What is the primary role of the President of the Swiss Confederation?

The President of the Swiss Confederation serves as the presiding member of the Swiss Federal Council, which is the country's seven-member executive body. The President chairs the meetings of the Federal Council and undertakes specific representational duties.

How is the President of the Swiss Confederation chosen, and for what duration?

The President of the Swiss Confederation is elected by the Federal Assembly for a one-year term. This role is part of the collective leadership of the Federal Council.

What is the President's status within the Federal Council, and do they hold special powers?

The President of the Swiss Confederation holds the title of *primus inter pares*, meaning 'first among equals'. Despite this designation, the officeholder has no powers that exceed those of the other Federal Councillors and continues to lead their own assigned department.

How does the selection of the President typically occur based on tradition?

Traditionally, the duty of President rotates among the members of the Federal Council based on seniority. The member who served as vice president in the preceding year is usually elected as the president for the following year.

Who was the first President of the Swiss Confederation, and during which years did they serve?

Jonas Furrer served as the first President of the Swiss Confederation. He held the office for two terms: from November 21, 1848, to December 31, 1849, and again from January 1, 1852, to December 31, 1852, and a third time from January 1, 1855, to December 31, 1855.

Which president was the youngest to hold the office, and in what year did this occur?

Jakob Stämpfli was the youngest president to date, serving in 1856 at the age of 35.

Which two presidents have served as President of the Confederation six times each?

Karl Schenk and Emil Welti are noted for having served as President of the Confederation six times each, which is the highest number of terms held by any individual according to the provided data.

Which president died during their term, and when did this event occur?

Wilhelm Hertenstein is the only president, as of 2025, who died during his term. This occurred on November 27, 1888.

Who is identified as the current President of the Confederation in the provided text?

Karin Keller-Sutter is identified as the current president of the Confederation, serving in 2024.

What political party is associated with the color blue in the provided legend?

The color blue is associated with the Free Democratic Party, also known as FDP.The Liberals, according to the legend provided in the article.

What political party is represented by the orange color in the legend?

The color orange represents the Christian Democratic People's Party, which is also referred to as The Centre party in more recent contexts.

Which political party is indicated by the green color in the legend?

The green color in the legend signifies the Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents (BGB/PAI).

What political affiliation is represented by the red color in the legend?

The red color in the legend corresponds to the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland (SP).

Which president served the longest continuous term as President of the Confederation?

The provided text does not explicitly state who served the longest continuous term. However, it does mention that Karl Schenk served six terms, indicating multiple non-continuous periods in office.

How many presidents are listed in the table covering the period from 1848 to 1899?

There are 51 presidents listed in the table for the period from 1848 to 1899, with Jonas Furrer being the first and Eduard Müller being the 51st.

How many presidents are listed in the table covering the period from 1900 to 1999?

The table lists 101 presidents for the period from 1900 to 1999, starting with Walter Hauser (No. 52) and ending with Ruth Dreifuss (No. 151).

How many presidents are listed in the table covering the period from 2000 to the present?

The table lists 26 presidents for the period from 2000 to the present, starting with Adolf Ogi (No. 152) and including Karin Keller-Sutter as the incumbent president for 2025 (No. 177).

Which canton has been represented most frequently by presidents listed in the 1848-1899 period?

Based on the table for 1848-1899, the Canton of Zurich and the Canton of Bern appear to be represented most frequently, with multiple presidents from each canton during this period.

Which canton has been represented most frequently by presidents listed in the 1900-1999 period?

During the 1900-1999 period, the Cantons of Zurich, Bern, and Vaud appear to have the highest number of presidents representing them.

Which canton is represented by the current president, Karin Keller-Sutter?

Karin Keller-Sutter, the current president for 2025, represents the Canton of St. Gallen.

What is the significance of the different colored rows in the presidential tables?

The different colored rows in the presidential tables correspond to the political party of the president, as indicated by the legend provided in the article. For example, blue rows represent the Free Democratic Party.

How many times did Josef Zemp serve as President of the Confederation?

Josef Zemp served as President of the Confederation twice: once in 1895 and again in 1902.

Which president served in 1914 and 1915, and what was their political party?

Arthur Hoffmann served as president in 1914, representing the Free Democratic Party. Giuseppe Motta served in 1915, representing the Catholic-Conservative Party.

