The Federal Council
The Federal Council comprises seven members of equal standing. They are elected by Parliament every four years, with a different member holding the post of president each year. The current members of the Federal Council are drawn from four different parties. Four come from the German-speaking part of Switzerland, two from the French-speaking part and one from the Italian-speaking region.
The Federal Council normally meets every week. Especially demanding issues are discussed in special sessions. Each year, it decides on more than 2500 items of business. The seven departments and the Federal Chancellery support the Federal Council by helping to prepare the meetings.
Important dates
Election of the president and
vice president:
7 December 2022
Election
of the Federal Council (following the parliamentary elections in October):
December 2023
President of the Swiss Confederation 2022
The President is of equal standing to the other members of the Federal Council, but chairs the meetings and represents the government in its external dealings.
Member of the Federal Council since 2017
Party affiliation
FDPVice President of the Federal Council 2022
Member of the Federal Council since 2012
Party affiliation
SP
Member of the Federal Council since 2009
Party affiliation
SVP
Member of the Federal Council since 2010
Party affiliation
SP
Member of the Federal Council since 2016
Party affiliation
SVP
Member of the Federal Council since 2019
Party affiliation
The Centre
Member of the Federal Council since 2019
Party affiliation
FDPFederal Chancellor
The Federal Chancellor is the Federal Council’s chief
of staff and heads the Federal Chancellery. He is also elected by Parliament.
Party affiliation
The Centre