Marcel Bach running for political office

Marcel Bach, Gstaad's self-made real-estate mogul, is running for a position on the Gemeinde's executive board. Local residents and guests hardly need reminding of Bach's crucial role in salvaging the Glacier, building the Alpina, and so on. If his candidacy is successful, it would be political confirmation of his numerous business achievements in the region. Based on his track record and close connections to everyone and everything that makes the region tick, his designs for office should be a done deal. Bach's background at once gives him appeal and at the same time ignites vitriol from across Gstaad's social spectrum. But whatever your perspective, there is no doubt that the combination of his local heritage and his links into Gstaad's barons and players makes an excellent platform for public office.

What's your take...

It would be wrong, however, to suggest that he is a shoe-in candidate. For example, his involvement in Glacier 3000 stirred some controversy. After buying the insolvent operating entity, some accused him of free-riding on the Gemeinde's financial commitment, and his successful insistence on further, arguably unnecessary public financial support left many queasy about his influence. More recently, questions came up about the motives for his opposition to the Saanen bypass.

Indeed, uncertainty about Bach's intentions may become one of his biggest stumbling blocks. There is whiff of Berlusconi or Blocher about the situation - that potentially potent cocktail of business power and political might. His entry into politics might amount to nothing less than the coronation of a Dorfkönig, and will lead to his domination of the local political disourse even more so than he does today. Potentially, Bach could steer political outcomes towards his own business interests, and in a country which, unlike its southern neighbor, is sensitive about the division of power, this constellation may well cause some concern.

To be fair, it is important to retain a sanguine take on Bach's announcement. After all, we are talking about local elections and not cantonal, or federal ones. There can be no question that Bach's service to Saanenland has been vast, and despite concerns, it is beyond any reasonable doubt that he will be able to positively contribute to driving forward the Gemeinde's agenda.

Since many GstaadLife.com readers are not eligible to vote in local elections, we encourage you to have your say right here....what's your take...

Comments

[Evelyne Peten]

I wonder if the people who voted on this particular poll are a representative sample of the total population. I think Marcel would have a much bigger turnout in real life.
Best of luck!

[Luke]

Marcel Bach the destroyer of Oberbort. He is the end of Gstaad. Forget him and forget Saanenland if we would get a political seat.

[Ron]

A lot of people transferred their residence to Saanenland and several brought Marcel Back before Cort for long time trying to stop him. What was a quite area now turned to the largest building affair. Other people will move their residence to Saanenland and they DO NOT WANT MARCEL BACK AT ALL!!!

[Frank]

We fought Marcel Bach for many years has he decided to destroy Oberbort. Expect Saanenland to be fully covered by buildings if Marcel Bach would get a political seat. STOP HIM!