Preparing Federal Council decisions
The Federal Council normally holds a meeting once a week to deal with numerous items of business. Prior to the meeting, the federal departments and offices can give their input on the items on the agenda. The Federal Council coordinates this ‘joint reports procedure’.
Communicating Federal Council decisions
After every Federal Council meeting, the Federal Council Spokesperson goes before the press to announce the Federal Council’s decisions. Federal Council decisions and reports are published in the Federal Gazette, while new or amended acts and ordinances are published in the Official Compilation of Federal Legislation.
Planning for the future
The Federal Chancellery monitors national and international developments and, on the basis of these, establishes the need for political action. It is responsible for Federal Council planning and controlling: for the four-year legislature planning, the annual objectives and reporting.
Supporting the president
During their year as Swiss president, federal councillors assume additional tasks at home and abroad. The Federal Chancellery provides support and ensures continuity from one presidential year to the next.
Coordinating the work of the Federal Administration
The Federal Chancellor chairs the monthly meetings of the Conference of Secretaries General, at which the secretaries general coordinate the work of their departments.
The newly created DTI Sector has been in operation since January 2021. It coordinates and supports digitalisation projects throughout the Federal Administration.
Overseeing democratic rights
The Federal Chancellery ensures that all federal elections and popular votes are conducted correctly. It provides the necessary information on the proper procedures to anyone interested in launching a popular initiative or referendum. The Federal Chancellery is working with the cantons to make it possible to vote in elections and referendums electronically (e-voting).
Promoting multilingualism
Switzerland’s official languages are German, French and Italian, and all legal and official federal texts must be available in these languages. In certain cases they must also be produced in Romansh. Texts with an international relevance are also produced in English. The Federal Chancellery is responsible for the quality of the translations.
Publishing information through a range of channels
Before a federal vote is held, the Federal Chancellery sends explanatory material to all voters and updates the information on the VoteInfo app. Before federal elections, it sends out voting instructions. Up-to-date and detailed information is provided on two websites, in explanatory videos and in this brochure ‘The Swiss Confederation – A Brief Guide’.
Instagram: @gov.ch
Twitter: @SwissGov
YouTube: Swiss Federal Council
Web: www.admin.ch, www.ch.ch
Apps: VoteInfo, CH info
Vice Chancellor and Federal Council Spokesperson:
André Simonazzi
Vice Chancellor:
Viktor Rossi
Expenses 2021 (CHF)
127 million
Staff (FTEs) 2021
283
