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.

Alain Berset

President 2023 Alain Berset

Alain Berset (SP/FR) has been a federal councillor since 2012. Alain Berset heads the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA).

Viola Amherd

Viola Amherd

Viola Amherd (Mitte/VS) has been a federal councillor since 2019. Viola Amherd heads the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).

 
Karin Keller-Sutter

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).

 
 
Guy Parmelin

Guy Parmelin

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).

 
Albert Rösti

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).

 
Ignazio Cassis

Ignazio Cassis

Ignazio Cassis (FDP/TI) has been a federal councillor since 2017. Ignazio Cassis heads the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Elisabeth Baume-Schneider

Elisabeth Baume-Schneider

Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (SP/JU) has been a federal councillor since 2023. Elisabeth Baume-Schneider heads the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).

 

Federal Council’s chief of staff

Federal Chancellor Walter Thurnherr

Federal Chancellor Walter Thurnherr

Walter Thurnherr has been Federal Chancellor, the Federal Council’s chief of staff, since 2016.

Last modification 01.01.2023

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