Glarner Resignation: SVP Aargau President Leaves the National Council

Reactions from the cantonal party

Several close associates reacted on Wednesday with regret to the announced step. From the cantonal party, it was said that Glarner's decision is respected and that the succession would be taken in hand «geordnet und im Sinne der Partei».

The timing of the formal resignation from the National Council remains open. In Swiss parliamentary practice, a mandate is typically ended through a personal letter to the President of the Council; the succession rules in the Canton of Aargau then automatically apply.

Political record and outlook

Glarner represented the Canton of Aargau in the National Council over several legislative periods and shaped the cantonal SVP as its president. With his departure, the cantonal party loses a familiar face in federal Bern.

In an initial statement from Glarner's circle, it was said that the resignation occurs «im Interesse der Partei und der kommenden Wahlen». The cantonal secretariat initially did not comment on a possible successor or a planned replacement.

The succession at the top of SVP Aargau is to be handled, according to the statutes, through an extraordinary party congress. Until then, Vice President Alois Huber will take over the leadership of the cantonal party on an interim basis.

Politically, Glarner had most recently drawn attention primarily through initiatives on migration and security policy. His departure could force SVP Aargau into a reassessment, especially with a view to the next federal elections.

From the SVP's parliamentary group in the federal palace, it was merely stated on Wednesday that the decision was «zur Kenntnis» taken. Glarner did not wish to comment on a possible move to the cantonal executive or other public offices.

What is certain is that the formal handover at the top of the cantonal party and the succession in the National Council are two separate procedures. Both must be confirmed internally by the party and by the National Council's bureau, respectively.

Overall, the case shows how internal statutes of a cantonal party can concretely end the careers of individual federal parliamentarians – even when those concerned would continue to hold a seat in Bern.