Bern’s recent municipal elections have reinforced its status as a left-leaning city, with a Red-Green coalition dominating the government. Political scientist Sean Müller highlights that this reflects voter satisfaction, as the administration effectively addresses local issues like culture and urban planning. While liberal policies attract new residents, center-right voters may feel marginalized. This leftward trend contrasts with the predominantly center-right canton, mirroring a broader pattern in Swiss cities where urban areas lean progressive amidst conservative surroundings.
The Shift to the Left in Bern’s Municipal Elections
In the recent municipal elections, Bern has solidified its position as a left-leaning city. As political dynamics evolve, what implications does this trend hold for the political landscape and for citizens who align with center-right ideologies? Political scientist Sean Müller shares his insights.
Understanding Voter Satisfaction and Government Performance
Currently, the Bern city government is dominated by the Red-Green coalition, which politicians claim reflects a high level of voter satisfaction. But is this perception accurate?
According to Sean Müller, the re-election of existing government members and the addition of new left-aligned representatives signal that citizens are indeed content with the administration’s performance. The government seems to be meeting the expectations of the majority, which is evidenced by their electoral success.
When asked to elaborate on how the city government fulfills the desires of the populace, Müller explains that municipalities have significant control over various aspects such as culture, sports, childcare, urban planning, and housing. These areas are particularly prioritized by the left, who advocate for expedited progress, even if it requires raising taxes and fees. While certain domains like security and foreign affairs lie beyond municipal authority, the city government is effectively addressing issues that matter to voters.
This approach appears to be working, as an influx of new residents has been observed in Bern.
Müller describes this phenomenon as a “virtuous circle,” where the leftist government enacts policies favored by its constituents, encouraging them to remain loyal to the city or relocate there. Conversely, conservative voters might feel disenfranchised and choose to leave, which only reinforces the left’s position in future elections.
Despite the center-right coalition narrowly missing a second seat in the city government by just a few hundred votes, concerns arise regarding the representation of one-third of the population. While the Green Liberals hold a position, many voters from parties like the FDP and SVP may feel overlooked, although these parties are still active within the city council.
The Dynamics Between City and Canton
Interestingly, Bern’s leftward shift occurs within the context of a predominantly center-right canton. This situation raises questions about the collaboration between the city and the canton. Müller notes that this trend is not unique to Bern; it mirrors a broader pattern observed in Swiss cities such as Zurich and Lausanne, which often lean left in a country that is more center-right overall. This federal structure allows regions to adopt their political preferences, but it can create friction on critical issues like security.
In summary, as Bern continues to embrace a leftist identity, it stands out as the most left-leaning city in German-speaking Switzerland. This shift is reflective of broader trends seen in other Swiss cities, with urban areas becoming increasingly progressive while surrounding regions maintain a more conservative stance.
This conversation was facilitated by Thomas Pressmann.