Who was the president in 1948 and 1949, and what were their political affiliations?

Enrico Celio served as president in 1948, representing the Catholic-Conservative Party. Ernst Nobs served in 1949, representing the Social Democratic Party.

Which president served in 1964 and 1965, and from which cantons did they hail?

Ludwig von Moos served as president in 1964, representing Obwalden. Hans-Peter Tschudi served in 1965, representing Basel-Stadt.

Who were the presidents in 1978 and 1979, and what were their respective parties?

Willi Ritschard served as president in 1978 for the Social Democratic Party, and Hans Hürlimann served in 1979 for the Christian Democratic People's Party.

Which president served in 1988 and 1989, and what were their political parties?

Otto Stich served as president in 1988 for the Social Democratic Party, and Jean-Pascal Delamuraz served in 1989 for the Free Democratic Party.

Who were the presidents in 1998 and 1999, and what cantons did they represent?

Flavio Cotti represented Ticino in 1998, and Ruth Dreifuss represented Geneva in 1999.

Which president served in 2004 and 2005, and what were their political parties?

Joseph Deiss served as president in 2004, representing the Christian Democratic People's Party. Samuel Schmid served in 2005, representing the Swiss People's Party.

Who were the presidents in 2010 and 2011, and what cantons did they represent?

Doris Leuthard represented Aargau in 2010, and Micheline Calmy-Rey represented Geneva in 2011.

Which president served in 2018 and 2019, and what were their political parties?

Alain Berset served as president in 2018 for the Social Democratic Party, and Ueli Maurer served in 2019 for the Swiss People's Party.

Who was the president in 2022 and 2023, and what cantons did they represent?

Ignazio Cassis represented Ticino in 2022, and Alain Berset represented Fribourg in 2023.

What is the total number of presidents listed in the provided table from 1848 to the present?

The table lists a total of 177 presidents from 1848 up to and including the president for 2025.

What is the relationship between the President of the Swiss Confederation and their departmental duties?

The President of the Swiss Confederation continues to head their own assigned department, meaning the role does not solely focus on presiding over the Federal Council but also includes ongoing administrative responsibilities.

What does the term 'primus inter pares' signify in the context of the Swiss Presidency?

Primus inter pares, a Latin phrase meaning 'first among equals,' signifies that the President of the Swiss Confederation leads the Federal Council meetings and has representational duties, but does not possess authority over other council members.

Which cantons have had presidents serving in the 21st century, according to the list?

Presidents in the 21st century (2000-present) have represented the cantons of Bern, Zurich, Lucerne, Valais, Fribourg, Aargau, Geneva, Grisons, and Ticino.

What is the typical progression for a member of the Federal Council regarding the presidency?

The presidency typically rotates among members based on seniority, with the previous year's vice president usually becoming the president for the subsequent year.

How many times has the Free Democratic Party (FDP) had a president representing their party between 1900 and 1924?

During the period of 1900 to 1924, the Free Democratic Party had presidents serving in 1900, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1916, 1917, 1918, and 1921, 1922, 1924. This indicates frequent representation by the FDP during this era.

Which president served in 1935 and 1942, and what were their political parties?

Rudolf Minger served as president in 1935, representing the Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents. Philipp Etter served as president in 1942, representing the Catholic-Conservative Party.

Who were the presidents in 1950 and 1951, and what were their political affiliations?

Max Petitpierre served as president in 1950 for the Free Democratic Party, and Eduard von Steiger served in 1951 for the Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents.

How many times did the Christian Democratic People's Party have a president between 1975 and 1999?

The Christian Democratic People's Party had presidents serving in 1979 (Hans Hürlimann), 1986 (Alphons Egli), and 1990 and 1997 (Arnold Koller), and 1991 and 1998 (Flavio Cotti). This totals five instances of representation by the party during this period.

What is the significance of the 'See also' section in the article?

The 'See also' section provides links to related topics, such as the Presidents of the Swiss Diet (which existed before 1848) and the Chancellor of Switzerland, offering further context on Swiss governmental roles.

Which president served in 1982 and 1983, and what were their political parties?

Fritz Honegger served as president in 1982 for the Free Democratic Party, and Pierre Aubert served in 1983 for the Social Democratic Party.

