In a shocking turn of events, Hannes Zaugg-Graf, a prominent political figure and beloved theater artist from Uetendorf, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 58 on the night of March 29, 2025. His death has left a significant void in the Bernese community, where he was known for his dedication to public service and the arts.
Zaugg-Graf's political journey began at the tender age of 18 when he joined the Social Democratic Party (SP) of Uetendorf. He was known for his belief in fostering collaboration across political lines, famously stating, "I am not interested in whether a good idea comes from the left or the right. I only care if it moves us forward or leaves us drifting in old waters." This philosophy underscored his approach to governance and his commitment to finding practical solutions.
His political career saw him elected to the Grand Council in 2010, where he quickly made a name for himself. Zaugg-Graf served as the President of the Cantonal Parliament in 2019/2020, a position that placed him at the forefront of Bernese politics during a pivotal time, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before achieving these heights, Zaugg-Graf navigated the local political landscape, securing a position on the Uetendorf Municipal Council in 1999. His leadership skills shone through in 2001 when he won the mayoral election against the incumbent from the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), Arnold Lüthi. Zaugg-Graf held the mayoral office until 2013, after which he briefly served as an independent council member before joining the Green Liberals (GLP) in 2013, a move that sparked considerable discussion among his peers and constituents.
Beyond politics, Zaugg-Graf was a passionate theater artist. After training as a teacher, he pursued acting in the United States. His talent was evident when he took on the role of Quasimodo in the 1999 production of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" at the Muensterspiele in Bern, which many believed could have launched him into a professional acting career. However, he chose a different path, establishing himself in visual communication and photography while remaining deeply involved in the theater scene as an actor, director, and producer.
Despite his many successes, Zaugg-Graf faced personal challenges, including a battle with exhaustion depression that forced him to take a break in 2013. He returned to the public eye and continued to serve his community, albeit with some setbacks. In March 2023, he lost the mayoral election to Trudi Mösching, a defeat he framed positively on social media, stating, "I did not lose; I came in second." This resilience and optimistic outlook were hallmarks of his character.
The news of Zaugg-Graf's passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from colleagues and friends. The Uetendorf municipal council expressed their disbelief, stating, "The terrible news is unreal and hardly manageable for us. His unconventional thinking, broad knowledge, and colorful ideas will be sorely missed." Current Grand Council President Dominique Bühler reflected on Zaugg-Graf's humor and ability to navigate complex situations, saying, "His mischievous smile when he took the microphone and his incredible talent for viewing complicated situations from a completely different perspective will remain unforgettable."
Albert Rösti, a long-time colleague and current SVP Federal Councillor, expressed deep sorrow over Zaugg-Graf's unexpected passing, recalling, "As a council member under Zaugg-Graf's presidency, I witnessed his immense commitment and creativity." The local community is now left to navigate the future without his guidance and insight.
In light of his passing, the remaining members of the Uetendorf municipal council will temporarily take over his responsibilities, and discussions regarding his successor will take place in the coming weeks. The individual who will fill Zaugg-Graf's seat in the Grand Council of Bern is expected to be announced during the summer session in early June.
Hannes Zaugg-Graf's legacy is one of dedication to public service and a love for the arts. His commitment to fostering dialogue and seeking constructive solutions will be remembered fondly by those who knew him and those whose lives he touched through his work. As the community mourns his loss, they also celebrate a life that was devoted to making Uetendorf and the broader Bernese region a better place.
