Politics · Switzerland · 2 hrs ago
Thomas Matter is considering a run for Switzerland’s Federal Council
Swiss lawmaker Thomas Matter is considering a run for the Federal Council, Switzerland’s national government.
He could seek to succeed Guy Parmelin, who is leaving the government.
Céline Amaudruz is the only official SVP candidate so far.
Matter, a 60-year-old member of parliament from the SVP, said he is thinking about whether to run.
He promised his wife in 2014 that he would not seek the job, and says she has not released him from that promise.
The couple are now discussing the possibility intensively, while Zurich official Natalie Rickli is also still considering a run.
The field could widen, but no decision by Matter is stated.
Swiss People’s Party lawmaker Thomas Matter is considering running for the Federal Council seat being vacated by Guy Parmelin.
Matter said he is discussing the possibility with his wife, despite having promised her he would not seek the job.
Geneva lawmaker Céline Amaudruz has announced her candidacy and is backed by representatives from French-speaking Switzerland.
The contest is exposing tensions between the party’s Zurich and French-speaking sections over who should succeed Parmelin.
Valais lawmaker Michael Graber is also considering a run and said he plans to decide next week.
- Who
- Thomas Matter, a Swiss People’s Party lawmaker from Zurich, is considering a candidacy. Céline Amaudruz and Michael Graber are also potential candidates.
- What
- The party is preparing to choose a candidate to succeed Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.
- When
- Matter’s consideration was reported on 18 October 2026. The party sections can submit candidacies until 23 October.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- The sources do not state Matter’s reason for considering a run. The party is selecting a successor to Parmelin.
Zurich SVP representatives
French-speaking Swiss SVP representatives
Candidate choice
Zurich SVP representatives
Zurich representatives are reported to prefer other candidates and some oppose Amaudruz’s candidacy.
French-speaking Swiss SVP representatives
They want Geneva lawmaker Céline Amaudruz to succeed Parmelin.
Regional representation
Zurich SVP representatives
Zurich representatives argue regional origin should not determine the choice; Benjamin Fischer said French-speaking Switzerland is already represented.
French-speaking Swiss SVP representatives
French-speaking representatives are seeking support for a candidate from their region.
Guy Parmelin won the Federal Council election against Thomas Aeschi, who was favored by Zurich representatives.
Céline Amaudruz publicly announced her candidacy to succeed Parmelin.
Reports said Thomas Matter was considering a run and discussing it with his wife.
Michael Graber said he would decide whether to run.
Deadline for SVP sections to submit candidacies.
- Seat
- Federal Council seat held by Guy Parmelin
- Potential candidate
- Thomas Matter, Zurich SVP National Council member
- Announced candidate
- Céline Amaudruz, Geneva
- Other potential candidate
- Michael Graber, Upper Valais
- Candidacy deadline
- 23 October 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
I am thinking about it.
That has affected her; they have not forgotten it.
You just have to get through it.