Who represented the Swiss People's Party as President of the Confederation in the 21st century?

Ueli Maurer served as president in 2013 and again in 2019, representing the Swiss People's Party.

What is the total number of presidents listed from 1900 to 1949?

There are 99 presidents listed in the table for the period from 1900 to 1949, starting with Walter Hauser (No. 52) and ending with Ernst Nobs (No. 151).

Which president served in 1970 and 1971, and what were their political parties?

Hans-Peter Tschudi served as president in 1970 for the Social Democratic Party, and Rudolf Gnägi served in 1971 for the Swiss People's Party.

Who was the president in 2008 and 2009, and what were their political parties?

Pascal Couchepin served as president in 2008 for the Free Democratic Party, and Hans-Rudolf Merz served in 2009 for FDP.The Liberals.

Which president served in 2014 and 2015, and what were their political parties?

Didier Burkhalter served as president in 2014 for FDP.The Liberals, and Simonetta Sommaruga served in 2015 for the Social Democratic Party.

What is the significance of the 'Politics of Switzerland' series mentioned in the sidebar?

The sidebar indicates that this article is part of a series on the Politics of Switzerland, suggesting it fits within a broader overview of the country's political system and institutions.

How many times has the Canton of Ticino been represented by a president between 1900 and 1999?

The Canton of Ticino was represented by Giuseppe Motta in 1915, 1920, 1927, and 1932, and by Enrico Celio in 1943 and 1948. Flavio Cotti also represented Ticino in 1991 and 1998. This totals eight instances of representation from Ticino during that period.

Who was the president in 1954 and 1955, and what were their political parties?

Rodolphe Rubattel served as president in 1954 for the Free Democratic Party, and Max Petitpierre served in 1955, also for the Free Democratic Party.

The Swiss Presidency

An authoritative exploration of the Presidents of the Swiss Confederation and their roles in shaping the nation's governance.

Understand the Role 👇 Explore the Timeline 📅

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

The Role of the President

Primus Inter Pares

The President of the Swiss Confederation presides over the meetings of the Federal Council, the seven-member executive body of Switzerland. This role is distinct from heads of state in many other countries; the Swiss President is considered primus inter pares (first among equals).

Annual Term

The presidency rotates annually among the members of the Federal Council. Traditionally, the position is held by the Vice President of the previous year, ensuring a predictable succession and continuity in leadership.

Representational Duties

While chairing Federal Council meetings, the President also undertakes special representational duties. However, they do not possess powers exceeding those of their fellow councillors and continue to manage their own federal department.

Historical Leadership

The office of President of the Swiss Confederation was established with the Federal Constitution of 1848. The following table details the individuals who have held this significant position, reflecting the evolution of Swiss governance and political landscape.

