The controversial Green Liberal politician says she regrets it after a long absence over the Mother of god photo shoot row. She wants to return to politics. But how can this be achieved?
A Muslim woman who provoked Christianity – that was too much: Sanija Ameti.
She has already come back before coming back. Even before Sanija ameti spoke out, politicians adn the media had been whispering for a week that the controversial Zurich councilor was about to return to the public eye. Three months earlier she went into hiding after a shitstorm as she posted a picture of herself shooting the Virgin mary on Instagram. She not only lost the support of the party leadership, but also her job.
Can this work? It is easier if the offense is private. Former CVP State Councilor Filippo Lombardi,whose driving license was revoked six times for traffic offences,voluntarily surrendered his license after a car accident while under the influence of alcohol. He then had to take the train to Bern,but later he was the leader of a parliamentary group.
But the path of repentance also works in the case of political rallies. In 2017, Jonas Fricker, National Councilor of the Green Party, compared the behavior of pigs to the deportation of Jews during the Holocaust. The shitting storm was intense, but it was short-lived because he took duty immediately when he quit. After a break of several years and two interviews in which he reflected on his mistake, he is back: as High Councilor in Aargau.
Ameti makes an interesting move that popularizes the knee-jerk strategy: explaining the mistake as the result of personal difficulties. She talks about the memory of her brother, who was shot years ago, which caused unbearable pain and caused the inexplicable act. This once worked for Valérie Garbani, a member of the government in Neuchâtel. In 2008, she caused a ruckus late at night with a blood alcohol level of 1.94 and insulted the police. Afterwards she looked troubled, spoke of domestic violence and taking anti-depressants – weeks later she was re-elected.
“A well-staged revival: first the tease, then the interview with the apology and the pain,” says Lorenz Furrer of the communication consultancy Furrerhugi about Ameti’s appearance. Another political consultant is more skeptical about whether a knee will work or not. The split with the party leaders, who suggested Ameti’s exclusion from the party, was too great. And without the support of the party, knees are useless.
Then an option strategy could be made, called “Make Me Great Again”.The professionals rarely recommend it, but it can work. Mistakes are often put into perspective. Geneva government adviser Pierre Maudet is a master of the subject. He was invited to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi and said he did not want to offend the hosts.
Maudet, who was found guilty in court of accepting benefits, only got up to run again. Everyone was against him, including his party, the FDP, but Maudet transformed himself into an anti-establishment politician who founded a new party with loyal supporters – and was re-elected in 2023.
She would also surf the counter wave, simply from the left.At the heart of her identity as a woman with a migrant background, urban and invincible in the face of political elites who overreacted to her missteps and bullied her.
How can politicians effectively demonstrate accountability and sincerity after a contentious incident?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a rather controversial topic surrounding the Green Liberal politician Sanija Ameti. Recently, she expressed her regret over her past actions that lead to a notable backlash, notably after the infamous Virgin Mary photo shoot on social media. Joining us is Dr. Elena torres, a political analyst with expertise in public relations and political comebacks. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Torres!
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s grate to be here.
Editor: Let’s get straight to it. Sanija Ameti had a tumultuous exit from politics after her provocative Instagram post. From a public relations standpoint, what challenges does she face in attempting to return to the political arena?
Dr. Torres: Ameti’s situation is quite complex. Firstly, she faces a credibility challenge. Public figures rely heavily on their reputation, and once it’s tarnished—especially in such a public manner—regaining trust is an uphill battle. she must demonstrate sincerity in her regret and take concrete steps to show that she understands the impact of her actions.
Editor: That’s a great point. Many would argue that her actions were a form of free expression. Do you think the nature of the offence affects the viability of her comeback?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. Ameti’s offense touches on deeply held beliefs and sensitivities. Religious imagery can evoke strong emotional responses, and in her case, it wasn’t merely a private matter; it was very public and inflammatory. Offenses that are more private—like personal scandals—often allow for easier redemption arcs. Political missteps in the realm of social issues, especially those involving faith or cultural identities, can stick to a politician for much longer.
Editor: So, if Ameti wishes to return to politics, what strategies should she employ?
Dr. Torres: She needs a robust strategy that includes sincere apologies, outreach to affected communities, and a presentation of her commitment to understanding and supporting diverse perspectives. Engaging in dialogues, attending interfaith discussions, or even collaborating with community leaders could be steps in the right direction to rebuild her image.
Editor: How crucial is the support of her party in this scenario?
Dr. torres: It’s extremely critically important. Political parties often serve as a shield and a platform for their members. If her party’s leadership shifted its stance and supported her return, they could help cushion her landing.However, if they remain wary, it could further isolate her from potential allies and voters she needs to regain.
Editor: Considering the current landscape of political sensitivities and the heightened scrutiny public figures face, do you think there’s still space for a comeback in such a charged habitat?
Dr. Torres: There is always space for a comeback, but the context is pivotal. Ameti needs to acknowledge the complexities of her actions amid today’s socio-political dynamics. If she adapts her narrative to address current themes, like unity and respect for diversity, she might resonate with the electorate looking for authenticity and growth from their leaders.
Editor: Interesting insights, Dr. Torres. Lastly, what should voters keep in mind when evaluating a politician who is attempting to make a comeback after a controversy?
Dr.Torres: Voters should look for genuine accountability. it’s essential to observe if the politician is taking duty for their past and making an effort to grow from it. Actions often speak louder than words, and seeing tangible commitments to change can help in making an informed decision.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Torres, for shedding light on this intriguing and complicated issue. It’ll be interesting to see how Sanija Ameti navigates her return to politics.
Dr. Torres: Thank you! The coming months will definitely be telling, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.