Switzerland's National Council welcomes two rising political stars from local government

Two new faces are set to join Switzerland's National Council after recent municipal elections. Anna-Béatrice Schmaltz will represent the Green Party, while Michele Dünki-Bättig steps in for the Social Democrats. Both women bring local government experience to their new roles in federal politics.

Anna-Béatrice Schmaltz, co-president of the Zurich City Greens, will take over from Balthasar Glättli. She also secured re-election as a municipal councillor in the latest vote. Her move to the National Council follows her established work in city-level politics.

Michele Dünki-Bättig, 36, was re-elected to the municipal council of Glattfelden on Sunday. Currently a cantonal councillor and co-president of the Zurich SP, she received public congratulations during Monday's cantonal session. She replaces Céline Widmer, who previously held the National Council seat for the Social Democrats.

Neither appointment stems from a by-election. Instead, they follow the March 8 municipal elections, which reshaped local representation but did not directly trigger federal vacancies.

Schmaltz and Dünki-Bättig will now shift their focus from local to national politics. Their appointments fill existing seats rather than result from special elections. Both bring leadership experience from their cantonal and municipal roles.