As president of the Swiss Confederation, you hold a special position as the head of overnment for a year. What does this office mean to you?
It is a great honour for me to be able to hold this office for a second time, and I under-take this responsibility with the utmost respect. During my presidential year, I chair the weekly Federal Council meetings and engage in even more dialogue with citizens than usual. The office of president is also important in terms of international relations. I represent Switzerland at important events abroad and also meet with other heads of state.
You already had a term as president in 2021. What will be different in 2026?
In 2021, we were still in the grip of the COVID pandemic. That had a major impact on my first term, affecting both the agenda and practical aspects. I was only able to meet people in person to a limited extent. Since then, the geopolitical situation has changed significantly, resulting in a very different set of priorities for the current presidential year. And because the world is changing so rapidly, it is impossible to predict at the beginning of the year, how it will end.
What is particularly important to you when working with the other members of the Federal Council?
Collegiality. In Switzerland, we have a unique political system with a government that enjoys very broad support. Before and during a Federal Council meeting, we each ex-press our own points of view. But once the Federal Council has taken a decision as a body, we all stand behind it – collegially and loyally.
