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.
Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation 2026
Guy Parmelin (SVP/VD) has been a federal councillor since 2016. Guy Parmelin heads the Federal Department of Economic Affairs. Prior to that he headed the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).
Ignazio Cassis
Ignazio Cassis (FDP/TI) has been a federal councillor since 2017. Ignazio Cassis heads the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Karin Keller-Sutter
Karin Keller-Sutter (FDP/SG) has been a federal councillor since 2019. Karin Keller-Sutter has headed the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) since 2023. Prior to that, she headed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).
Albert Rösti
Albert Rösti (SVP/BE) has been a federal councillor since 2023. Albert Rösti heads the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC).
Elisabeth Baume-Schneider
Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (SP/JU) has been a federal councillor since 2023. Since 2024 she heads the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA). Prior to that, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider headed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).
Beat Jans
Beat Jans (SP/BS) has been a federal councillor since 2024. He heads the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).
Martin Pfister
Martin Pfister (The Centre/ZG) has been a federal councillor since 2025. Martin Pfister heads the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).
Federal Council’s chief of staff
Viktor Rossi has been Federal Chancellor, the Federal Council’s chief of staff, since 2024.