Alec von Graffenried

Alec von Graffenried is a Swiss politician and lawyer who has served as the mayor of Bern, the federal capital of Switzerland, since 2017. A member of the Green Liberal Party of Switzerland, he is the first person from that party to hold the city's highest office. His tenure has focused on sustainable urban development, climate policy, and managing the growth of the Bernese agglomeration.

Early life and education

Born in Bern into a prominent local family, his upbringing was closely tied to the city's civic life. He completed his secondary education at the Gymnasium Kirchenfeld before enrolling at the University of Bern to study law. During his studies, he was active in the student society Zofingia, an organization with a long tradition in Swiss academic and political circles. He completed his doctorate in law with a thesis on constitutional law, laying the academic foundation for his future career in public service and politics.

Professional career

Before entering politics full-time, he built a career as a lawyer and notary, eventually becoming a partner at a respected law firm in Bern. His legal practice specialized in commercial and administrative law, where he advised numerous companies and public institutions. He also served on the board of directors for several organizations, including the Berner Kantonalbank and the SBB-owned real estate company Areal. This experience in governance and infrastructure provided him with deep insights into the economic and logistical challenges facing major Swiss cities.

Political career

His political engagement began within the Green Liberal Party of Switzerland, a centrist party focusing on environmental and liberal economic policies. He was elected to the Bern City Council, the city's legislature, where he chaired the powerful finance commission. In this role, he was instrumental in crafting budgets that balanced social welfare with investments in public transport and environmental protection. He also represented the Canton of Bern in the Council of States, the upper house of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland, where he worked on national legislation concerning energy and transportation.

Mayor of Bern

Elected mayor in 2017, succeeding Alexander Tschäppät, his administration has prioritized the implementation of Bern's ambitious energy strategy, aiming for a 2000-watt society. Key projects have included the expansion of the Bern tram network, the development of the Lorraine and Wankdorf districts, and initiatives to promote cycling and pedestrian traffic. He has also navigated complex issues such as housing affordability, the integration of the University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences into the urban fabric, and Bern's role as host to federal institutions like the Swiss Federal Chancellery and Federal Palace of Switzerland. His leadership was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland, where he coordinated local public health measures with the Federal Office of Public Health.

Personal life

He is married to Sabine von Graffenried, a psychologist, and they have three children. The family resides in the Kirchenfeld district of Bern. An avid runner, he regularly participates in local races and is a supporter of the SC Bern ice hockey club. He maintains close ties to cultural institutions in the city, including the Bern Symphony Orchestra and the Zentrum Paul Klee.

Category:1962 births Category:Mayors of Bern Category:Green Liberal Party of Switzerland politicians Category:Swiss lawyers Category:Living people Category:University of Bern alumni Category:People from Bern