailed in the second round against Simon Uster (another option – the Greens).
Cam: The town center will be redesigned and upgraded. The sovereign has approved a realized loan of almost 24 million francs.
Hunenberg: The new community center can be built. The population clearly says that there is a construction loan of almost 30 million francs.
Oberäger: The electorate says yes to the local planning review, which creates the basis for community development and design.
Steinhausen: In the supplementary election for local councilor Beda Schlumpf (FDP) who resigned, no one achieved a clear majority. This will lead to a second round of voting.
How do local elections in Switzerland impact community development and sustainability?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Political Expert on Local Swiss Elections
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special edition of Time.News. Today, we’re diving into the intriguing local elections taking place in central Switzerland. Joining me is Dr. Anna Schmid, a political scientist and expert on Swiss governance. Anna, thank you for being here.
Dr. Schmid: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss these important local decisions!
Editor: Let’s start with the municipality of Lucerne. They’ve made some significant decisions regarding the Bodenmatt retirement and nursing home. Can you explain the implication of converting this facility?
Dr. Schmid: Absolutely. The decision to convert and extend the Bodenmatt retirement and nursing home indicates a progressive approach to elder care. By adding more single rooms and centers for assisted living, Lucerne is prioritizing the dignity and comfort of its aging population. This move reflects a broader trend in Switzerland where communities are looking for innovative ways to enhance the quality of life for seniors.
Editor: That’s a great insight! Moving on to Meggen, where residents have approved a deal to harness energy from lake water. How significant is this in terms of sustainability efforts?
Dr. Schmid: This is quite significant. Utilizing lake water for heating represents a shift towards more sustainable energy solutions. The initiative not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also demonstrates the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. It sets a precedent that could inspire other municipalities to explore similar renewable energy options.
Editor: Indeed, it’s a promising step forward. Now, the Hotel Lützelau in Throw is set for redevelopment into a complex that includes health and spa services. What socioeconomic impacts can we expect from such developments?
Dr. Schmid: Projects like the Hotel Lützelau redevelopment can boost local economies by attracting tourism and creating jobs. Health and wellness tourism is on the rise, and by providing these services, Throw is positioning itself as a destination for relaxation and recovery. This can lead to a vibrant local economy and enhance community pride.
Editor: Excellent points. Shifting our focus to Obwalden, the municipality of Sarnen has approved a solid budget with a significant surplus. What does this indicate about local governance there?
Dr. Schmid: A healthy budget surplus suggests effective financial management and foresight in local governance. It provides the municipality with the flexibility to invest in future projects or enhance public services. This success could also foster greater community trust in local leaders, encouraging citizen involvement in future decision-making.
Editor: It seems that good financial management is a crucial theme in these municipalities. In Schwyz, a major sports and culture project is approved, but residents rejected a new underground car park. How do you interpret this juxtaposition?
Dr. Schmid: This scenario encapsulates the complexity of local governance and citizen priorities. While the community supports initiatives that promote sports and culture, the rejection of the underground parking indicates a preference for maintaining open space or concerns about potential environmental impacts. This dynamic illustrates how local councils must navigate varied public interests and expectations.
Editor: That’s a fascinating way to look at it. Lastly, in Uri, we see a political shift with new local council members elected in Andermatt. What does this change signify for the community?
Dr. Schmid: Political shifts like this can herald new ideas and perspectives in local governance. The introduction of new members often represents a change in priorities and may lead to innovative approaches to community challenges. It’s an opportunity for the citizens of Andermatt to have their voices heard and to shape the future direction of their municipality.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Schmid, for your valuable insights into these local elections and their impacts on the communities. It’s evident that what happens at the municipal level can significantly affect the lives of residents, both socially and economically.
Dr. Schmid: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep an eye on these developments, as they reflect broader trends in governance and community engagement.
Editor: And to our viewers, thank you for joining us! Stay tuned for more coverage on local governance and its implications across the globe.