UDC Jura Faces Internal Strife Over Controversial Candidacy

Veteran’s bid for canton parliament sparks party disquiet

The UDC Jura party finds itself navigating a challenging campaign for cantonal elections, with the candidacy of **Pierre-Alain Droz** creating significant internal friction and raising concerns among party strategists.

Internal Doubts Surface

A strategist from the opposing Socialist party commented on the situation, calling it the first blunder in the campaign. They added, These elections are so undecided that each camp must be careful not to commit odd. But I do not make any illusions. Let’s sweep in front of our door!

The UDC Jura aims to secure three of the seven parliamentary seats allocated to the Moutier district. Despite his age of 77, **Pierre-Alain Droz**’s chances of becoming a deputy remain viable, with the possibility of presiding over the inaugural parliamentary session as the oldest serving member.

Ministerial Ambitions Threatened

Elected officials and party members within the UDC Jura are reportedly worried that **Pierre-Alain Droz**’s candidacy could undermine the plans of **Fred-Henri Schnegg**, who is reportedly eying a ministerial position. **Philippe Rottet**, an outgoing deputy from Delémont, has unofficially taken on the role of spokesperson for his party colleagues concerning **Droz**’s candidacy.

Philippe Rottet expressed his reservations, stating, I approached in particular the Cantonal President, the campaign president, always in an unofficial way. I told them in front. I do not see this candidacy with a good eye, judging it problematic. She causes us more problems than she solves. He also noted, I have never had direct contacts with Pierre-Alain Droz. Schnegg has more influence than me.

Party Leadership Defends Candidacy

Campaign President **Miriam Moser** defended the decision, highlighting that the party base had approved the candidacy. At the UDC Jura, we appreciate the personalities with character. Admittedly, Pierre-Alain Droz is not unanimous, but after having discussed with him, he understood that he will have to make efforts. We hope he will play the game.

Droz Responds to Critics

**Pierre-Alain Droz** positioned himself as a voice for the 1,740 voters who opposed the cantonal belonging of Moutier in a 2021 referendum. We made them shive full of promises. In the end, we will be far from the account. I think of the taxes and the creation of civil servants. These 1740 people have been rolled. He claimed to have received numerous congratulations from Moutier residents since announcing his bid.

**Droz** dismissed concerns about his candidacy, asserting, I do not see what is annoying. Party management made me sign a charter that I undertook to work for the good of the canton. Precisely. Affirming that there are 300 state employees too much in the Jura Republic and that it is necessary to reduce the sail is, in my eyes, to work for the good of the canton.

Contrasting Political Styles

He characterized a significant difference in political attitudes between the two sides of La Roche Saint-Jean, suggesting, In the Jura, we are dealing with politicards, unlike Moutier. I am not the type to make smiles to be appreciated.

**Droz**, who previously distanced himself from autonomist positions in the late 1990s, described himself as a firm and constructive candidate. I do not do that for glory. When questioned about his use of terms like mullahs, ayatollahs, and Taliban to refer to Jura’s ministers, he maintained that he would retain a sense of proportion.

This internal party division comes as Switzerland grapples with the rising cost of living, with the inflation rate currently standing at 1.4% as of March 2024, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Federal Statistical Office).