Maudet steps aside from Geneva presidency amid scandal
Pierre Maudet, head of the Geneva cantonal government, at a press conference on September 5
Keystone
Embroiled in controversy, Geneva President Pierre Maudet temporarily stepped down from his role as head of the cantonal government, the Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA reported on Thursday.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Français
fr
L’étau se resserre un peu plus autour de Pierre Maudet
Maudet, who has been under scrutiny since admitting to an expenses-paid trip to Abu Dhabi in 2015, is also giving up hierarchical responsibility for oversight of the police.
The announcementExternal link at a press conference in Geneva on Thursday comes after a report by Swiss public broadcaster SRF revealed documents showing that Lebanese businessmen linked to Maudet are involved in a construction project near the city’s airport.
The presidential department is temporarily entrusted to Antonio Hodgers, the cantonal vice-president. Responsibility for the Geneva police was given to Mauro Poggia, deputy head of the security department.
This new division of tasks was decided at an extraordinary session of the Geneva government on Thursday morning.
The former Federal Council candidate initially said that it was a private trip, paid for by a friend. But the head of Geneva’s cantonal government last week acknowledged “having hidden part of the truth”.
The public prosecutor claims Maudet accepted flights and accommodation for himself, his family, and his chief of staff amounting to several tens of thousands of Swiss francs. It says the costs were paid for by the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed bin Al-Nahyan, who had invited him to watch a Formula 1 race.
It adds that there were several members of the Geneva property sector involved in the organisation of the trip, without giving further information.
On Thursday, the Geneva government said in a statement that it deplored the fact that Maudet had given false information to the government several times and had violated rules of protocol and acceptance of gifts.
The statement said Maudet had announced his decision to temporarily hand over the presidency to “preserve the serenity of the institutions” and to extend the “watertight perimeter” between the Geneva prosecutor’s office and the department of security, of which Maudet is in charge.
More
More
Geneva president continues to deny conflict of interest
This content was published on
A report by Swiss public broadcaster SRF has uncovered new links between Lebanese businessmen under-fire Pierre Maudet.
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
UN in Geneva calls for reform of tariffs on plastics
This content was published on
The United Nations is calling for a reform of customs tariffs on plastics, which are lower than those imposed on alternatives, ahead of negotiations for a treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help
This content was published on
Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.
Giant Swiss flag torn by the wind at the foot of mountain
This content was published on
A giant Swiss flag tore as it was rolled out on a grassy slope at the foot of a mountain ahead of August 1 National Day celebrations.
This content was published on
Geneva cantonal public prosecutor says it wants to open an investigation into the head of the Geneva cantonal government Pierre Maudet.
This content was published on
The time is ripe to properly organise the development of Greater Geneva, Pierre Maudet, the new Geneva president, tells swissinfo.ch.
This content was published on
Three candidates from the centre-right Radical Party are vying to become the seventh minister in Switzerland’s cabinet. Who are they?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.