1848–1899

	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of Office		Political Party	Canton
1	Jonas Furrer	Jonas Furrer (1805–1861)	21 November 1848	31 December 1849	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
2	Henri Druey	Henri Druey (1799–1855)	1 January 1850	31 December 1850	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
3	Josef Munzinger	Josef Munzinger (1791–1855)	1 January 1851	31 December 1851	Free Democratic Party	Solothurn
4	Jonas Furrer	Jonas Furrer (1805–1861)	1 January 1852	31 December 1852	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
5	Wilhelm Matthias Naeff	Wilhelm Matthias Naeff (1802–1881)	1 January 1853	31 December 1853	Free Democratic Party	St. Gallen
6	Friedrich Frey-Herosé	Friedrich Frey-Herosé (1801–1873)	1 January 1854	31 December 1854	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
7	Jonas Furrer	Jonas Furrer (1805–1861)	1 January 1855	31 December 1855	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
8	Jakob Stämpfli	Jakob Stämpfli (1820–1879)	1 January 1856	31 December 1856	Free Democratic Party	Bern
9	Constant Fornerod	Constant Fornerod (1819–1899)	1 January 1857	31 December 1857	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
10	Jonas Furrer	Jonas Furrer (1805–1861)	1 January 1858	31 December 1858	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
11	Jakob Stämpfli	Jakob Stämpfli (1820–1879)	1 January 1859	31 December 1859	Free Democratic Party	Bern
12	Friedrich Frey-Herosé	Friedrich Frey-Herosé (1801–1873)	1 January 1860	31 December 1860	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
13	Melchior Josef Martin Knüsel	Melchior Josef Martin Knüsel (1813–1889)	1 January 1861	31 December 1861	Free Democratic Party	Lucerne
14	Jakob Stämpfli	Jakob Stämpfli (1820–1879)	1 January 1862	31 December 1862	Free Democratic Party	Bern
15	Constant Fornerod	Constant Fornerod (1819–1899)	1 January 1863	31 December 1863	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
16	Jakob Dubs	Jakob Dubs (1822–1879)	1 January 1864	31 December 1864	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
17	Karl Schenk	Karl Schenk (1823–1895)	1 January 1865	31 December 1865	Free Democratic Party	Bern
18	Melchior Josef Martin Knüsel	Melchior Josef Martin Knüsel (1813–1889)	1 January 1866	31 December 1866	Free Democratic Party	Lucerne
19	Constant Fornerod	Constant Fornerod (1819–1899)	1 January 1867	31 December 1867	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
20	Jakob Dubs	Jakob Dubs (1822–1879)	1 January 1868	31 December 1868	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
21	Emil Welti	Emil Welti (1825–1899)	1 January 1869	31 December 1869	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
22	Jakob Dubs	Jakob Dubs (1822–1879)	1 January 1870	31 December 1870	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
23	Karl Schenk	Karl Schenk (1823–1895)	1 January 1871	31 December 1871	Free Democratic Party	Bern
24	Emil Welti	Emil Welti (1825–1899)	1 January 1872	31 December 1872	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
25	Paul Céresole	Paul Céresole (1832–1905)	1 January 1873	31 December 1873	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
26	Karl Schenk	Karl Schenk (1823–1895)	1 January 1874	31 December 1874	Free Democratic Party	Bern
27	Johann Jakob Scherer	Johann Jakob Scherer (1825–1878)	1 January 1875	31 December 1875	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
28	Emil Welti	Emil Welti (1825–1899)	1 January 1876	31 December 1876	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
29	Joachim Heer	Joachim Heer (1825–1879)	1 January 1877	31 December 1877	Free Democratic Party	Glarus
30	Karl Schenk	Karl Schenk (1823–1895)	1 January 1878	31 December 1878	Free Democratic Party	Bern
31	Bernhard Hammer	Bernhard Hammer (1822–1907)	1 January 1879	31 December 1879	Free Democratic Party	Solothurn
32	Emil Welti	Emil Welti (1825–1899)	1 January 1880	31 December 1880	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
33	Numa Droz	Numa Droz (1844–1899)	1 January 1881	31 December 1881	Free Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
34	Simeon Bavier	Simeon Bavier (1825–1896)	1 January 1882	31 December 1882	Free Democratic Party	Grisons
35	Louis Ruchonnet	Louis Ruchonnet (1834–1893)	1 January 1883	31 December 1883	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
36	Emil Welti	Emil Welti (1825–1899)	1 January 1884	31 December 1884	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
37	Karl Schenk	Karl Schenk (1823–1895)	1 January 1885	31 December 1885	Free Democratic Party	Bern
38	Adolf Deucher	Adolf Deucher (1831–1912)	1 January 1886	31 December 1886	Free Democratic Party	Thurgau
39	Numa Droz	Numa Droz (1844–1899)	1 January 1887	31 December 1887	Free Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
40	Wilhelm Hertenstein	Wilhelm Hertenstein (1825–1888)	1 January 1888	27 November 1888	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
41	Bernhard Hammer	Bernhard Hammer (1822–1907)	27 November 1888	31 December 1889	Free Democratic Party	Solothurn
42	Louis Ruchonnet	Louis Ruchonnet (1834–1893)	1 January 1890	31 December 1890	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
43	Emil Welti	Emil Welti (1825–1899)	1 January 1891	31 December 1891	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
44	Walter Hauser	Walter Hauser (1837–1902)	1 January 1892	31 December 1892	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
45	Karl Schenk	Karl Schenk (1823–1895)	1 January 1893	31 December 1893	Free Democratic Party	Bern
46	Emil Frey	Emil Frey (1838–1922)	1 January 1894	31 December 1894	Free Democratic Party	Basel-Landschaft
47	Josef Zemp	Josef Zemp (1834–1908)	1 January 1895	31 December 1895	Catholic-Conservative Party	Lucerne
48	Adrien Lachenal	Adrien Lachenal (1849–1918)	1 January 1896	31 December 1896	Free Democratic Party	Geneva
49	Adolf Deucher	Adolf Deucher (1831–1912)	1 January 1897	31 December 1897	Free Democratic Party	Thurgau
50	Eugène Ruffy	Eugène Ruffy (1854–1919)	1 January 1898	31 December 1898	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
51	Eduard Müller	Eduard Müller (1848–1919)	1 January 1899	31 December 1899	Free Democratic Party	Bern

