There are moments when a single word suddenly sums up everything that is important. “Zämedorf” is one such word. It came about on a hike in Corsica, between steep calanques and the vast sea, when Ralph and I were talking about Männedorf. Suddenly it became clear: it’s not just about the place, but about what we create together. Back in Switzerland, the idea was immediately met with enthusiasm because it hits the nail on the head: a village that sticks together, builds bridges, shares living spaces, and makes decisions together.

More than a word, an attitude

In a world often characterized by divisions and lone wolves, “Zämedorf” stands for the opposite: for a sense of togetherness that sees diversity as a strength, for collective solutions that include everyone, and for the courage to actively live in community. Whether in planning housing, in climate activism, or simply in everyday life—wherever we meet, we can show that together, things are simply better.

Because right now, when so much seems uncertain, that is exactly what we need: places where people strengthen each other, where no one is left behind, and where we ask ourselves: What can we achieve if we all pull together? “Zämedorf” is not a utopia, but an invitation. To everyone who wants to participate, contribute ideas, and help shape the future. Because a village that lives ZÄME is a village with a future.

Jean-Gé

Roger Daenzer and Jean-Gé Carrey are both involved in Männedorf. The interview was conducted in the run-up to the municipal council elections on March 8 and focused on what motivates people like them to get involved in their community and why the two Social Democrats are running for the municipal council.

Jean-Gé: I find the unique nature of the Swiss militia system particularly exciting. It thrives on citizens volunteering their time and thus having a say in community life. This motivates me to take on responsibility and actively participate in the development of our community.

Roger: I share this view. What particularly appeals to me is the diversity of opinions in the municipal council. There are no fixed majority ratios as in certain parliaments; instead, the aim is to find solutions together through dialogue. This makes the work exciting and sustainable. Jean-Gé, you are already co-president of the Social Democratic Party in Männedorf and a potential municipal councilor. What is your view on holding multiple offices?

Jean-Gé: I don’t see any fundamental problem with it as long as the roles are clearly separated: as president, I represent the party externally, while in the municipal council I see myself as a service provider for the entire population. It is important to be aware of the responsibility that comes with it.

Roger: There is overlap in many committees, including at the cantonal and national levels. It is crucial to remain transparent. In small communities, it is often difficult to find enough committed individuals. Sometimes, therefore, accumulation is unavoidable. What challenges do you currently see in Männedorf? What do you consider to be the most important projects?

Jean-Gé: One key issue is affordable housing. Unfortunately, it is a fact that there are fewer and fewer affordable apartments available in Männedorf. When new housing is built, it is often luxury properties—I recently saw an advertisement for 4,800 francs per month for 100 square meters! Who can afford that? The municipality should do more to promote affordable housing.

Roger: That is precisely a key issue. We have had some individual successes, for example with emergency housing, but overall the situation remains tense. Many old properties are being demolished and expensive replacement buildings are being constructed, which is displacing socially disadvantaged people. I think we as a municipality need to become more active and take every opportunity to acquire land, as cooperatives are doing. That would help to secure affordable housing.

Jean-Gé: Real estate can also be leased in order to develop good solutions with the business community. That would make our community life more dynamic and inclusive. But why does the municipality so rarely purchase land? Is it because people here believe that this is not the municipality’s responsibility?

Roger: Yes, that is indeed one reason. We tend to be more middle-class here, unlike Zurich or Winterthur, where much more real estate is owned by the community and cooperatives play a major role. In addition to the housing market, we are also involved in social projects, for example in the areas of inclusion and youth work. In recent years, we have renovated playgrounds, further developed the family center, and are committed to improving participation among children, teenagers, and young adults.

Jean-Gé: I like the idea of participation. In a community like Männedorf, it is particularly important to strengthen voluntary engagement. I think we really should find a solution to mobilize the residents of Männedorf even more.

Roger: Absolutely! Fortunately, we already have many volunteers. There are over 80 clubs in Männedorf, and each club has volunteer members, presidents, treasurers, auditors, coaches… It’s impressive how much volunteer work is done. As a member of the municipal council, I am happy to advocate for another event to be organized as a thank you to those who are committed to the community.

