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In the rural community, the voters clearly said yes to the new constitution.
Visibly relieved, the governing mayor Roland Inauen announced shortly before half past two that the local community had accepted the total revision of the Innerrhoden cantonal constitution.
For the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, the Landsgemeinde is the most important political day of the year. Business decisions and elections are made by hand in the open air.
Several speakers spoke out for or against the revision. In the end, it was approved by those entitled to vote with a clear majority.
The term total revision is somewhat misleading in that the constitution has not undergone any major substantive changes. After many partial revisions, it was revised, especially linguistically, made clearer, more precise, gaps were closed or things were removed that were no longer necessary due to federal law.
The criticisms of the new constitution
Nevertheless, certain points were criticized in advance and also by the local community by two speakers. For example, that the government can decide on larger amounts on its own than before. Or the new emergency law regulation – a lesson learned from the pandemic – a shortened term of office, as well as the right to vote for everyone – including, for example, people who are incapable of judgment.
No surprises in the elections
As expected, the election of the ruling and the standing mayor was unspectacular. Roland Inauen was elected as the ruling mayor and Roland Dähler as the standing mayor.
The remaining members of the Innerrhoden government, the professional commission, were also confirmed in office. In the case of Ms. Statthalter (Health and Social Director) Monika Rüegg Bless and Builder (Construction and Environmental Director) Ruedi Ulmann, other names were called as opposing candidates. However, the previous ones received significantly more votes. So the professional commission will remain the same for next year.
Legend: The Innerrhoden cantonal government (from top left to bottom right): Jakob Signer, Ruedi Ulmann, Stefan Müller, Ruedi Eberle, Roland Dähler, Roland Inauen and Monika Rüegg Bless. Canton of Appenzell INnerrhoden
In addition to the total revision of the cantonal constitution, there were several other items of business. However, no one spoke again. There were a few dissenting votes in each of the votes, but all transactions were clearly accepted by the local community.
Guests of honor at the Landsgemeinde 2024
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Legend: Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider was a guest at the rural community of Appenzell in 2024. Keystone/Gian Ehrenzeller
Every year, guests of honor are invited to the rural community. This year, among others, Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the Neuchâtel cantonal government, the Norwegian ambassador to Switzerland, Kjersti Rødsmoen, and FCSG President Matthias Hüppi were there.