Christina Kitsos, born to Greek parents in Geneva, Switzerland, is set to become the new mayor of the Swiss city.
Kitsos, who will assume office in June, has already made significant strides in politics, starting her journey at the age of 13 in the Youth Parliament and later joining the Socialist Party.
The office of the mayor of Geneva (maire de Genève) rotates annually among the five members of the administration council, the executive government of the city.
Kitsos’s ascent to the mayorship comes as a recognition of her dedication to public service and commitment to addressing key issues facing the city.
Kitsos on Greek heritage that shaped her worldview
In a recent interview on Greek public television ERT, Kitsos highlighted the importance of her Greek heritage in shaping her worldview and approach to governance.
“Sometimes we believe that there is equality, but there are many things that are not so obvious, but which will have a meaning in everyone’s journey,” she said.
One of Kitsos’s main priorities as mayor will be to tackle social issues such as housing for the homeless and support for young people.
She has already initiated an increase in wages for those working in daycare centers, a sector predominantly made up of women, addressing the gender pay gap.
Kitsos’s election has been met with praise and excitement from the Greek community in Geneva and beyond.
Her background and experiences uniquely position her to bridge the gap between Switzerland and Greece, bringing a fresh perspective to local governance.
In her closing remarks, Kitsos expressed her belief in the importance of understanding and embracing one’s cultural heritage, stating, “Through the values that Greece has always carried, we too can be inspired.”
Kitsos and her socialist convistions
Kitsos writes on her internet page: “My convictions for social justice, equality, for an open, sustainable and united society made me join the Socialist Party 16 years ago. It is in the name of these values that I was a Member of the Neuchâtel Grand Council at the age of 24.
“I then sat on the External Affairs Commissions, where priority was given to the international agreement on the harmonization of compulsory education (HarmoS concordat), and professional education at the Neuchâtel Music Conservatory.
“At the same time, I worked as a parliamentary assistant in Bern to my party colleague Didier Berberat, then National Councilor.”
Geneva is the second-most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich) and the most populous of the French-speaking Romandy.
Situated in the southwest of the country, where the Rhône exits Lake Geneva, it is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva and a center for international diplomacy. Geneva hosts the highest number of international organizations in the world.