1900–1999

	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of Office		Political Party	Canton
52	Walter Hauser	Walter Hauser (1837–1902)	1 January 1900	31 December 1900	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
53	Ernst Brenner	Ernst Brenner (1856–1911)	1 January 1901	31 December 1901	Free Democratic Party	Basel-Stadt
54	Josef Zemp	Josef Zemp (1834–1908)	1 January 1902	31 December 1902	Catholic-Conservative Party	Lucerne
55	Adolf Deucher	Adolf Deucher (1831–1912)	1 January 1903	31 December 1903	Free Democratic Party	Thurgau
56	Robert Comtesse	Robert Comtesse (1847–1922)	1 January 1904	31 December 1904	Free Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
57	Marc-Émile Ruchet	Marc-Émile Ruchet (1853–1912)	1 January 1905	31 December 1905	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
58	Ludwig Forrer	Ludwig Forrer (1845–1921)	1 January 1906	31 December 1906	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
59	Eduard Müller	Eduard Müller (1848–1919)	1 January 1907	31 December 1907	Free Democratic Party	Bern
60	Ernst Brenner	Ernst Brenner (1856–1911)	1 January 1908	31 December 1908	Free Democratic Party	Basel-Stadt
61	Adolf Deucher	Adolf Deucher (1831–1912)	1 January 1909	31 December 1909	Free Democratic Party	Thurgau
62	Robert Comtesse	Robert Comtesse (1847–1922)	1 January 1910	31 December 1910	Free Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
63	Marc-Émile Ruchet	Marc-Émile Ruchet (1853–1912)	1 January 1911	31 December 1911	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
64	Ludwig Forrer	Ludwig Forrer (1845–1921)	1 January 1912	31 December 1912	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
65	Eduard Müller	Eduard Müller (1848–1919)	1 January 1913	31 December 1913	Free Democratic Party	Bern
66	Arthur Hoffmann	Arthur Hoffmann (1857–1927)	1 January 1914	31 December 1914	Free Democratic Party	St. Gallen
67	Giuseppe Motta	Giuseppe Motta (1871–1940)	1 January 1915	31 December 1915	Catholic-Conservative Party	Ticino
68	Camille Decoppet	Camille Decoppet (1862–1925)	1 January 1916	31 December 1916	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
69	Edmund Schulthess	Edmund Schulthess (1868–1944)	1 January 1917	31 December 1917	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
70	Felix Calonder	Felix Calonder (1863–1952)	1 January 1918	31 December 1918	Free Democratic Party	Grisons
71	Gustave Ador	Gustave Ador (1845–1928)	1 January 1919	31 December 1919	Liberal Party	Geneva
72	Giuseppe Motta	Giuseppe Motta (1871–1940)	1 January 1920	31 December 1920	Catholic-Conservative Party	Ticino
73	Edmund Schulthess	Edmund Schulthess (1868–1944)	1 January 1921	31 December 1921	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
74	Robert Haab	Robert Haab (1865–1939)	1 January 1922	31 December 1922	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
75	Karl Scheurer	Karl Scheurer (1872–1929)	1 January 1923	31 December 1923	Free Democratic Party	Bern
76	Ernest Chuard	Ernest Chuard (1857–1942)	1 January 1924	31 December 1924	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
77	Jean-Marie Musy	Jean-Marie Musy (1876–1952)	1 January 1925	31 December 1925	Catholic-Conservative Party	Fribourg
78	Heinrich Häberlin	Heinrich Häberlin (1868–1947)	1 January 1926	31 December 1926	Free Democratic Party	Thurgau
79	Giuseppe Motta	Giuseppe Motta (1871–1940)	1 January 1927	31 December 1927	Catholic-Conservative Party	Ticino
80	Edmund Schulthess	Edmund Schulthess (1868–1944)	1 January 1928	31 December 1928	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
81	Robert Haab	Robert Haab (1865–1939)	1 January 1929	31 December 1929	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
82	Jean-Marie Musy	Jean-Marie Musy (1876–1952)	1 January 1930	31 December 1930	Catholic-Conservative Party	Fribourg
83	Heinrich Häberlin	Heinrich Häberlin (1868–1947)	1 January 1931	31 December 1931	Free Democratic Party	Thurgau
84	Giuseppe Motta	Giuseppe Motta (1871–1940)	1 January 1932	31 December 1932	Catholic-Conservative Party	Ticino
