Esther Friedli rules herself out of race to succeed Guy Parmelin

Esther Friedli, a politician from Switzerland’s SVP party, has ruled herself out of the race to replace Guy Parmelin on the Federal Council, the country’s executive body.

She says she wants to continue representing the canton of St. Gallen in the Council of States, Switzerland’s upper house of parliament.

Friedli said she has held that seat for only three and a half years and also runs a business with her husband.

She said fellow SVP politician Pascal Schmid has the qualities needed for the job, and also named Valais government member Franz Ruppen as a possible candidate.

Friedli did not mention Zurich government member Nathalie Rickli, who is considering a run.

The SVP wants the Justice Department, while another guest questioned whether the party truly intends to take it over.

SVP politicians can register by October 23, the party’s parliamentary group will choose its ticket on November 20, and parliament is due to elect Parmelin’s successor on December 9.