Laurent Kurth, former Neuchâtel minister: reinvention underway two years later

Herz — Switzerland Desk · 17 July 2026 at 20:24 · 30s summary · 2 min read

What we know

For 11 years, Laurent Kurth served in Neuchâtel's cantonal government—the canton's executive—as minister of finances and health. In August 2023, according to Le Temps, he announced his departure before completing his term, without another professional project in place.

Two years after leaving office, Kurth leads a roundtable examining the aftermath of the Le Constellation bar fire, which broke out on January 1, 2026 during New Year's celebrations in Crans-Montana, Valais. Pyrotechnic fountains had ignited the acoustic foam on the ceiling, triggering a rapid, widespread blaze. He also holds several other positions, some on a volunteer basis.

In the months following his departure, he undertook a cycling journey from Neuchâtel to Porto. After one month on the road, he stopped in Bilbao due to unpredictable weather, abandoning his original goal of reaching Porto.

Context: a series on the reinvention of elected officials

On July 17, 2026, Le Temps published a series devoted to the reinvention of prominent former elected officials—state councillors or members of parliament. Five were interviewed, including Laurent Kurth.

Timeline

1. August 2023
   Laurent Kurth announces his departure from Neuchâtel's cantonal government before his term ends, with no defined professional project in place.
2. After August 2023
   Cycling journey from Neuchâtel to Porto, interrupted in Bilbao after one month due to unpredictable weather conditions.
3. Le Constellation bar fire breaks out in Crans-Montana during New Year's festivities in Valais.