Beat, what would your 26-year-old self say today about you becoming President of the Government of the Canton of St. Gallen?

My 26-year-old self would probably be pleased and think: someone has stuck with it without losing their compass. You can't plan a political path. Many factors have to come together: the party-political starting position, regional roots, gender or the chances of being elected at the right time. As President of the Government, I chair the government meetings and represent the canton to the outside world. Otherwise, I am an equal member of the cantonal government - just like my colleagues in government.

You have already worked hard for our region as mayor of Wartau and on the cantonal council - which project or success can you look back on with particular pride?

At cantonal level, I was particularly committed to the double-track expansion in the Rhine Valley and a good public transport service on rail and road. Now it just needs to be actively used! I was also very interested in topics such as spatial planning and social policy in the cantonal council - experience that I can now put to good use in the government.

Construction projects were already a hobbyhorse of mine as mayor. The Wartau retirement home and the new school building in Feld are two projects that I look back on with pleasure. The latter was built in timber - which I am particularly pleased about as I am also responsible for forestry as head of the Department of Economic Affairs. It is important to me that more wood is used in public and private buildings - not least because it saves CO₂ in the long term and strengthens regional value creation.

What opportunities do you currently see for Sarganserland-Werdenberg - and how do you want to continue to promote the region as President of the Government Council?

My motto for the presidency is "Innovation creates progress". And this is precisely where there is a great opportunity for Sarganserland-Werdenberg. The renovation of the clean room at the Buchs University of Applied Sciences and RhySearch is a key project. It strengthens Buchs as a research and business location and enables the necessary exchange between teaching, science and industry. The fact that the population will be able to vote on this in November 2025 is an important signal for the entire canton. Such innovative infrastructures create progress on the ground.

The development of attractive economic areas is also key. With the site developments in Sargans (Tiefriet) and Buchs (Fegeren), the region is well on its way. At the same time, it is clear that WilWest needs to be successful at the second attempt so that we can continue to offer coherent, well-developed employment areas in the canton of St.Gallen. As President of the Cantonal Government, I want to give these major regional and cantonal development projects a boost - because progress requires locations that are ready for tomorrow.

When you're not out and about politically, where can you be found in the region?

In winter, I can be found on the ski slopes - on the Pizol, in the Flumserbergen or in Toggenburg. I consciously use public transport to get there. In the summer months, I often travel by e-bike - for example to visit my father in Haag or on a tour along Lake Walen in the direction of Murg. I usually choose the route spontaneously and on a whim. And of course I'm also regularly to be found at club events or local events in the region - because that's where you can feel what moves people.

In the course of your work, you are sure to meet people who are not yet familiar with the Sarganserland-Werdenberg region. How do you describe your home region?

I like to tell people that Sarganserland-Werdenberg is a region that combines a high quality of life, strong business locations and natural recreation in a very small area. We not only have a wide range of leisure and cultural activities, but also excellent educational and employment opportunities - and all of this is embedded in an impressive landscape. I often say: You can live and work here where others go on vacation. For me, this is more than just a slogan - it's a conviction.

Find out more about living, working and relaxing in our region: www.rsw.ch