The Head of State of Switzerland

12 February 2023

Articles 174-179 of the Federal Constitution contain the main provisions concerning the head of state. They describe the appointment and number of members of the Government (seven), their term of office (four years), the principles of collegiality and equality, the tasks and responsibilities of the Federal Chancellery, and the tasks and duties of the Head of State.

The President

The President and the Vice President are mentioned in Article. 176 of the Federal Constitution.

The President and the Vice-President (Vize) Bundespräsident(in) in German/ la (vice)-présidente or le (vice-)président in French/ il (vice) presidente in Italian / and  la (vice) presidenta/il (vice) president in Romansh) They are chosen by the United Assembly, comprising both chambers (the National Council and the Council of States), for a one-year term. Re-election is possible, but not consecutively.

Since 1890, the election has been based on seniority (Anciennitätsprinzip). The longest-serving member of the Government is first appointed as Vice-President for one year and, the following year, as President (Rotationsprinzip).

The President presides over the Government, but only as primus/prima inter pares (collegiality and equality principles). They are, therefore, not the Prime Minister nor the First Minister.

The primary presidential role consists of coordinating and preparing the Government’s meetings, fostering cooperation and coordination between and within the seven departments, and both chambers of Parliament. The President serves as a minister of one of the seven federal departments and maintains contact with the cantons.

The President occasionally represents the Government and the country at home and abroad. Regarding protocol,  the Presidency is the highest office in the country.

The President can influence the Government’s policy and attitude depending on his/her charisma, personality, and interests.

In foreign contacts and, for example, in their role as a mediator in (inter) national conflicts, tensions or disputes, the President can have a particular impact,  as the (recent) past has shown.

Conclusion

The absence of an elected Head of State for four, ten, or sometimes even sixteen years gives Swiss politics a permanent dynamic. It does not lead to rigidity, (parliamentary) clientele formation, or patronage networks.

A disadvantage is the need for an institution with prestige, tradition and (international) stature.

(Bron: A. Vatter, der Bundesrat, Basel, 2020).