Esther Alder

In 1995 Esther Alder was elected to the legislative municipal council of the city of Geneva. She left the assembly in 1997 after being elected deputy to the Grand Council of Geneva, a position she held for twelve years. She was elected to the administrative council of Geneva in 2011 where she headed the Department of Social Cohesion and Solidarity. Although she was supposed to become a mayor during the 2014–2015 legislative year, she chose to give up the position to her Socialist colleague Sami Kanaan. In Esther's opinion it made more sense for the head of the Department of Culture and Sports to serve as mayor during a year that was expected to be mainly cultural due to the celebrations marking the bicentennial of Geneva’s entry into the Swiss Confederation.^[6]

Esther Alder ran again in the 2015 municipal elections.^[7] She was re-elected to the Administrative Council along with the four other incumbents.^[8] She became Mayor of Geneva on 1 June 2015. In that capacity, she participated in the Summit of Local Elected Officials for Climate in Paris during COP21.^[9]

During her term, a controversy arose over reimbursement of taxi expenses claimed by members of the Geneva executive. Reports indicated that her taxi expenses were high and increasing.^[10][11] On 13 February 2019, she announced that she would not seek a third term in the executive. She denied any link between her decision and the expense controversy.^[12]

Esther Alder's record is considered positive by both the left and the right of the political spectrum.^[13][14] The press noted her openness to dialogue, determination, and constructive approach. It also notes her ability to follow through on her convictions.^[14] She was described as discreet, collegial, and effective.

Her policies in favor of homeless and disadvantaged people were particularly highlighted. In 2012, the winter shelter capacity for homeless people was doubled, and funding for the program was made permanent.^[15][16] During her tenure, 1,000 childcare places were created over ten years.^[17][18] Resources for after-school programs were increased.^[19] Information points for residents were expanded. Transitional housing units for vulnerable individuals were created.^[20][21] A back-to-school allowance for low-income families was introduced in 2013.^[22] Neighborhood facilities were renovated, and policies for older residents were developed.^[14]

She launched an information campaign encouraging low-income pensioners to apply for municipal supplementary benefits to which they were entitled.^[23]

In autumn 2016, she established four local social service offices across the city.^[24] Following the publication of social profiles of neighborhoods, residents and associations were consulted through social forums. These consultations led to action plans proposing short- and medium-term projects.^[25][26]

She also created outdoor fitness installations known as Proxisport to promote physical activity through accessible public equipment.^[27]

• Esther Alder's official blog Archived 2015-08-06 at the Wayback Machine