The Swiss finance minister, who will hold the country’s rotating presidency in 2025, has a reputation as a power-hungry hardliner. But those who have worked closely with Karin Keller-Sutter attribute her rise to a less visible emotional intelligence. Twenty-three years ago, this writer got a first impression of Karin Keller-Sutter when, at 38, she was the head of canton St Gallen’s security and justice department. At the time, in July 2022, a new phenomenon was sparking media focus and had become a political minefield: dealers of African origin were selling pellets of cocaine. Asylum centres were becoming drug distribution centres, the police appeared to be overwhelmed, and accusations of racism were mounting. Keller-Sutter had beefed up patrols in affected areas of her canton; this had brought not only attention, but also a reputation as a hardliner. What did she have to say about it? Late-evening phone call After being contacted by email, Keller-Sutter replied immediately, asking ...
