Politics · Switzerland · 9 hrs ago
Eight Swiss People's Party politicians seek Guy Parmelin's cabinet seat
Eight Swiss People's Party politicians are seeking to replace Guy Parmelin in Switzerland's seven-member Federal Council.
The candidates include lawmakers Céline Amaudruz, Thomas Aeschi, Michael Graber and Rémy Wyssmann.
Several have faced scrutiny over past incidents or recent disclosures as their bids draw attention.
Amaudruz was caught driving after drinking in 2016 and later left a private bank amid concerns about possible conflicts of interest.
She also signed a parliamentary motion that used the far-right “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, while saying she did not share its ideology but supported the motion's substance.
Aeschi and Graber were involved in a 2024 confrontation with federal police at parliament, and Graber later apologised for comparing the officers to people who followed Hitler's orders.
The contest will determine who succeeds Parmelin, though the information available does not say when the vote will take place or which candidate will win.
Eight Swiss People’s Party politicians are seeking to replace Guy Parmelin in the Federal Council.
Watson reports that past controversies and new revelations have drawn attention to some of the candidates.
Céline Amaudruz said she knew the meaning of a phrase used in a parliamentary motion but did not share its ideology.
Thomas Aeschi and Michael Graber were involved in a 2024 confrontation with federal police at Parliament.
The article also reports on incidents involving other candidates, including Rémy Wyssmann and Marco Chiesa.
- Who
- Eight politicians from the Swiss People’s Party are seeking the seat held by Guy Parmelin.
- What
- They are candidates to succeed him in the Federal Council.
- When
- The article was published on November 13, 2026. It does not state when the selection will take place.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- They are seeking to replace Guy Parmelin. The reason for his departure is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Céline Amaudruz was stopped while driving in Geneva with almost 1.9 per mille of alcohol in her system.
Thomas Aeschi and Michael Graber ignored security officers’ instructions at Parliament during a visit by Ukraine’s parliamentary speaker.
Officials and politicians in Solothurn accused Rémy Wyssmann of making misleading or false claims during a campaign over a planned police station in Oensingen.
Amaudruz worked as managing director at Geneva private bank Reyl before leaving amid criticism of a potential conflict of interest.
Aeschi left a school debate on the Bilateral III agreements early, saying he considered the moderation one-sided.
Graber announced his candidacy and was asked about women’s representation in the Federal Council.
- Candidates
- Eight Swiss People’s Party politicians
- Seat sought
- Guy Parmelin’s Federal Council seat
- Céline Amaudruz
- Managing director at Reyl from April 2022 to September 2026
- 2024 incident
- Thomas Aeschi and Michael Graber were involved in a confrontation with federal police at Parliament
- Rémy Wyssmann
- Accused of misleading or false claims in Solothurn in February 2026
What people are saying
I know the meaning of the term. I do not share the ideology, but I support the substance of the proposal.
The moderator is not to blame, and Mr Aeschi walking out is a no-go.
I have a wife myself.