Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin announces resignation for the end of the year
Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin has announced his resignation from the federal government. The Swiss People's Party (SVP) politician will step down from his post at the end of December. This brings an eleven-year tenure in the Swiss government to an end.
The resignation comes at a symbolic time, immediately following the conclusion of his second year as President. In an initial statement, Parmelin emphasized that no one in a political office is irreplaceable. He looks back on a long period at the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.
Parmelin was elected to the Federal Council in 2015. During his tenure, he was responsible for the Department of Defence and later the Department of Economic Affairs, among others. He was particularly in the public eye as Minister of Economic Affairs and Federal President during the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement now triggers a succession process. The SVP will decide in the coming weeks who should take over the seat in the federal government. Parliament is expected to elect a successor during the winter session to ensure a smooth transition.
With the departure of Guy Parmelin, the Federal Council loses an experienced member. Political Switzerland is now preparing for the upcoming discussions regarding the filling of this important government seat.