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 Alain Berset since the beginning of 2012.
Federal Councillor Alain Berset
Alain Berset was born on 9 April 1972 in Fribourg. He studied Politics and Economics at the University of Neuchâtel. He graduated in 1996 and took at PhD in 2005. Mr Berset is married with three children.
During his PhD studies he worked as an assistant at the research institute for regional economic development at the University of Neuchâtel. He was then guest researcher at the Institute for Economic Research in Hamburg before becoming a strategic consultant in the economic affairs department of the canton of Neuchâtel. In 2006 he set up as a self-employed strategy and communications consultant.
Election to the Federal Council
In 2003 Alain Berset was elected to the Council of States for the canton of Fribourg, and in 2008/2009 he was president of the Council. On 14 December 2011 the Federal Assembly elected Mr Berset, member of the Social Democratic Party, to the Federal Council. Since 1 January 2012 Alain Berset has been head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA). In 2018 he was president of the Swiss Confederation for the first time.
The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA)
The FDHA deals with a wide range of issues, from social insurance, the health system and statistics to gender equality, culture and meteorology. Current major topics for the FDHA are old age pensions and health.
FDHA facts and figures
Staff (full-time positions /2021): 2633
Expenses 2021: CHF 19,58 billion
The President of the Confederation Alain Berset
This year Alain Berset is not only the head of FDHA, his government department, but also president of the Swiss Confederation. The office is largely ceremonial. The president is ‘Primus inter pares’ or first among equals.
Last modification 15.06.2023
