Swiss President Guy Parmelin announces resignation after 11 years in government

Friday 02 - 18:00

By: Azzat Manal

Swiss President Guy Parmelin announces resignation after 11 years in government

Swiss President and Economy Minister Guy Parmelin will step down from the Federal Council at the end of 2026, bringing more than a decade of service in the country’s federal government to a close. Parmelin, 66, announced his decision on October 2 after serving as a federal councillor since 2015.

A member of the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, Parmelin currently holds the rotating presidency of the Swiss Confederation. He was elected president for 2026 by Parliament in December 2025 and took office on January 1.

Parmelin said his decision followed several months of consideration over whether to remain in office. He indicated that his motivation for the job was no longer as strong as it had been when he first entered the government, while rejecting speculation that health problems were behind his departure.

His resignation will trigger the process for selecting a successor from the Swiss People’s Party. Parliament is scheduled to elect the new federal councillor on December 9, 2026. Switzerland’s seven-member Federal Council is elected by Parliament, with its members holding equal status and one councillor serving as president each year.

Parmelin entered the Federal Council in December 2015, initially taking responsibility for the defence portfolio before becoming head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research in 2019. He has also served as president of the Swiss Confederation twice, including his current term in 2026.

His time in government has included several major challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to trade tensions involving Switzerland and the United States. In 2026, Parmelin has also represented Switzerland internationally, including at the United Nations General Assembly, where he emphasized dialogue, international cooperation and open trade.

Trade policy has remained an important part of his responsibilities as economy minister. Switzerland has pursued agreements with several international partners, while its government has continued to address changing global trade conditions and relations with major economic powers.

Parmelin's departure comes as Switzerland prepares for another period of political change. The Federal Council will continue to operate under its seven-member collegial structure, while Parliament will determine who succeeds him in December.

The outgoing president is expected to remain in office through December 31, completing his second presidential year before leaving the Federal Council. His resignation will mark the end of a political career that has included more than ten years at the highest level of Switzerland’s executive government.