Politics · Switzerland · 8 hrs ago
Thomas Aeschi confirms bid to succeed Guy Parmelin on Swiss Federal Council
Thomas Aeschi has confirmed he wants to join Switzerland’s Federal Council, the country’s national executive.
The 47-year-old from Zug leads the parliamentary group of the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, known by its German initials, SVP.
He is seeking to replace SVP member Guy Parmelin, who is leaving the seven-member government.
Aeschi also ran in 2015, when Parmelin won the seat instead.
He says he would be willing to lead the justice and police department, especially its work on asylum and migration.
Eight SVP members are seeking the seat, and the party’s parliamentary group will choose its nominees on November 20.
The Swiss parliament is due to elect Parmelin’s successor on December 9.
Thomas Aeschi has officially entered the race to succeed Swiss Federal Council member Guy Parmelin.
The 47-year-old Swiss People’s Party (SVP) parliamentary group leader is the eighth candidate seeking the party’s nomination.
Aeschi says he is prepared to take on the asylum portfolio and is interested in the Justice and Police Department.
He says he wants to defend Switzerland’s sovereignty, lower taxes and reduce bureaucracy.
The SVP parliamentary group is due to choose its candidate list on 20 November, ahead of the Federal Council election on 9 December.
- Who
- Thomas Aeschi, an SVP national councillor and parliamentary group leader.
- What
- He has officially entered the race to succeed Guy Parmelin on the Federal Council.
- When
- He confirmed his candidacy in November 2026. The election is scheduled for 9 December.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- He says he wants to advance Swiss sovereignty, lower taxes and less bureaucracy, and believes he is prepared for the role.
SVP supporters of Aeschi
Critical view in Inside Paradeplatz
Candidacy
SVP supporters of Aeschi
Schaffhausen SVP senator Hannes Germann said Aeschi best fits the profile for the Federal Council.
Critical view in Inside Paradeplatz
Inside Paradeplatz argued that Aeschi lacked the strong public appeal the SVP needed.
Suitability
SVP supporters of Aeschi
Aeschi points to his 15 years as a national councillor and nine years as parliamentary group leader as preparation for government.
Critical view in Inside Paradeplatz
Inside Paradeplatz criticised his conduct at a school debate and questioned whether he could provide the party with a compelling public figure.
Aeschi’s cantonal party nominated him, but he initially left open whether he would run.
Aeschi confirmed that he would enter the race to succeed Parmelin.
The SVP parliamentary group is scheduled to decide which candidates to put forward.
The Federal Council election is scheduled to take place.
- Candidate
- Thomas Aeschi, 47
- Party
- Swiss People’s Party (SVP)
- Candidates
- Aeschi is the eighth candidate seeking the SVP nomination.
- Previous attempt
- Aeschi ran for the Federal Council in 2015 and lost to Guy Parmelin.
- Election date
- 9 December 2026
- Department interest
- Justice and Police Department, currently led by Beat Jans
5 sources
What people are saying
I am convinced that I have acquired the necessary qualifications for this government role.
Of course.
There is a great deal of work to be done in the Justice Department.
Aeschi fulfills this profile best in my view.