New Federal Councillor elected

Thursday, 13 March 2025 06:30

Martin Pfister, new Federal Councillor

The health minister from canton Zug, Martin Pfister, has been elected as the new member of the Federal Council.

He’ll replace Viola Amherd, who’s retiring.

Federal councillors are elected by parliament – which chose him over a farmers’ favourite, Markus Ritter.

Pfister, a native German speaker, keeps the linguistic balance – so there are four German speakers and three French speakers.

But there is one less woman on the 7-member council – leaving only two – Karin Keller Sutter and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.

Pfister is the first councillor from the central part of the country since Kaspar Villiger stepped down in 2003.

He’s also a colonel in the army – he mentioned while campaigning, he knows the barracks better than the Federal Palace.

More from Bitesize News

10m initiative may lead to retirement age rise

Supporters of the Swiss People’s Party’s “10 million Switzerland” initiative are facing criticism after admitting that restricting immigration could eventually lead to a higher retirement age.
Canton Zug no longer the best tax haven

Lucerne is set to overtake Zug as Switzerland’s most attractive canton for corporate taxation in 2026, according to a new analysis by consulting firm PwC.
Geneva slammed by European court

Canton Geneva has been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights over the handling of a protest organiser fined after a Women’s Day demonstration in 2019.
Online retailers must have a Swiss office

The lower house of parliament has backed a proposal to require major foreign online retailers to appoint a legal representative in the country.
Fewer shops more restaurants in city centres

City centres are undergoing a major transformation, with traditional retail increasingly giving way to restaurants and service businesses.
14 kg of cocaine seized

Customs officers have seized 14 kilos of cocaine during a vehicle inspection in canton Basel-Country.

Download our app