Swiss President Guy Parmelin has officially announced that he will step down from the Federal Council at the end of 2026. This decision marks the conclusion of more than 11 years of service in the country's highest executive body, as well as the end of his current presidential term. The announcement was made during a special press conference in Bern, where the politician reflected on his many years of public service.

Mr. Parmelin emphasized that he made this unexpected decision after careful consideration. According to him, in today's turbulent geopolitical and economic times, it is time to make way for new forces. He formally notified his government colleagues of his decision to resign, highlighting the constructive nature of their cooperation over the past decade.

Key Milestones of Political Career and Diplomatic Achievements

During his tenure as Minister of Economy and member of the Federal Council, Guy Parmelin achieved significant results on the international stage. In particular, he successfully negotiated with the United States, resulting in a substantial reduction of import tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%. This agreement was reached in exchange for commitments by the Swiss side to invest in the U.S. economy.

Furthermore, his mandate as Swiss President in 2021 gained widespread global resonance. At that time, the Confederation acted as the neutral host of the historic Geneva summit, which featured talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-U.S. President Joe Biden. These events cemented Parmelin's name in the modern history of global diplomacy.

Succession Procedures and Political Framework

Under established Swiss legislation and party quotas, Mr. Parmelin's successor will be elected from the Swiss People's Party (SVP). Current regulations set strict timelines: candidates from the political association must register by October 23, ahead of the parliamentary vote scheduled for December 9.

Experts note that the resignation of such an experienced politician opens a new chapter in Switzerland's political life. The departure of a leader who has served in the government for over eleven years will require portfolio restructuring and adaptation of the executive branch to new domestic and foreign policy challenges.