Municipal elections Von Graffenried paves the way for Kruit as mayor of Bern
Marieke Kruit (SP) becomes Mayor of Bern. Alec von Graffenried (GFL) decides not to enter the run-off.
Image: Keystone
Melanie Mettler (GLP) takes herself out of the race for mayor of Bern.
Image: Keystone
Marieke Kruit (SP) becomes Mayor of Bern. Alec von Graffenried (GFL) decides not to enter the run-off.
Image: Keystone
Melanie Mettler (GLP) takes herself out of the race for mayor of Bern.
Image: Keystone
Marieke Kruit (SP) will be Bern's first female mayor. The incumbent Alec von Graffenried (Green Free List) will not be running in a run-off election, as he announced on Tuesday. Melanie Mettler (GLP), who came third in the first round of voting, also withdrew.
The result on Sunday is clear and also expresses the will of a majority for a female mayor, announced von Graffenried. He promised to prepare the handover of office to Kruit quickly and well. He will continue to be involved as a member of the city government over the next four years.
Mettler also announced her resignation shortly afterwards. "I would have loved to take on this exciting task," the National Councillor wrote on the short message service X. However, she had already emphasized on Sunday evening that the people's vote was clear.
Marieke Kruit had clearly won the first round of voting with 46.5 percent of the vote. Von Graffenried had to settle for 26.4 percent. The newly elected municipal councillor Mettler received 17.8 percent.
Kruit overjoyed
"I am overjoyed and grateful for the many votes", Kruit was quoted as saying in a communiqué issued by her party. The people have entrusted her with a great responsibility, which she is taking on with joy, respect and in the knowledge "that we can only develop Bern together".
She thanked her predecessor for his work to date. She is looking forward to continuing to work together.
The SP was proud to have Bern's first female mayor. "This is historic," said Co-Party President Lena Allenspach. Kruit will tackle the challenges of the growing city with courage, foresight and a focus on the needs of all Bernese citizens.
Change after eight years
Marieke Kruit has been a member of the city government since 2021. She previously headed the Directorate of Civil Engineering, Transport and Urban Greenery.
Von Graffenried won the office of mayor in 2017 in a competitive election against the SP candidate Ursula Wyss. The office had previously been in SP hands for decades.
SDA
