Commentary: Zurich SP creates its own nightmare in Jositsch vs. Badran

The Zurich SP party is on the verge of creating its own political nightmare by potentially dropping Daniel Jositsch, a highly popular centrist politician, as its candidate for the Council of States in 2027. Jositsch, who has been the best-elected politician in Switzerland, faces a decision by the cantonal party delegates on Thursday regarding his re-nomination. The risk of the party not endorsing him is real, especially after national councilor Jacqueline Badran expressed interest in running.

Jositsch occupies a unique position within the SP, often diverging from the party line with deliberate provocations that make him electable even among centrist voters. His political stances include being the sole left-wing member of the Switzerland-Israel Friendship Group, expressing criticism of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), and opposing a recent European Court of Human Rights ruling in favor of climate activists. He also protested against an all-female SP ticket for the last Federal Council vacancy.

These divergences have led to friction within the party, particularly in Zurich, which is led by Oliver Heimgartner, a former Young Socialist who previously alienated a cantonal councilor for being too right-wing. The Jositsch case reignites a conflict the SP had hoped to leave behind after the departure of Mario Fehr in 2021. It pits the powerful Zurich city section, accustomed to wielding significant influence, against rural representatives who must navigate more conservative environments and forge compromises.

This internal struggle threatens to undermine the party's electoral success. Jositsch, despite his internal party challenges, has consistently demonstrated broad appeal. His potential exclusion could not only cost the SP a secure seat in the Council of States but also signal a party increasingly unwilling to tolerate dissenting opinions, potentially alienating a broader base of voters.