The good thing about Swiss politics is that everyone can have a say - says parliamentary-hopeful Nils Jakobi of the Young Green Liberals

Nils Jacobi, a student at the Cantonal School in Menzingen and a member of the board of the Young Green Liberal Party (JGLP) of Zug, outlined why he was standing for election to the National Council in an interview with a journalist of the Zuger Zeitung.

The eighteen-year-old, who comes from Rotkreuz, is interested in all issues debated in the National Council but found it frustrating not to have been able, so far, to have his views expressed there. “However, what is good about the Swiss system is that everyone can have a say (though the country’s direct democracy). With these elections coming up next Sunday, I will be given the opportunity of becoming more engaged in politics,” he said.

As to three core issues he feels are of utmost importance, he mentioned climate protection, which he feels is not getting enough attention. Then he is looking to an improved and more attractive health system, one in which carers receive a decent salary. “I am also keen to see a more liberalised drugs policy, one where people’s own sense of responsibility is taken into account,” he said.

As to how he views his chances of being elected, he said he was looking to support from young people, whom he would represent in Bern. “The good thing is that, through the climate-change strikes, people’s awareness of the importance of environmental protection has been enhanced; many now realise something has to be done.”

If elected, he has promised to endeavour to ensure a better world, not least for future generations. “As society is changing, changes have to be made accordingly, and it is the JGLP which intends to tackle such problems head-on.”