Franziska Biner has made history by being elected as the first female member of the Valais government since 2009, breaking the long-standing male dominance within the cantonal politics of Valais. The centrist politician achieved this remarkable milestone through her outstanding performance during the recent cantonal elections held on March 2, 2025.
With 51,149 votes, Biner was the sole candidate to exceed the absolute majority threshold of 50,420 votes, securing her position on the first ballot. This achievement is particularly significant, as it marks only the second time a woman has ever been elected to the Valais government. The last woman to hold this position was Esther Waeber-Kalbermatten from the Social Democratic Party (SP) back in 2009.
Biner's election is not just symbolic; it reflects the shifting dynamics within the Valais political scene, where traditionally male-dominated government positions have now opened up to female candidates. Her win has been seen as both anticipated and surprising, especially since she was the only female candidate among six hopefuls. Similarly, her position as president of the Central Valais party contributed to her visibility and eventual success.
The results from the elections indicated strong support for Biner, who outperformed all other candidates, including seasoned politicians such as Christophe Darbellay from the centrist party, who received 41,376 votes but fell short of advancing without heading for the second ballot. Darbellay, who has previously held the position since 2017 and expressed intentions for higher office, was left to grapple with the consequences of finishing behind Biner.
Following him were other incumbents, namely Mathias Reynard from the SP, who gathered 41,368 votes, and Franz Ruppen from the Swiss People's Party (SVP) with 37,341 votes. The new FDP candidate, Stéphane Ganzer, managed to secure 32,692 votes, whereas Green Party candidate Emmanuel Revaz was relegated to the last place with 19,540 votes, and his withdrawal from potential runoff is now highly anticipated.
The victory of Franziska Biner has not only made headlines across Switzerland, but has also garnered significant grassroots support. Vincent Baud, the Secretary General of the Mid-Party, reflected this sentiment: "Wir wurden nicht abgestraft", emphasizing the community's backing and relief at her success. The local focus on her candidacy was buoyed by calls for increased female representation, with organizations like Solidarité Femmes actively encouraging voters to support Biner and other female candidates with the goal of uplifting women's roles within political spheres.
Despite lacking extensive executive experience, as she served only two months as Vice President of Zermatt and was elected to the cantonal parliament only recently, Biner's ascent marks the beginning of what could be significant policy changes within the Valais government. Her educational background as a trained architect from ETH Zurich reveals her pragmatic approach to governance and development plans.
Biner is known for advocating for publicly funded childcare spots and balancing liberal stances on social issues with conservative viewpoints typical of her region—this includes prioritizing new dams for hydroelectric power over environmental protections, as well as taking a firm stance on wildlife management, especially concerning wolves.
Her election signals not only personal victory but also broader societal shifts, with many questioning how her leadership will influence the traditionally conservative political fabric of Valais. Political analysts express curiosity about how the Mid-Party will navigate collaboration within this multi-party government, especially since the previous government had been devoid of female representation.
Encounters during the campaign also hinted at shifting voter attitudes, as Biner's support reportedly came from various demographics, including voters from right-leaning parties who viewed her as a suitable candidate to represent broader interests and promote progressive policies. Her candidacy felt restorative to many, serving as both representation and inspiration for future female politicians.
The Valais government, now firmly underrepresented by women for so long, has finally taken steps toward breaking free from its entrenched gender norms. Observers across Switzerland are undoubtedly taking note of the developments from this election, as Biner's policy initiatives and collaborative governance style gain traction and begin to impact the social, economic, and environmental fabric of the region.
Overall, Biner's election can be viewed as both a personal triumph and a pivotal moment for Valais, indicating potential changes not only within its government but also for advancing women's roles throughout political structures in Switzerland. The impact of her leadership will likely be watched closely by political experts, activists, and voters alike, as she endeavors to redefine the narratives of power and participation within the Valais canton.