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.

Head of DETEC Albert Rösti

Federal Councillor Albert Rösti

Albert Rösti was born in 1967 and grew up in Kandersteg in the canton of Bern. He attended upper-secondary school in Thun and studied agronomy at ETH Zurich, attaining a PhD in 1997. In 2001 and 2002 he completed an MBA at the University of Rochester in the USA.

During his professional career, Albert Rösti has been a teacher of agricultural studies, secretary general of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Bern, and director of Swissmilk. In 2013 he set up his own consultancy business, providing services for the private and public sector. He has also sat on a number of governing boards and been an active member of various associations. Albert Rösti is married and has two grown-up children.

Albert Rösti began his political career in 2008 when he became a member of Uetendorf Communal Council, serving as the town’s mayor from 2014. He was elected to the National Council in 2011 and was president of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) from 2016 to 2020.

Election to the Federal Council

The United Federal Assembly elected Albert Rösti to the Federal Council on 7 December 2022. He took over as head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) in January 2023.

The Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC)

DETEC deals with infrastructure and environmental matters. Modern transport routes, communication networks and the power grid all fall under its remit. However, DETEC also deals with issues relating to the environment and health and safety. This concentration of user interests and protection interests under one roof can often create conflicting objectives. Decisions must therefore often be very carefully prepared.

DETEC facts and figures

Staff (full-time positions/2022): 2,474

Expenses 2022: CHF 13.93 billion

 
 
 
 

Last modification 29.12.2023

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