Fifteen municipal council candidates and three presidential candidates answered questions from moderator Frank Müller during an engaging and well-attended election debate on Monday, 14 October, at the Landhaus in Saanen. Key issues discussed included healthcare, school strategy, housing, public transport, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, childcare, skills shortages, and climate change. The event was organised by GLP, FDP, SP, SVP, and independent candidate Martin Göppert.

Focus on Renewable Energy
Following the failure of SolSarine, renewable energy dominated discussions. The Saanen Energy Plan 2030 aims to have 80% of electricity consumption covered by renewables. Philipp Marmet (GLP) supports incentivising homeowners to install PV systems, while Martin Hefti (SVP) also supports municipal subsidies for solar systems on existing roofs.

The housing shortage
Housing remains a pressing issue. Patricia Matti (SVP) advocates equal treatment in building applications and suggests locals reconsider selling their properties. René Schopfer (FDP) plans to advance housing projects like Ebnitmatte and Alpenblick. Simon Moratti (FDP) stresses completing existing infrastructure projects, while Robin Romang (GLP) urges investment in schools, which have seen little improvement in 40 years.

Youth activities and Public Services
Petra Schläppi (SVP) highlighted ongoing youth activities, such as the new pub in Saanerhof and the Fête de la Musique Gstaad. Elio von Grünigen (FDP) called for municipal support to foster more creative projects for youth. Schläppi also emphasised enhancing essential services, particularly in healthcare, while Sigi Feller (FDP) prefers investing in local services over supporting the hospital in Zweisimmen.

Agriculture and innovation
Thomas Frei (FDP) praised local agriculture and envisioned collaboration with hotels for locally grown produce. Klaus Romang (SVP) urged more vital representation for farmers, aspiring for agriculture to be as influential as the hotel and trade associations.

Security and Public Transport
Police officer Fabian Blum (GLP) reassured the public that Saanenland is safe, urging caution on surveillance cameras. Martin Kurmann (GLP) emphasised improving public transport and addressing the underutilisation of postal buses.

Municipal Assembly and Voting
In a panel discussion, the presidential candidates debated voting models. David Schmid (FDP) suggested reevaluating municipal assemblies as voter turnout increases outside public meetings. Petra Schläppi (SVP) proposed a hybrid model for smaller and larger transactions. Martin Göppert (independent) suggested giving the municipal council more decision-making power on minor financial matters.

Merger with Zweisimmen?
Opinions were divided on a potential merger between Saanen and neighbouring municipalities. Göppert supported the idea, while Schmid believed the initiative should come from Saanen. Schläppi expressed scepticism, citing cultural differences among municipalities.

Fighting for support in Bern
Candidates discussed the need to advocate more forcefully in Bern on financial and regulatory matters. Schläppi humorously suggested taking a pitchfork to Bern, reflecting frustration with the lack of support.

Based on AvS | KEREM S. MAURER | Edited by Jeanette Wichmann