There are two new members of the government.
A series of votes in parliament confirmed Albert Rösti of the Swiss People’s Party and Elizabeth Baume-Schneider from the Social Democrats will take their seats on the top table from January 1st.
55-year-old Rösti from Bern was voted in in the first round with 131 votes – comfortably above the 122 needed.
But it took three rounds of votes for 58-year-old Baume-Schneider to secure her place.
Under a long-standing agreement, the parties of the new members had already been set.
While it needs to be confirmed, commentators say it's clear which portfolios the new members will take on.
Rösti will likely take over the Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications. It’s a role he would have wanted.
He’s a former president of the oil trader’s association, Swissoil, he supports nuclear power and is pro car.
Baume-Schneider is likely to take over the Justice and Police Department. She would be in charge of asylum and Ukrainian refugees. As a former social worker – it could be a good match for her.
The government has also confirmed the current Federal Councillor, Alain Berset, will take over the largely ceremonial role of President next year.
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