“I like to poke fun”: how Christian Lüscher left Bern without turning his back on politics

Christian Lüscher, who served 16 years in the Swiss National Council, firmly rejects the label 'ex-politician.' He prefers 'former elected official,' emphasizing that his role was subject to universal suffrage, a distinction he feels is often lost in the term 'politician,' which he associates with 'politicaster.'

Lüscher, a member of the Liberal Party (PLR), retired from the National Council in 2023. He expressed satisfaction with the recent Swiss vote against the 'No Switzerland for 10 Million!' initiative, though he no longer actively participates in campaigns. He believes in making way for successors, stating, "One must know when to leave the stage, and my successors are doing a very, very good job."

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I don’t like that term, I am a former elected official. I don’t appreciate the connotation that there is around 'politician.' It sounds like 'politicaster.' And an elected official is subject to universal suffrage.

While he has emotionally and relationally moved on from his political career, Lüscher remains engaged in public life. He currently presides over the board of Geneva Airport and is a regular commentator on RTS Première's program 'Les beaux parleurs.' His transition reflects a desire to remain connected to public affairs without the direct pressures of elected office, maintaining his influence through different avenues.

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One must know when to leave the stage, and my successors are doing a very, very good job.