Flat hierarchies, a men's quota, and many federal contracts: This is how Jacqueline Badran operates as a boss

Jacqueline Badran, a prominent figure in the Social Democratic Party (SP), is now the focal point of Swiss politics as she is expected to run for a seat in the Council of States. Following Daniel Jositsch's departure from the SP, Badran is seen as the party's strongest candidate to defend their position. Her previous success in the National Council elections, where she garnered the highest number of votes among all candidates, underscores her popularity.

Badran's appeal extends beyond her party base. Her reputation for a direct, sometimes blunt, communication style resonates with the public. Crucially, her background as an entrepreneur, a rarity within the SP's parliamentary faction, could attract centrist and even conservative voters. This business acumen is seen as a potential asset in her campaign for the Zurich seat in the Council of States, where she will need to mobilize support beyond the traditional left-wing electorate.

However, Badran's entrepreneurial profile is not without its complexities. She co-founded the web development firm Zeix in 2000, which has since grown to 36 employees. While the company serves large corporations, it also has a significant number of public sector clients, including the federal government, which has awarded Zeix contracts totaling nearly eight million Swiss francs. This close relationship with state funding could complicate her appeal to voters who prioritize a clear separation between business and government, potentially creating a point of contention in her electoral bid.

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A good character is the most important thing for me.