Overview
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The government

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 of the Swiss Confederation and vice president of the Federal Council:
11 December 2024 Election of the Federal Council: mid December 2027 (following the parliamentary elections in October 2027)

President of the Swiss Confederation 2024
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.

Viola Amherd Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

Member of the Federal Council since 2019

Party affiliation

The Centre

Vice President of the Federal Council 2024

Karin Keller-Sutter Head of the Federal Department of Finance

Member of the Federal Council since 2019

Party affiliation

FDP
Guy Parmelin Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

Member of the Federal Council since 2016

Party affiliation

SVP
Ignazio Cassis Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Member of the Federal Council since 2017

Party affiliation

FDP
Albert Rösti Head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications

Member of the Federal Council since 2023

Party affiliation

SVP
Elisabeth Baume-Schneider Head of the Federal Department of home Affairs

Member of the Federal Council since 2023

Party affiliation

SP
Beat Jans Head of the Federal Depart ment of Justice and Police

Member of the Federal Council since 2024

Party affiliation

SP

Federal Chancellor
The Federal Chancellor is the Federal Council’s chief of staff and heads the Federal Chancellery. He is also elected by Parliament.

Viktor Rossi Federal Chancellor

In office since 2024

Party affiliation

GLP