LIVE Ticker - Day of Decision for Zurich FDP: Whom do the Liberals Send into the Race for Cantonal Government?

The Zurich FDP party is convening a crucial delegate assembly Tuesday evening to decide which candidates will represent them in the 2027 cantonal government elections. The selection process has become a focal point of internal party dynamics, with significant debate surrounding the initial nominations.

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The party board around Filippo Leutenegger had proposed National Councilor Andri Silberschmidt – as the only candidate.

The party board, led by Filippo Leutenegger, had initially proposed National Council member Andri Silberschmidt as the sole candidate. This move reportedly did not sit well with many within the party, leading to considerable criticism directed at Leutenegger and the board. In response to the backlash, the party leadership has expanded the slate of candidates.

Delegates will now have the opportunity to vote on three additional candidates: Frank Rühli, a mummy researcher and former Zurich city councilor; Martin Huber, a farmer and cantonal councilor; and Monika Keller, a conflict consultant, cantonal councilor, and mayor of Greifensee. The assembly is expected to draw a large attendance, with around 200 FDP members registered.

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This did not go down well in the party. Leutenegger had to take a lot of criticism.

The meeting, held at the Glockenhof in Zurich, will address various party matters before reaching the main agenda item: the nomination of candidates for the cantonal government. Journalists are present, observing the proceedings from the back of the hall.

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The party leadership reacted. And so three more candidates will be up for election by the delegates on Tuesday: the mummy researcher and former Zurich city councilor Frank Rühli, the farmer and cantonal councilor Martin Huber and the conflict consultant, cantonal councilor and mayor of Greifensee, Monika Keller.