Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced on Friday that he will be stepping down from the government at the end of the year. This sudden move comes after more than a decade of ministerial service. Parmelin, who is 66 years old, informed his ministerial colleagues of his decision to step down on December 31. He cited that it has been 11 years since he was elected to this role and feels it is time to make way for new energy.
Parmelin is the longest-serving minister in the Swiss government, which is known as the Federal Council. The presidency in Switzerland rotates annually among the seven members of the Federal Council. Parmelin admitted to feeling a certain weariness but insisted that he is not stepping down for medical reasons. He has been a pragmatist and made significant headway with US President Donald Trump, particularly in regards to tariffs on Swiss goods.
In August 2025, Trump announced 39-percent duties on imports of Swiss goods. Parmelin, who is the economy minister, made multiple trips to Washington in an attempt to reduce the rate. Eventually, Switzerland and the United States announced a declaration of intent to cut tariffs to 15 percent. As part of the agreement, Switzerland vowed to invest $200 billion in the United States.
Parmelin is a member of the hard-right Swiss People's Party (SVP), which is the largest party in the country. He was previously president in 2021 and played a key role in hosting a summit in Geneva between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. As president of the Swiss Confederation, he is first among equals on the Federal Council and typically represents the country in major domestic and international matters.
The position of president will go to whoever has had the longest run on the council without being president. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will become president in 2027. Parmelin joined the Federal Council in 2016 as defence minister and has held the economy brief since 2019. The Federal Council's seven seats are shared among the four main political parties under a decades-old tacit agreement known as "the magic formula".
Parmelin's successor will come from the SVP, and candidates have until October 23 to come forward. The parliament will then choose the successor on December 9. In the meantime, Parmelin will visit India for a three-day state visit starting from Monday. His departure marks the end of an era in Swiss politics, with Parmelin being a significant figure in the country's government for over a decade.
The Swiss government will have to adjust to the change in leadership, especially with the current economic and international challenges. Parmelin's experience and pragmatism will be missed, but the new leadership will have to navigate these challenges and make their mark on Swiss politics. The country will be watching closely as the transition takes place and a new president is chosen.
Key points
- Swiss President Guy Parmelin to step down from government at the end of the year.
- Parmelin served over a decade in the government and was a key figure in Swiss politics.
- The position of president will go to Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in 2027.
