Martin Pfister, a candidate from the Centre party, was elected as the new President of the Confederation of Switzerland by the Federal Assembly on Wednesday. He will succeed Viola Amherd in the position. Pfister won the election after several rounds of voting, gradually gaining support and ultimately convincing the assembly with his objective approach.
The Centre party’s internal candidate, Markus Ritter, was defeated in the election. Pfister’s ability to mobilize broad support in the Federal Assembly was a key factor in his success.
The department assignments will be determined in the coming days. Traditionally, the new President of the Confederation would take over the Department of Defence, but a reshuffle in the Federal Council is also possible.