A key figure in Swiss politics, Markus Ritter, has been officially nominated as a candidate by the canton of St. Gallen’s Mitte party to succeed Federal Councillor Viola Amherd.
Ritter, a seasoned politician, has been a prominent figure in the country’s agricultural sector and has demonstrated the ability to forge cross-party alliances. His political career began in 1993 as a city councilor in Altstätten, before he was elected to the National Council in 2011. He has established himself as a voice for agriculture and a politician capable of finding common ground.
Ritter’s nomination, however, comes with a challenge that is not without risk. The succession of Amherd is likely to involve the Defense Department, an area that has been marked by crises and organizational problems in recent years. Ritter lacks military experience, which may make him vulnerable to criticism from some political observers.
Despite this, he emphasizes the importance of a strong army for Switzerland, particularly in light of the geopolitical uncertainties in Europe.
The Mitte party’s decision to field Ritter highlights the focus on rural regions and the traditional core voters of the party. At the same time, this move will be scrutinized on the national level, particularly with regards to the question of gender representation in the federal government. After the resignations of Simonetta Sommaruga and Viola Amherd, it is expected that at least one woman will be elected to the government. Ritter thus finds himself in the midst of a tension between the demand for broader representation and the emphasis on professional qualifications.
The coming weeks will show whether Ritter can win the support of the entire Mitte party. The faction will officially decide on the ticket for the federal council election on February 21. It is clear that Markus Ritter is a candidate who would take on the Defense Department in challenging times. His experience, networking and ability to maintain a sense of direction in difficult situations speak in his favor. Whether this is enough to secure the election remains to be seen.
Ritter’s candidacy is more than a purely political decision. It exemplifies the positioning of the Mitte party in a phase where it must redefine itself and sharpen its role between the large blocs of the left and right. A seasoned farmer who also understands the urban political landscape could be the right choice. However, the political challenges awaiting him are unlikely to be less significant than those he has faced so far.