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 datesElection 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 2024The 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 2019
Party affiliation
Vice President of the Federal Council 2024
Member of the Federal Council since 2016
Member of the Federal Council since 2017
Member of the Federal Council since 2023
Member of the Federal Council since 2024
Federal ChancellorThe Federal Chancellor is the Federal Council’s chief of staff and heads the Federal Chancellery. He is also elected by Parliament.
In office since 2024
