A special election is looming in the Swiss canton of Vaud following the recent resignation of State Councilor Rebecca Ruiz, a key figure in the vaud government, due to health reasons. With the Socialist Party seeking to maintain its depiction, former National Council member roger Nordmann has announced his candidacy to fill the vacant seat. The upcoming contest – with a nomination decision on December 13th and an election slated for March 8th – is shaping up to be a notable political event for the canton, already drawing attention from across the political spectrum. Nordmann is the first to formally enter the race.
Keystone-SDA
Former Swiss National Council member Roger Nordmann is seeking to replace departing Vaud State Councilor Rebecca Ruiz in a special election scheduled for March 8. The Vaud branch of the Socialist Party announced Nordmann’s candidacy Wednesday.
Nordmann announced his decision after several days of consideration, stating his intention to champion left-wing values in the canton. “Let’s be clear: without a strong left, it will not be possible to get the canton back on track, and I am aware of the great difficulty of the task,” he wrote in a letter to the Vaud Socialist Party. The upcoming election is crucial for maintaining the Socialist Party’s representation within the Vaud government.
Nordmann is well-known for his extensive work on climate and energy issues. He announced his resignation from the Federal Parliament in February, a move he initially described as “provisional,” leaving the door open for a potential return to politics. At the time, he cited a need for a break and a desire to reduce his public exposure.
During his time in the National Council, beginning in November 2004, Nordmann served on the Energy and Environment Committee. He also led the Socialist Group from 2015 to 2023 and later participated in the parliamentary investigative committee on Credit Suisse. He has consistently been praised for his ability to foster consensus and build compromises.
First to Declare Candidacy
Nordmann is the first candidate to publicly announce his intention to seek the Socialist Party’s nomination to fill the seat vacated by Rebecca Ruiz, who resigned last week due to health concerns. The election will determine who holds the party’s second seat in the Vaud government.
Several prominent figures within the party have already indicated they will not compete for the position, including National Councilor and former Vaud Socialist Party President Jessica Jaccoud, National Councilor and Yverdon-les-Bains municipal official Brenda Tuosto, Yverdon-les-Bains Mayor Pierre Dessemontet, and current Grand Council President Stéphane Montangero.
Potential candidates have until December 6 to submit their applications. The Vaud Socialist Party’s congress, where the official nominee will be selected, is scheduled for December 13. The Green Party has already announced its support for the Socialist candidate and will not be fielding a candidate of its own.
To date, the Swiss People’s Party (UDC) is the only other party to name a candidate: Jean-François Thuillard, a former President of the Grand Council and current mayor of Froideville. He is supported by the Free Democratic Party (PLR) and the Centre party within the Vaud Alliance.