Jean-Gé: It would indeed be a nice gesture of appreciation. How do you actually experience working together in the municipal council and what role does teamwork play?
Roger: Municipal politics is characterized by compromise and the will to find common solutions. Even when differences of opinion arise, the exchange within the team is enriching. Ultimately, we all pursue the goal of achieving the best for Männedorf.

Jean-Gé: That’s how I imagine it too. Working on the committee reminds me of my experience at the bag manufacturer FREITAG: different perspectives often lead to better results. I enjoy working with people who are motivated to take responsibility for the community. I believe that decisiveness, a willingness to compromise, and empathy are key qualities that are in demand in local politics.

Roger: I’ve already served two terms and would like to use the next term to pass on my knowledge and support younger colleagues as a mentor… like you, for example!

Jean-Gé: I can only benefit from that! There will be a new distribution of portfolios starting in the new term. Could you briefly explain how that came about?

Roger: The aim was to distribute the tasks and workload more sensibly and fairly, with approximately 30 percent of the workload per person.

Jean-Gé: And which department would you think I would be best suited to? You’ve known me for a while now.
Roger: Assuming we’re both elected, I think the property and sports department would suit you well. You’re a very active person, and there’s a lot going on in Männedorf. It would definitely be exciting for you. What motivates you to get involved in local politics?

Jean-Gé: Because I don’t want to just watch Männedorf develop. I want to get involved! That’s what drives me. I’m particularly looking forward to the teamwork and to bringing new ideas to the community. I have one more question. Our goal is for the SP to have two seats on the municipal council starting in the next legislative period. What are you particularly looking forward to when the two of us are on the municipal council?

Roger: With two of us, progressive positions will be strengthened. Together, we will create a new dynamic: our positions will carry more weight in the municipal council.

Jean-Gé: Do you think it is realistic that the residents of Männedorf will actually elect two SP candidates to the municipal council on March 8?

Roger: It would be very gratifying. In any case, a look at the election results of recent years shows that just under 30 percent of Männedorf residents generally vote for progressive parties. So our goal is well-founded in terms of numbers!

Marcel: Hey Ralph, quick question: What would be the first thing you would tackle if we were elected to the school board? I mean, specifically.

Ralph: I would ask the students, teachers, and support staff, as well as the cleaning team, the school administration, and the parents, what they like about the school in Männedorf.

Marcel: Haha, typical socialdemocrat! Listen first!

Ralph: That’s the only way we can gauge the mood on the ground and find out firsthand what’s going well and where there are problems. What about you? What would be your first move?

Marcel: For me, it’s clear: all kids should have the same opportunities. No matter what their background, language, or how chaotic their home life is. Every child deserves the same start in life. But tell me, how do you feel about digital media? 🤖

Ralph: That’s a big topic, and a very topical one at that. As a school, we need to teach children how to use the internet, AI, and social media safely. That has to be a priority. ☝️

Marcel: For me, learning together is hugely important. Not everyone for themselves, but lifting each other up. And more sport would be great too: exercise, teamwork, self-confidence, stress relief. Are you still there?! 🤔

Ralph: Oh, sorry, I was at yoga. Stress is an important issue: exams, social media, bullying, self-doubt. When things get tough, you need strong and capable support. School social work is a real lifesaver in this regard!

Marcel: I agree. It’s extremely important to invest in this area: in the future of children and schools. This is not an area where savings should be made. Incidentally, I have the necessary expertise in this area: as an experienced independent entrepreneur, I know how to manage finances.

Ralph: Wonderful, then we complement each other well. I bring practical experience as a former after-school care center manager and current family support worker. Now we just need to both get elected to the school board! 😉

In times when right-wing forces are on the rise worldwide and fake news and disinformation are increasing, independent and high-quality media are indispensable. The anti-SRG initiative aims to destroy precisely this.

