Vera Çelik, a 20-year-old Swiss citizen of Turkish descent, has become the first hijab-wearing member elected to Zurich’s municipal council.
Çelik, representing the Social Democratic Party (SP) from Zurich’s 10th District, secured 4,772 votes in the municipal elections. Currently training as a dental assistant, she will serve on the city council while wearing a hijab—a historic first in Zurich’s political landscape.
The Turkish Ambassador to Bern, Şebnem İncesü, congratulated Çelik and her family, calling the achievement “the perfect gift on International Women’s Day.” Turkey’s Consul General in Zurich, Fazlı Çorman, also extended his congratulations and wished her success in her new role.
Çelik has been active in campaigns for social justice, combating anti-Muslim discrimination, and promoting workplace equality. She has played a key role within the Social Democratic Party, including contributing to the party congress’s decision supporting teachers’ right to wear the hijab in schools.
In Switzerland, municipal councils oversee local governance, including urban planning, education, social services, and community policies. Çelik’s election marks a historic milestone for minority representation in Swiss politics and serves as an inspiration for young Muslim women across the country to engage in public service.
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