The PDC musical comedy is takes place every four years, during swiss canton elections. It’s a typically Genevan tradition, its part of our city’s political culture. Our opponents, the Liberal party, also organise musicals. We’re not afraid to make fun of ourselves, that’s all. Everyone takes part: candidates, elected officials, party members, activists. At the end of the show a hat goes around the audience to collect donations, but the amount raised is mostly symbolic. It’s also a way to give the campaign media coverage. According to the local press, this year’s show was the best in the last several years."

This is a time-old tradition that can be explained by the highly confrontational nature of Geneva’s political scene. Local parties, usually ready to jump at each other’s throats, need something a little fun to lighten up the atmosphere. Even if it’s funny, it’s still pathetic. It’s unclear what benefits, if any, this kind of show brings to constituents. It may succeed in boosting party morale, though."