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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.

President 2018 Alain Berset

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

Ueli Maurer

Ueli Maurer (SVP/ZH) has been a federal councillor since 2009. Ueli Maurer has headed the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) since 2016. Prior to that, he headed the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).

Guy Parmelin

Guy Parmelin (SVP/VD) has been a federal councillor since 2016. Guy Parmelin heads 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 (EDA).

Simonetta Sommaruga

Simonetta Sommaruga (SP/BE) has been a federal councillor since 2010. Simonetta Sommaruga heads the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).

Johann N. Schneider-Ammann

Johann Schneider-Ammann (FDP/BE) has been a federal councillor since 2010. Johann Schneider-Ammann heads the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER, formerly FDEA).

Doris Leuthard

Doris Leuthard (CVP/AG) has been a federal councillor since 2006. Doris Leuthard has headed the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) since 2010. Prior to that, she headed the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (FDEA, now EAER).