The After-Hours Politicians (Swiss Press Text 2018, by Sven Altermatt) - Swiss Press Award
az Solothurner Zeitung
Sven Altermatt
The Swiss system of citizen legislature politicians is crumbling: the author reaches this conclusion following the results of a poll, taken before the municipal elections in the canton of Solothurn. Recruiting local councillors has become increasingly difficult. Their tasks have both expanded and become more demanding, while financial compensation is generally modest. Pursuing local politics while also maintaining a work and private life, is barely feasible these days. “The after-hours politicians”, as they are dubbed in the title, sit in Boningen, Luterbach and Nuglar-St. Pantaleon. It is from these villages that the great community report is drawn. It scrutinises the presidents of these municipalities, addresses problems and proposes solutions. Also quoted are a political scientist and a community advisor, whose solution to the malaise “undermines one of the essential pillars of the country”: they demand more professionalisation.
Interview with Sven Altermatt
