Departments of the Federal Administration
The departments are the organisational units of the Federal Administration. Various offices and other units are assigned to them, and they are responsible for federal tasks. They assist the Federal Council in conducting government business and implementing the laws. Each department is headed by a federal councillor.
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) represents Switzerland abroad. It has been headed by Ignazio Cassis since November 2017.
The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA)
The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) mainly deals with issues such as OASI (state pension) and the health service. The department has been headed by Elisabeth Baume-Schneider since the beginning of 2024.
The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP)
The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) deals with issues such as asylum, migration and internal security. The department has been headed by Beat Jans since January 2024.
The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS)
The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) is responsible for the security of the country and its population. In April 2025 Martin Pfister became head of DDPS
The Federal Department of Finance (FDF)
The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) mainly deals with the state budget and tax matters. It has been headed by Karin Keller-Sutter since January 2023.
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER)
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) deals with matters relating to economic affairs, research and education. It has been headed since January 2019 by Guy Parmelin.
The Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC)
The Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) is the department for federal infrastructure and environmental matters. Albert Rösti has headed it since January 2023.
The seven members of the Federal Council
The Swiss government comprises the seven members of the Federal Council. The president is elected for a one-year term of office and is regarded during that time as ‘Primus inter pares’, or first among equals.