Marieke Kruit, Bern’s first female mayor, reflects on her journey from rural aspirations to urban leadership amidst the city’s left-leaning political climate. Emphasizing the need for inclusive governance, she seeks to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities while advocating for common ground in transport solutions. Acknowledging the challenges faced by cities in national politics, Kruit calls for effective networking and focused efforts to amplify urban voices without overextending resources.
Marieke Kruit: Pioneering Change as Bern’s First Female Mayor
Marieke Kruit, the first female mayor of Bern, reflects on her teenage aspirations of car ownership while growing up in the serene countryside. Now, 833 years after the establishment of the Zähringer city, Kruit finds herself in a pivotal role as the leader of Bern, which has recently been dubbed the “most left-wing” city in Switzerland by the “NZZ am Sonntag.” The question arises: how will Kruit bridge the divide between urban and rural communities?
Understanding the Political Landscape of Bern
When asked about Bern’s political identity, Kruit acknowledges the mixed sentiments surrounding the city’s left-leaning reputation. “It’s a compliment,” she says, “but we must recognize that not everyone aligns with red-green values. Our focus should be on common ground rather than division.” She highlights the impressive quality of life in Bern as a testament to their achievements thus far.
In the local parliament, the red-green coalition commands 61 percent of the seats, creating a significant imbalance in representation. A member of the FDP recently expressed concerns over feeling sidelined, stating, “We are being relegated to bystanders.” Kruit empathizes with this frustration, emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance that considers the needs of the entire population. “We’ve managed to find common ground in the past four years, and we must continue to advocate for both commercial and sustainable transport solutions,” she asserts.
Reflecting on her upbringing in the Bernese mountain village of Turbach, Kruit is acutely aware of the disparities between urban and rural lifestyles. “At 18, my dream was to own a car for the freedom it represented,” she recalls. However, in the bustling city of Bern, with its efficient public transportation system, the need for a personal vehicle has diminished. Kruit stresses the importance of adapting perspectives to recognize that city and countryside have different needs. For example, while a speed limit of 30 is widely adopted in urban areas for noise reduction, it is now being introduced in rural regions as well.
Moreover, Kruit acknowledges the challenges faced by urban areas in national politics, noting the scarcity of representatives from cities in the federal council. “It’s frustrating that the general speed limit of 50 on main roads persists, requiring exceptions for reductions to 30,” she remarks. For Kruit, establishing a 30-speed limit in cities is crucial for safety and noise control.
When asked about amplifying the voice of urban communities, Kruit advocates for stronger networking and effective lobbying rather than attempting to juggle dual political responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. “We need to focus on doing things well rather than spreading ourselves too thin,” she concludes.
This insightful conversation was conducted by Karoline Arn, shedding light on the aspirations and challenges of Bern’s new leadership.