Swiss politician Andreas Glarner resigns from parliament and party post; biometric ID card to be introduced

Controversial Swiss People's Party (SVP) National Councillor Andreas Glarner announced his resignation from both his parliamentary seat and his role as SVP Aargau cantonal president, effective at the end of the year. The Aargau-based politician made the announcement at a cantonal party congress in his hometown of Oberwil-Lieli.

Glarner stated that he intends to make way for younger politicians. His departure also aligns with an age-related rule implemented by the SVP Aargau in 2017, which requires individuals aged 63 or older on election day, or with 16 years of service by the end of a legislative period, to secure two-thirds of the votes in the cantonal executive and at party congresses. Glarner will turn 64 in the upcoming election year.

Throughout his career, Glarner has been a polarizing figure, involved in several controversies. These include publicly sharing a teacher's phone number after she granted Muslim students leave for a religious holiday, and creating a deepfake video of Green National Councillor Sibel Arslan, which led to his parliamentary immunity being lifted for an investigation. He also faced legal challenges after suing a journalist for defamation, a case he ultimately lost.

In separate news, the Swiss federal government is set to introduce a new biometric identity card. The Federal Council approved the legal framework for this new card on Wednesday. Starting November 2, Swiss citizens will be able to apply for the card, which will feature a chip containing their facial image and two fingerprints. This enhanced ID card is primarily intended for travel within the EU. The existing non-biometric identity cards will remain valid until their expiration, and the fees for the new card will not change.