Swiss climate activists lament election of oil lobbyist
Environmentalists in Switzerland have criticized the election of a top car- and oil-industry lobbyist to the country's new government, calling it a “disaster for climate policy.”
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Environmentalists in Switzerland criticized the election Wednesday of a top car and oil industry lobbyist to the country's new government, calling it a “disaster for climate policy.”
Lawmakers picked Albert Roesti of the nationalist Swiss People's Party as one of two new members of the Cabinet, or Federal Council.
The election was necessary following the retirement of two long-serving members in the seven-seat government, which traditionally includes politicians from all the country's major parties.
Roesti served until recently as president of Switzerland's fuel importers' association, Swissoil. He remains president of Auto Schweiz, the country's car importers' association. As part of his lobbying work, Roesti successfully campaigned against a bill designed to reduce the Alpine nation's greenhouse gas emissions.
“In the middle of the climate crisis, the Swiss Parliament has elected the top car and oil lobbyist to the Federal Council,” the group Climate Strike said in a statement. “This is a disaster not just for Switzerland, but our entire generation.”
The group called on other members of the government not to let Roesti head the Ministry for Environment, Energy and Transport. The post became vacant with the retirement of Simonetta Sommaruga, one of two departing ministers.
Also elected to the council Wednesday was Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, a member of the left-leaning Social Democrats.
___
Follow AP's coverage of the climate and environment: https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment