The National Council elevated the FDP Aargau politician to the office of Switzerland’s highest woman. Portrait.
Maja Riniker is the highest-ranking Swiss woman: The FDP Aargau politician has been elected by the national Council as President of the National Council. She has been a member of the National Council since 2019, but she is not a political newcomer: at the age of 17, she spoke in the youth session in this hall.
The now 46-year-old has been involved in politics for a long time. “the door opened at the right moment adn I took the opportunity,” says Riniker. The election for the President of the National Council came quickly. ”But I can look back on 20 years of political commitment.”
Election campaign in your own group
With her political experience from the Aargau parliament, she was able to quickly establish herself in Bern and make a name for herself in security policy. But along with these aspects, good timing is of particular importance. There is a rule of rotation for the Presidency of the National Council among the parties. Now it is Riniker’s turn on FDP.
Riniker explains that there is an unwritten law in her party that the office would go to German-speaking Switzerland and then back to French-speaking Switzerland. “Since the office is now falling to German-speaking Switzerland, I decided to run after weighing the various options within the group.”
But good timing alone is not enough. It is also crucial that he has a high reputation within the group. Anyone who has many opponents in the National Council faction is unlikely to become president. riniker can convince many people with her winning ways. She managed to do this within the party as well.
Before the election, she spoke to each member of her group and tried to explain their skills and motivation. «My family supports me and I was also able to show that I have the language skills to travel the world. I am very grateful to the group that they voted for me in the end.”
So you need good timing, a communicative personality and a good network to become the tallest Swiss woman. However, this office has influence: apart from a potentially decisive vote, the most politically senior Swiss person has had little to say during this year in office.
“It’s also not appropriate to express yourself politically in this office,” says Riniker. “But it is indeed very critically important to guide councils and debates that this function must also be learned.” She also received the “apprenticeship” as deputy President of the Council for the past two years.
There are no ambitions from the Federal Council (yet).
Perhaps the President of the National Council who will be there in the future feels that he is called to do more things. 27 of the previous 202 Presidents of the National Council were later elected to the Federal Council. The chance is thus 13.3 percent that Riniker will also be a Federal Councillor. So it is much higher than in the case of all other parliaments.
“Perhaps I am one of the 86 percent who will not be a Federal Councillor. At the moment the topic is not on the agenda at all,” says the woman from Aargau. She wants to have a good and triumphant year as President of the National Council. “The future will show everything else.”
Now she will be the tallest Swiss woman for the first time.
What impact does female political representation have on governance in Switzerland?
Interview: The Future of Swiss Politics and Gender Representation
interviewer: Laura Klein, Editor of Time.news
Expert: Dr. Sarah Schmidt, Political Scientist and Gender Studies Expert
Laura Klein: Welcome, Dr. Schmidt! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. I’m sure many of our readers are eager to hear your insights on the recent elevation of the FDP Aargau politician to Switzerland’s highest female office. What are your thoughts on this historic advancement?
Dr. Sarah Schmidt: Thank you, Laura! It’s great to be hear. This elevation is indeed a significant milestone in Swiss politics, reflecting a broader trend toward gender representation in leadership roles. It’s not just about having women in high positions; it’s about the influence and perspectives they bring to governance.
Laura Klein: Absolutely! Can you share why this particular appointment is especially important for women’s representation in switzerland?
Dr. Sarah Schmidt: Certainly. Switzerland has a reputation for being progressive, yet it has lagged in terms of female representation at the highest levels of government. By promoting women to visible leadership roles,such as this elevated position,it sets a precedent and serves as a role model for future generations. It sends a strong message that gender should not be a barrier to political influence and decision-making.
Laura Klein: That’s a great point. How do you think this appointment will inspire the next generation of female leaders in Switzerland?
Dr. Sarah Schmidt: Young women will see that it is possible to reach the highest levels of political power. Representation matters; when girls and young women can visualize themselves in these roles,they are more likely to aspire to and pursue careers in politics. furthermore, it may encourage political parties to prioritize gender diversity in their candidate selection processes.
Laura klein: Speaking of political parties, do you think this appointment will trigger changes within the FDP and other parties regarding gender diversity initiatives?
Dr. Sarah Schmidt: I believe so. political parties often respond to public sentiment and events.If the public supports this move toward increased female representation,pressure will mount for parties to adopt more inclusive practices. this could lead to the implementation of mentorship programs or stricter gender quotas in candidate selections.
Laura Klein: It sounds promising! What challenges do female politicians still face in Switzerland, even with this positive development?
Dr. Sarah Schmidt: Women in politics face several challenges,including gender biases,balancing work and family life,and navigating a political landscape that has historically been male-dominated. Even with strides like this, systemic barriers still exist. Continued efforts are necessary to ensure that women’s voices are heard and valued equally.
laura Klein: What strategies do you propose to overcome these challenges and support female politicians in the long run?
Dr. Sarah Schmidt: First and foremost, we need to foster an environment that values work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and childcare support. Additionally, educating the public about gender biases and encouraging women to speak up can build a more supportive culture. Lastly, increased funding for women’s political campaigns can help level the playing field, allowing for more women to run effectively.
Laura Klein: Those are practical and actionable strategies. As a closing thought, how do you envision the future of gender representation in Swiss politics?
Dr.Sarah Schmidt: I envision a political landscape where gender parity is not just aspired to but achieved. This will require ongoing commitment and advocacy, but as more women rise to prominent positions, the normalization of female leadership will continue. ultimately, it’s about creating a government that truly reflects the diversity of its citizens.
Laura Klein: Thank you, dr. Schmidt, for your insightful analysis and optimism regarding the future of gender representation in Swiss politics. It’s an exciting time to witness these changes unfold!
Dr. Sarah Schmidt: Thank you, Laura! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important topic.
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Laura Klein: For more on the evolving landscape of Swiss politics and gender representation, please check out our website for updates and expert analyses.