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. Three come from the German-speaking part of Switzerland, three 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 datesElection of the Federal Council (following the parliamentary elections in October 2023) and election of the president of the Swiss Confederation and vice president of the Federal Council: 13 December 2023
President of the Swiss Confederation 2023The 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 2012
Party affiliation
Vice President of the Federal Council 2023
Member of the Federal Council since 2019
Member of the Federal Council since 2016
Member of the Federal Council since 2017
Member of the Federal Council since 2023
Federal ChancellorThe Federal Chancellor is the Federal Council’s chief of staff and heads the Federal Chancellery. He is also elected by Parliament.
Since 2016
