Céline Vara, a future Neuchâtel State Councilor from the Green Party, faced criticism for taking a plane trip to Oman for vacation. This sparked a debate about the level of exemplary conduct expected from Green Party politicians.
The controversy raises the question of whether Green Party officials face stricter standards compared to their political counterparts. Pascal Sciarini, a political science professor at the University of Geneva, argues that Green politicians face higher expectations because their platform emphasizes individual behavioral change. He points out that while similar actions by politicians from other parties might also draw criticism, the focus on individual responsibility within the Green Party's platform makes them more vulnerable.
Professor Sciarini emphasizes the importance of transparent communication in such situations. He suggests that had CĂ©line Vara explained the circumstances of her trip from the outset, the controversy might have been less severe. The article concludes that while the Green Party doesn't advocate for never flying, their commitment to individual action increases scrutiny on their members' behavior.