Valais parliamentary delegation may become all-male again as veteran politician steps down

Valaisan politician Benjamin Roduit announced he will not seek re-election in 2027, marking the end of his decade-long tenure in the national council. Roduit, a centrist, stated his decision was personal, though reports suggest party pressure may have influenced his departure. His exit raises concerns that the Valais delegation in the Swiss federal parliament could revert to being entirely male. This potential shift comes at a time when several prominent elected officials are preparing to leave the capital. Since women gained the right to vote and stand for election in 1971, only eight women from the Valais region have served in the federal parliament. Roduit, who cited a need to make way for younger politicians, denied that strategic party evaluations were the sole reason for his decision, emphasizing its personal nature and consultation with loved ones. He suggested that maintaining the seat, particularly without an alliance, required careful consideration.

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I have done my time. I still have work to do but I will disappear at the end of the legislature. We must make way for younger people.