Villiger opts to remain member of cantonal government

Regular readers will remember that, in the week prior to the elections on 7 October, an online journal had reported how the Prosecution Service in Lucerne decided not to charge Beat Villiger, a member of the Zug cantonal government responsible for public safety, over an incident in which he allowed a woman friend who had no licence to drive a car registered in his name. Questions were also raised about the possible backdating of a sales document transferring ownership of the car in question to her. It was only natural that, with this news coming only days before the elections, it could have had a detrimental effect on his chances. However, it was thought many people had already cast their vote by post beforehand, and the CVP politician was duly re-elected for a fourth term in office and, what is more, achieving the third best result. It was subsequently revealed that he had had a daughter by this woman. Bearing all this in mind, not least with a former prosecutor in Basel claiming Villiger should have been charged in relation to discrepancies over the vehicle, doubts were expressed as to whether he should take up his seat in the cantonal government, the politician taking some time, eleven days, to consider his position himself. Now, after this period of thorough reflection, Villiger has decided he will take up his seat again until the end of the next legislative period in 2022. “I admit I have made mistakes in the past, but these were as a private individual and not connected to my position as director of public safety in the canton,” he wrote in a statement. He went on to say how he regretted having made these mistakes, not least with regard to the effect they had had on his family, his immediate circle and his party. “The matter has been thoroughly investigated by the authorities in Lucerne and they have decided there is no case to answer,” he added.

Villiger further wrote to express his thanks to all those who voted for him, indicating locals had trust in him and where pleased with the way he had carried out his duties. He also expressed his thanks for the way people had respected his desire to take a few days to reflect on his future. Indeed, he had had “hundreds of messages of support from the public”. He also reiterated how this future period in office would be his last.

As to whether he would remain in charge of public safety, he said he had enjoyed this role, though the allocation of the various heads of departments would be decided in camera among the members of the cantonal government themselves in late autumn. However, he did say he could well take on responsibility for a different department.

The cantonal CVP party continues to stand by him, agreeing that the matter was a private one and did not affect his public position. Nevertheless, for the leaders of the ALG, FDP and GLP parties, some questions remain unanswered.