Elections in Saanen | October 27, 2024
In Saanen, the composition of the local council will change for the next four years. The FDP gains one seat at the expense of the SVP. Petra Schläppi (SVP) becomes the first female mayor of Saan. The voter turnout was almost 50 percent.
Voting took place in Saanen on Sunday. Photo: Alina Dubach
Petra Schläppi (SVP) achieved the absolute majority with a comfortable lead and became the first woman to become mayor of Saan. She received 980 votes, followed by David Schmid (FDP) with 704 votes and Martin Göppert (independent) with 139 votes.
Hans Schär (FDP) is elected as president of the community assembly. He prevailed with 1124 votes against Emanuel Raaflaub-Kohli (SVP) (686 votes). A few weeks ago, Christian Gafner (FDP) was confirmed as vice-president of the municipal assembly in a silent election.
In the nine-member local council 2025 – 2029, the FDP wins one seat at the expense of the SVP. The composition is now as follows: SVP five seats, FDP three seats and the GLP one seat. 1942 voters voted, the turnout is 49.92 Percent.
The elected candidates will receive the election notice from the administrative directorate at the beginning of the week, including a five-day notice to reject the election if necessary.
Distribution of departments in January
Mayor Toni von Grünigen is pleased about the election of a woman to the Saaner leadership as well as about the expected continuity through the re-election of almost everyone who has been elected so far. «Especially in times of rapid change, it is important to continue what we have started and to pursue common goals. I wish the future team a lot of joy and success.”
The mayor noted with regret that local councilor Thomas Frei missed out on re-election: “Thomas Frei was very committed to the community of Saanen. I would like to thank him very much for that at this point.”
The distribution of departments within the newly elected local council will take place at the beginning of January 2025.