85	Edmund Schulthess	Edmund Schulthess (1868–1944)	1 January 1933	31 December 1933	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
86	Marcel Pilet-Golaz	Marcel Pilet-Golaz (1889–1958)	1 January 1934	31 December 1934	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
87	Rudolf Minger	Rudolf Minger (1881–1955)	1 January 1935	31 December 1935	Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents	Bern
88	Albert Meyer	Albert Meyer (1870–1953)	1 January 1936	31 December 1936	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
89	Giuseppe Motta	Giuseppe Motta (1871–1940)	1 January 1937	31 December 1937	Catholic-Conservative Party	Ticino
90	Johannes Baumann	Johannes Baumann (1874–1953)	1 January 1938	31 December 1938	Free Democratic Party	Appenzell Ausserrhoden
91	Philipp Etter	Philipp Etter (1891–1977)	1 January 1939	31 December 1939	Catholic-Conservative Party	Zug
92	Marcel Pilet-Golaz	Marcel Pilet-Golaz (1889–1958)	1 January 1940	31 December 1940	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
93	Ernst Wetter	Ernst Wetter (1877–1963)	1 January 1941	31 December 1941	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
94	Philipp Etter	Philipp Etter (1891–1977)	1 January 1942	31 December 1942	Catholic-Conservative Party	Zug
95	Enrico Celio	Enrico Celio (1889–1980)	1 January 1943	31 December 1943	Catholic-Conservative Party	Ticino
96	Walther Stampfli	Walther Stampfli (1884–1965)	1 January 1944	31 December 1944	Free Democratic Party	Solothurn
97	Eduard von Steiger	Eduard von Steiger (1881–1962)	1 January 1945	31 December 1945	Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents	Bern
98	Karl Kobelt	Karl Kobelt (1891–1968)	1 January 1946	31 December 1946	Free Democratic Party	St. Gallen
99	Philipp Etter	Philipp Etter (1891–1977)	1 January 1947	31 December 1947	Catholic-Conservative Party	Zug
100	Enrico Celio	Enrico Celio (1889–1980)	1 January 1948	31 December 1948	Catholic-Conservative Party	Ticino
101	Ernst Nobs	Ernst Nobs (1886–1957)	1 January 1949	31 December 1949	Social Democratic Party	Zürich
102	Max Petitpierre	Max Petitpierre (1899–1994)	1 January 1950	31 December 1950	Free Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
103	Eduard von Steiger	Eduard von Steiger (1881–1962)	1 January 1951	31 December 1951	Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents	Bern
104	Karl Kobelt	Karl Kobelt (1891–1968)	1 January 1952	31 December 1952	Free Democratic Party	St. Gallen
105	Philipp Etter	Philipp Etter (1891–1977)	1 January 1953	31 December 1953	Catholic-Conservative Party	Zug
106	Rodolphe Rubattel	Rodolphe Rubattel (1896–1961)	1 January 1954	31 December 1954	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
107	Max Petitpierre	Max Petitpierre (1899–1994)	1 January 1955	31 December 1955	Free Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
108	Markus Feldmann	Markus Feldmann (1897–1958)	1 January 1956	31 December 1956	Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents	Bern
109	Hans Streuli	Hans Streuli (1892–1970)	1 January 1957	31 December 1957	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
110	Thomas Holenstein	Thomas Holenstein (1896–1962)	1 January 1958	31 December 1958	Conservative-Christian-Social People's Party	St. Gallen
111	Paul Chaudet	Paul Chaudet (1904–1977)	1 January 1959	31 December 1959	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
112	Max Petitpierre	Max Petitpierre (1899–1994)	1 January 1960	31 December 1960	Free Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
113	Friedrich Traugott Wahlen	Friedrich Traugott Wahlen (1899–1985)	1 January 1961	31 December 1961	Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents	Zürich
114	Paul Chaudet	Paul Chaudet (1904–1977)	1 January 1962	31 December 1962	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
115	Willy Spühler	Willy Spühler (1902–1990)	1 January 1963	31 December 1963	Social Democratic Party	Zürich
116	Ludwig von Moos	Ludwig von Moos (1910–1990)	1 January 1964	31 December 1964	Conservative-Christian-Social People's Party	Obwalden
117	Hans-Peter Tschudi	Hans-Peter Tschudi (1913–2002)	1 January 1965	31 December 1965	Social Democratic Party	Basel-Stadt
