On Wednesday, 12 March 2025 Martin Pfister from the canton of Zug, was elected the new Federal Council member by the Swiss federal parliament. Let’s take a look at what this means in the context of the Swiss political system.
What is the Federal Council?
The Federal Council (Bundesrat) is a national, seven-member body whose decisions are made by consensus. It consists of the four most popular parties: the SVP (Swiss People’s Party), the SP (Socialist Democratic Party), the Centre (an alliance of the Christian Democrat People’s Party and the Conservative Democratic Party) and the FDP (the Liberal Party).
Each member of the council oversees a government department. Elections take place every four years in December, unless a member steps-down.
The Federal Council is the highest executive authority in Switzerland and its activities are linked closely to the Federal Constitution. The Federal President is elected for one year and represents the Federal Council.
Why was there an election?
Federal councillors are elected by the United Federal Assembly (sometimes also known as the Swiss Parliament), which consists of an upper and a lower chamber. The National Council is the lower house with 200 members and representing the people. The Council of States is the upper house with 46 members and represents the cantons.
Although elections take place every four years, Viola Amherd resigned earlier this year triggering a need for an election. Due to the required composition of the Federal Council, the new member was to be from the Centre Party.
After a reasonably close campaign, Martin Pfister was successfully elected and will oversee the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (VBS).
Useful websites to learn about the Swiss political system
🔗 The Federal Council
🔗 Ch.ch
🔗 Swissinfo.ch
