Graubünden's new cantonal parliament takes office, a third of seats renewed

The Graubünden cantonal parliament, the Grand Council, began its new term today. Of its 120 members, 44 are new: more than a third of the cantonal legislature has been renewed. The average age of its members has dropped to just under 50.

Among the changes is the formation of a Green parliamentary group. Only with this term has the party reached the number of members needed to take full part in the work of parliamentary committees. The largest group remains the Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC), with 35 members.

Before the session began, several members shared their expectations. Davide Vassella, a Socialist from Poschiavo serving his first term as a cantonal deputy, said he felt moved and curious to understand how parliamentary work functions, with the goal of contributing to the good of the canton.

The new leader of the SVP group is Stephan Metzger, from the Engadin. Asked how he intends to lead his large group, he said he would use neither the stick nor the carrot, but would guide his colleagues: some with closer oversight, others with more freedom. He added that the group would have to deal with issues requiring objectivity in order to find solutions, and said he wants the SVP to leave its mark on this legislative term.

Greens join the committees

The president of the Graubünden Greens, Chur deputy Anita Mazzetta, said she felt a mix of excitement and slight nervousness, since the newly formed group still has to find its footing. She said she was nonetheless very motivated.

Samuele Censi, a Liberal deputy from the Moesa region, is by contrast starting his third term, after eight years in parliament. He said he was glad to return, with more experience behind him, though he would not presume to teach the new colleagues anything. He said he was pleased about the renewal and the chance to engage with new ideas and new people.

The first item on the session's agenda was the election of the parliament's leadership. Liberal Fabio Luzio, from the Surses constituency, was elected president. Centrist Kevin Brunold, from Ilanz, was chosen as vice-president.