Heinz Taennler aims to represent canton in better way if elected to Council of States

Heinz Tännler of the SVP party became a member of the cantonal parliament in 1995 and a member of the cantonal government in 2007. He is currently director of finance after spending many years as director of planning. Now he is hoping to be elected to the Council of States in Bern later this autumn. In an interview with a journalist of the Zuger Zeitung the 59-year-old outlined what he hoped he could achieve there.

When asked about his competitor, a former colleague in the cantonal government, Matthias Michel of the FDP party, Tännler denied he was thinking in terms of competition. “An opportunity has arisen, and I am seizing it. If elected, I will try to carry out my duties as well as I can. Indeed, this has always been my approach,” he said. 

When asked what in particular he would aim to do in this smaller of the two chambers of parliament, he said to assure there was better representation for Zug in Bern. “Zug is an innovative canton,” he said, “but undervalued at national level on the financial political level. We here are pursuing a well-structured financial policy stemming from difficult times. And it is such policies which would do well to be pursued at national level, too. Naturally, in cutting costs, it is never possible to get everything right. One needs to take into account many varied interests, and this is where we have done very well in Zug.”

As to what other particular experience he has had which could be of value in Bern, the lawyer mentioned his involvement in planning over the past 20 years, not just building willy-nilly, but carefully considering resources, too, policies which were much praised by central government. Then much has been accomplished on the health and energy fronts. “Much good is being developed here, what with creativity, innovation and new technologies. It is these aspects of Zug I want better represented in Bern, allowing us to unfurl our successes at national level, too.” Of note here is that Tännler is chairman of the Swiss Blockchain Federation.

As to the trend for lobbying in parliament in Bern, Tännler felt this was not the right approach, as members who did this were representing their clients more than the people. “This cannot continue, and I feel this is the wrong path.” When asked if he would not lobby on behalf of any body, he said only if it were for a charitable organisation and unpaid. “I want to continue to support those values I have represented hitherto and for which I am known,” he said. “I would not think of representing companies and associations.”

As to his specific interests, he mentioned financial matters and spatial development, both areas in which he has much experience, of course, though health and energy issues are also important to him. Then he added more topical matters such as the Europe debate.

When asked about climate change, he said this was indeed a challenge, though he felt this was a problem which needed to be addressed not in isolation but more generally. “The question is, what can be achieved with the help of new technology, taxes or doing without, and what effects these could have on the economy and jobs. What is important here is that one does not lose sight of proportionality.”

As for the qualities members of the Council of States should have, he said in no case should they be people who think in black and white, though it is clear politicians should have clear ideas of what they want while listening to the concerns of others and seeking solutions. “What is also important is being honest and authentic.”

In addition to his many years of experience at cantonal level, he has also worked in a private capacity and in a legal practice, not to mention at international level within a large organisation. “I am used to looking for consensus on all sides and implementing what has been agreed,” he said.

As to his electoral campaign, he is assisted by a small team but is responsible for such interviews such as this one himself. “This is not my first electoral campaign. People know me here and this is a big advantage.”

If elected, he said he would approach his new role with respect. “Naturally it is good to know what one’s strengths are and where one’s limits lie. My wife and family (he has three grown-up children) all support me in the election, not to mention my brother, and my parents, who are now over 90 years old. All this is important and not to be underestimated.”

As to whom he would like to see take over his seat in the cantonal government, he said there was no one person in particular. He just hoped his seat would be taken over by someone of the same political ilk as he, and that the policies pursued hitherto would continue to be followed.

The photograph shows Heinz Tännler in the Brandenberg restaurant. When not working, he enjoys cycling, tennis and reading.