Parmelin to leave the Federal Council on 31 December

President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin called a press conference on Friday at 11:00 in the press room of the media centre of the Federal Palace. During the meeting he announced his resignation: he will leave the Federal Council on 31 December, after 11 years in office.

Parmelin heads the Department of Economic Affairs. During the conference, he reviewed the most important moments and the difficulties of his time in government, and also answered numerous questions.

He denied that health problems were behind his decision. For some time, rumors had circulated at the Federal Palace, in particular about back pain. The “fuoco sacro” (sacred fire), however, is no longer what it was.

Party reactions

The first reactions have already come in. The SVP (UDC), of which Parmelin is a member, praised his work. The Greens voiced criticism as well as thanks.

The FDP (PLR) and the Centre are already looking at the succession. The FDP calls for balance in linguistic representation and, when a Romand leaves, asks that the SVP also propose candidates from “Svizzera latina” (Latin Switzerland). The Centre, by contrast, recognises the SVP's right to two seats.

The first reactions do not yet name any possible successors. Candidacies are expected by 23 October. The election of the successor is scheduled for 9 December, about two months after the announcement and about three weeks before Parmelin leaves the Federal Council.