118	Hans Schaffner	Hans Schaffner (1908–2004)	1 January 1966	31 December 1966	Free Democratic Party	Aargau
119	Roger Bonvin	Roger Bonvin (1907–1982)	1 January 1967	31 December 1967	Christian Democratic People's Party	Valais
120	Willy Spühler	Willy Spühler (1902–1990)	1 January 1968	31 December 1968	Social Democratic Party	Zürich
121	Ludwig von Moos	Ludwig von Moos (1910–1990)	1 January 1969	31 December 1969	Conservative-Christian-Social People's Party	Obwalden
122	Hans-Peter Tschudi	Hans-Peter Tschudi (1913–2002)	1 January 1970	31 December 1970	Social Democratic Party	Basel-Stadt
123	Rudolf Gnägi	Rudolf Gnägi (1917–1985)	1 January 1971	31 December 1971	Swiss People's Party	Bern
124	Nello Celio	Nello Celio (1914–1995)	1 January 1972	31 December 1972	Free Democratic Party	Ticino
125	Roger Bonvin	Roger Bonvin (1907–1982)	1 January 1973	31 December 1973	Christian Democratic People's Party	Valais
126	Ernst Brugger	Ernst Brugger (1914–1998)	1 January 1974	31 December 1974	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
127	Pierre Graber	Pierre Graber (1908–2003)	1 January 1975	31 December 1975	Social Democratic Party	Vaud
128	Rudolf Gnägi	Rudolf Gnägi (1917–1985)	1 January 1976	31 December 1976	Swiss People's Party	Bern
129	Kurt Furgler	Kurt Furgler (1924–2008)	1 January 1977	31 December 1977	Christian Democratic People's Party	St. Gallen
130	Willi Ritschard	Willi Ritschard (1918–1983)	1 January 1978	31 December 1978	Social Democratic Party	Solothurn
131	Hans Hürlimann	Hans Hürlimann (1918–1994)	1 January 1979	31 December 1979	Christian Democratic People's Party	Zug
132	Georges-André Chevallaz	Georges-André Chevallaz (1915–2002)	1 January 1980	31 December 1980	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
133	Kurt Furgler	Kurt Furgler (1924–2008)	1 January 1981	31 December 1981	Christian Democratic People's Party	St. Gallen
134	Fritz Honegger	Fritz Honegger (1917–1999)	1 January 1982	31 December 1982	Free Democratic Party	Zürich
135	Pierre Aubert	Pierre Aubert (1927–2016)	1 January 1983	31 December 1983	Social Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
136	Leon Schlumpf	Leon Schlumpf (1925–2012)	1 January 1984	31 December 1984	Swiss People's Party	Grisons
137	Kurt Furgler	Kurt Furgler (1924–2008)	1 January 1985	31 December 1985	Christian Democratic People's Party	St. Gallen
138	Alphons Egli	Alphons Egli (1924–2016)	1 January 1986	31 December 1986	Christian Democratic People's Party	Lucerne
139	Pierre Aubert	Pierre Aubert (1927–2016)	1 January 1987	31 December 1987	Social Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
140	Otto Stich	Otto Stich (1927–2012)	1 January 1988	31 December 1988	Social Democratic Party	Solothurn
141	Jean-Pascal Delamuraz	Jean-Pascal Delamuraz (1936–1998)	1 January 1989	31 December 1989	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
142	Arnold Koller	Arnold Koller (born 1933)	1 January 1990	31 December 1990	Christian Democratic People's Party	Appenzell Innerrhoden
143	Flavio Cotti	Flavio Cotti (1939–2020)	1 January 1991	31 December 1991	Christian Democratic People's Party	Ticino
144	René Felber	René Felber (1933–2020)	1 January 1992	31 December 1992	Social Democratic Party	Neuchâtel
145	Adolf Ogi	Adolf Ogi (born 1942)	1 January 1993	31 December 1993	Swiss People's Party	Bern
146	Otto Stich	Otto Stich (1927–2012)	1 January 1994	31 December 1994	Social Democratic Party	Solothurn
147	Kaspar Villiger	Kaspar Villiger (born 1941)	1 January 1995	31 December 1995	Free Democratic Party	Lucerne
148	Jean-Pascal Delamuraz	Jean-Pascal Delamuraz (1936–1998)	1 January 1996	31 December 1996	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
149	Arnold Koller	Arnold Koller (born 1933)	1 January 1997	31 December 1997	Christian Democratic People's Party	Appenzell Innerrhoden
150	Flavio Cotti	Flavio Cotti (1939–2020)	1 January 1998	31 December 1998	Christian Democratic People's Party	Ticino
151	René Felber	René Felber (1933–2020)	1 January 1999	31 December 1999	Social Democratic Party	Neuchâtel

