Federal Council election

Switzerland’s Federal Council is elected by the United Federal Assembly, that is, by the two parliamentary chambers jointly. The election takes place every four years in December, following the election of the entire National Council.

The members of the Federal Council are elected by the Federal Assembly. The period of office is four years and members can be re-elected or not. Federal councillors generally decide themselves when to step down.

The Swiss government is made up of the seven members of the Federal Council. To date, more than 100 federal councillors have governed Switzerland. They are elected or confirmed by parliament for a term of office of four (previously three) years.