SVP National Councillor Michaël Buffat charged with domestic violence – trial on 23 November
Vaud SVP National Councillor Michaël Buffat faces court proceedings over serious domestic violence. His wife is also facing charges.
SVP National Councillor Buffat before district court – charges of bodily harm and unlawful confinement
Vaud SVP National Councillor Michaël Buffat must answer to the Broye and Nord Vaudois district court on 23 November. According to reporting by the Tages-Anzeiger citing the French-speaking newspaper "24 heures", the indictment includes simple bodily harm with damage to mental health, aggravated threats, coercion, unlawful confinement and abduction. Until a final judgment is reached, the presumption of innocence applies.
According to the charges, Buffat is alleged to have exercised a systematic regime of oppression and control over his wife between July 2015 and February 2024. The allegations paint a picture of a physical and psychological violence dynamic following the motto "command, control, correct". In addition to persistent humiliation, he is said to have regularly attacked his wife – through kicks, slaps and thrusts against furniture, which repeatedly resulted in bruising and a broken finger. Furthermore, he allegedly threatened her with a firearm, drastically restricted her freedom of movement and monitored her continuously via GPS app.
Even after their separation in April 2023, the stalking and intimidation are said to have continued. According to the indictment, the wife eventually sought protection at a victims' assistance facility.
At the same time, the wife herself is facing charges. She is accused of bodily harm, unauthorised recording of conversations and coercion. She is said to have pressured Buffat during the campaign for the 2023 federal elections to sign a divorce agreement with a settlement of 100,000 Swiss francs – with the threat of going to the media. The presumption of innocence applies to her as well.
The case has already had initial political consequences: Buffat has temporarily suspended his function in the SVP Vaud party leadership, but remains tight-lipped about his National Council mandate until the verdict. Both Vaud's and Switzerland's SVP emphasise the presumption of innocence and point to the ongoing proceedings.
Source: Tages-Anzeiger