Ledergerber makes it to finals of World Mayor

Zurich mayor Elmar Ledergerber is among 11 finalists for the title of World Mayor 2008.

The finalists were chosen by 200,000 people who cast their votes and made comments on the internet about 820 mayors from towns and cities throughout the world.

A jury will now decide on the merits of the finalists and award the title on October 14.

Elected mayor of Switzerland’s financial capital in 2002, Ledergerber is described as pursuing “policies of growth and development for the city, with sustainability forming an essential issue in all aspects of politics”.

Comments about Ledergerber included that he was “handsome, energetic and intelligent” and didn’t “rule the people” but “lived with them”.

Another said he had “the unique capability to integrate the diverse political interests of the rich banks and the ordinary citizens, and achieve consensus on a good balance between moderate taxes and responsible spending for social welfare”.

However, not every comment was flattering. For example, one person said he tried to be popular “by spending on everything under the sun without clear priorities for nuts-and-bolts tasks”.

“The mayor and the eight equally powerful executive members of the city government tend to have a patronising attitude,” it added.