Politics · Switzerland · 1 hr ago
Two SVP politicians remain in the race to succeed Guy Parmelin
Guy Parmelin is stepping down from Switzerland’s Federal Council, the country’s seven-member executive.
The right-wing Swiss People’s Party, known by its German initials SVP, is preparing to put forward candidates to succeed him.
Two SVP politicians have announced they want the job: national parliament members Rémy Wyssmann and Céline Amaudruz.
Amaudruz has served in parliament for 15 years and is seen as a leading candidate from French-speaking Switzerland.
Several other possible candidates have ruled themselves out, including Zurich politician Natalie Rickli, who plans to seek re-election in her cantonal role in 2027.
The SVP’s candidate-registration deadline is Friday, October 23, at noon, after which the party’s choice of candidate will become clearer.
Céline Amaudruz and Rémy Wyssmann are the two politicians still seeking the Swiss Federal Council seat held by Guy Parmelin.
Luzern parliamentarian Franz Grüter said he would not run, citing a decision made with his family.
Other politicians who have ruled themselves out include Christian Imark, Pascal Schmid, André Rüegsegger, Natalie Rickli, Esther Friedli, Gregor Rutz and Magdalena Martullo-Blocher.
The Swiss People’s Party’s deadline for candidates to register is Friday, 23 October, at noon.
Parliament is due to elect Parmelin’s successor in December.
- Who
- Céline Amaudruz and Rémy Wyssmann are running to succeed Guy Parmelin.
- What
- The Swiss People’s Party is selecting candidates for the Federal Council seat Parmelin is leaving.
- When
- Candidate registration closes on 23 October at noon. The election is scheduled for December.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- Parmelin is stepping down, and a successor must be chosen.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Natalie Rickli and André Rüegsegger announced they would not run.
Christian Imark and Pascal Schmid announced they would not run.
Watson reported that Céline Amaudruz and Rémy Wyssmann remained in the race.
Franz Grüter said he would not run.
The SVP’s deadline for candidate registrations is due to end at noon.
Parliament is due to elect Parmelin’s successor.
- Candidates
- Céline Amaudruz and Rémy Wyssmann
- Registration deadline
- 23 October, 12:00
- Election
- December
- Franz Grüter
- 63 years old
- Amaudruz
- Geneva National Council member; 47 years old
- Wyssmann
- Solothurn National Council member; 59 years old
2 sources
What people are saying
A Federal Council member has hardly any private life.
state-critical lawyer
I have said many times that I do not want to.