Billionaires are increasingly controlling what people hear about politics and society. In Switzerland, Blocher buys free newspapers, while internationally, Musk and Zuckerberg control the largest social media platforms with X and Meta. Their goal is clear: fewer independent facts, more targeted propaganda. No wonder the SVP is attacking independent media with its anti-SRG initiative (also known as the halving initiative) – in order to push through its own agenda. That’s why we say NO to the anti-SRG initiative:

More facts, less fake news
The SRG provides us with independent, high-quality reporting every day. With massive cuts, this will no longer be possible. The result: more power for Musk, Zuckerberg, and Co., who use their platforms to deliberately spread fake news and right-wing ideologies.

Independent reporting
Right-wing circles are gaining strength, and democracy is coming under increasing pressure. Independent, high-quality media are our basis for reliable information. Weakening them leaves control of reporting to billionaires and right-wing forces. We do not want a Switzerland where Blocher & Co. decide what is reported and what is not.

Independent of clicks and advertising
Quality media are coming under increasing pressure. Fast, sensationalist content is rewarded. Anything that doesn’t sell disappears: regional journalism, culture, reports in all national languages, and Swiss productions are under serious threat. The World Cup and the Eurovision Song Contest are now only accessible via expensive subscriptions. If the SRG is weakened, private media groups will take over.

We met five young adults from Männedorf and asked them for their opinion on our community. In an open conversation, they shared with us what they would do differently as community councilors, what they particularly like here, and what they feel is missing. Inspiration for a young and dynamic community life.

Leandro wants Männedorf to value young people not just on paper: a skate park, parks with seating and undisturbed meeting places such as the fire pit in the forest. «I used to visit the youth center by the lake a lot. But young adults don’t have a place like that where they can just get together,“ he says. His solution? A street party with music and food stands. ”Like a small street parade.“ But for him, it’s about more than just partying: the community needs to actively involve young adults when it comes to open spaces and leisure activities. ”When projects directly affect us, we get involved,» he emphasizes. He is not politically active on his own initiative, but when it comes to his quality of life, he is involved. His appeal: Männedorf should create more places where young adults feel comfortable and take their voices seriously.

Leo sees that Männedorf and other lakeside communities are at risk of losing their centers and, with them, their vibrant community life. He is therefore calling for more support for local businesses and restaurants, as well as targeted offerings and meeting places for young people—for example, in the station district, which has great potential for revitalization. Important places of remembrance for him are the school grounds and sports fields; which should be further developed. In order to involve young adults more closely, Leo proposes a youth fund to provide financial support for projects run by young people in Männedorf. At the same time, he wants to create targeted information and low-threshold participation formats so that teenagers and young adults can contribute their ideas directly and actively participate in shaping Männedorf.

Anouk and Julia are bringing a breath of fresh air to the discussion about community life. In Männedorf, young adults are increasingly seeking new meeting places and genuine participation. Their central desire is for a multifunctional event space by the lake, inspired by the Dynamo in Zurich. This space would host concerts, workshops, and creative projects, giving young people the opportunity to try new things and further their education. Although the existing youth center is viewed positively, its offerings and opening hours are not sufficient—there is a need for spaces that are specifically tailored to the needs of young adults. Julia also sees potential: she would like to see a neighborhood festival by the lake, where music, stands, and activities bring the whole community together. The Hasifest serves as a model, and schools and young people will continue to be actively involved in the organization in the future. In addition to leisure and socializing, the focus is on political participation. The young women criticize that community meetings are unattractive and unrepresentative. They suggest low-threshold formats – small discussion groups in cafés instead of formal meetings. Julia also calls for greater representation of young people in local politics, and Anouk suggests extending voting rights to long-term foreign residents. Another point: energy-efficient construction should be promoted more strongly so that Männedorf can fulfill its responsibility in climate protection. Their joint appeal: young people want to do more than just watch—they want to be allowed to shape, try things out, and make mistakes. To prevent Männedorf from becoming a “museum,” it needs the courage to embrace new concepts and genuine participation from the next generation.

Leonie would like to see the municipality of Männedorf continue to provide attractive meeting places such as the new Wunderbar, so that young people can celebrate and socialize locally instead of traveling to Zurich. She attaches great importance to raising awareness of nature conservation and climate policy, ensuring that Männedorf preserves its green surroundings and remains open to new climate protection measures. She also thinks it is important to have more transparency and information about municipal assemblies—for example, through explanatory videos and greater integration into school lessons. Leonie would also like to see leisure activities in Männedorf modeled on Zurich’s community centers, which strengthen the sense of community and bring different generations together.

THOSE ARE THE QUESTIONS WE ASKED

Leisure: What dream activity is missing in Männedorf? What event would you organize on the lake promenade? Politics: If you were on the local council for a day, what would you change immediately? What would a meeting have to look like for you to enjoy attending? Places: Where is your favorite place to retreat to? Which place should be redesigned for young people, and how? Youth: What experience has shaped you in Männedorf? Which rule would you abolish and which would you introduce?

Our glaciers are melting, and hot days and extreme weather events are also on the rise in Switzerland. With the Climate Fund Initiative, we can achieve an environmentally sustainable energy supply and create prosperity and new jobs.

Act now! Climate change has long been clearly noticeable in Switzerland: the average temperature here has already risen twice as much as the global average. Melting permafrost is causing landslides and endangering entire villages. Droughts, heavy rainfall, and heat waves are becoming more frequent, putting our health at risk. With the Climate Fund Initiative, we are tackling these challenges.

Modernize infrastructure! With the Climate Fund, the federal government is investing 0.5 to 1 percent of gross domestic product annually in the transformation of our infrastructure. That is between CHF 4 and 8 billion to modernize our infrastructure for current and future generations. This can be financed without new taxes and levies. Many homeowners and companies are already leading the way – with the Climate Fund, we are supporting their efforts and ongoing measures with targeted investments in renewable energies, building renovations, and climate-friendly technologies: Industry is receiving support to switch to more environmentally friendly production processes. To this end, we are also investing in training the necessary skilled workers and building on our strengths: a high-performance research hub for innovation and strong industry in all regions.

Secure our own supply! Switzerland spends around CHF 8 billion annually on energy imports. By voting yes to the Climate Fund Initiative, we will invest these billions in Switzerland. By replacing oil and gas, we will become more independent and reduce climate-damaging emissions. Our grandparents and parents created the AHV and built an extensive public transport network. Let’s now tackle our generational project for a climate-friendly and independent future.

Empty political buzzwords? We can do that too. But here, the candidates from the SP and the Greens show a different side of themselves!

Roland Baur, 57
Has lived in Männedorf since 2002
In addition to my political commitments, I can be found in the garden: whether in Minga in Meilen or in my own garden. Recently, I have also been volunteering (and acting as treasurer) for the Appisberg Organic Gardening Association. When I have time, I enjoy reading and cycling. Sunday is chicken and goat day (not for eating!).

Marcel Roy, 60
Has lived in Männedorf since 2003.
In my free time, I am often out and about as a dedicated hockey dad and also support the team by helping out with parent duties. I find balance outdoors in nature while hiking, enjoying a good meal with friends, or volunteering with the fire department. I also enjoy reading and am interested in new technologies such as blockchain and crypto.

Jean-Gé Carrey, 43
Has lived in Männedorf since 2020.
Culture is my passion: whether concerts, festivals, or movies, I’m always there (#fomo). I enjoy doing things with my hands, both in the workshop (I’m a newly minted hobby carpenter!) and in the kitchen (my Thermomix is my star assistant). And sports? I prefer the great outdoors: jogging, cycling, swimming, and byways training at the lake!

Ralph Ehrismann, 42
Has been living in Männedorf again since 2020.
I enjoy being active outdoors, jogging or hiking and snowboarding in the mountains. I am very passionate about my houseplants and love their different shapes and colors. I enjoy playing board games with friends or browsing through secondhand stores. To relax, I listen to music and practice yoga.

Roger Daenzer, 72
Has lived in Männedorf since 2001.
In addition to my work as a local councilor and church administrator, I often travel with my family, play tennis regularly, and enjoy extending my weekends with hikes in the Bernese Oberland. I also read a lot and am curious about historical, political, and cultural topics.