2000–Present

	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of Office		Political Party	Canton
152	Adolf Ogi	Adolf Ogi (born 1942)	1 January 2000	31 December 2000	Swiss People's Party	Bern
153	Otto Stich	Otto Stich (1927–2012)	1 January 2001	31 December 2001	Social Democratic Party	Solothurn
154	Kaspar Villiger	Kaspar Villiger (born 1941)	1 January 2002	31 December 2002	Free Democratic Party	Lucerne
155	Pascal Coupry	Pascal Coupry (born 1941)	1 January 2003	31 December 2003	Christian Democratic People's Party	Fribourg
156	Jean-Pascal Delamuraz	Jean-Pascal Delamuraz (1936–1998)	1 January 2004	31 December 2004	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
157	Ruth Dreifuss	Ruth Dreifuss (born 1940)	1 January 2005	31 December 2005	Social Democratic Party	Geneva
158	Samuel Schmid	Samuel Schmid (born 1947)	1 January 2006	31 December 2006	Christian Democratic People's Party	Bern
159	Micheline Calmy-Rey	Micheline Calmy-Rey (born 1957)	1 January 2007	31 December 2007	Free Democratic Party	Valais
160	Hans-Rudolf Merz	Hans-Rudolf Merz (born 1942)	1 January 2008	31 December 2008	Swiss People's Party	Appenzell Ausserrhoden
161	Pascal Coupry	Pascal Coupry (born 1941)	1 January 2009	31 December 2009	Christian Democratic People's Party	Fribourg
162	Doris Leuthard	Doris Leuthard (born 1963)	1 January 2010	31 December 2010	Social Democratic Party	Aargau
163	Micheline Calmy-Rey	Micheline Calmy-Rey (born 1957)	1 January 2011	31 December 2011	Free Democratic Party	Valais
164	Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf	Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf (born 1956)	1 January 2012	31 December 2012	Swiss People's Party	Grisons
165	Ueli Mauer	Ueli Mauer (born 1956)	1 January 2013	31 December 2013	Christian Democratic People's Party	Bern
166	Didier Burbur	Didier Burbur (born 1954)	1 January 2014	31 December 2014	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
167	Simonetta Sommaruga	Simonetta Sommaruga (born 1960)	1 January 2015	31 December 2015	Social Democratic Party	Bern
168	Johann Schneider-Ammann	Johann Schneider-Ammann (born 1952)	1 January 2016	31 December 2016	Swiss People's Party	Bern
169	Doris Leuthard	Doris Leuthard (born 1963)	1 January 2017	31 December 2017	Christian Democratic People's Party	Aargau
170	Alain Berset	Alain Berset (born 1972)	1 January 2018	31 December 2018	Free Democratic Party	Fribourg
171	Ueli Mauer	Ueli Mauer (born 1956)	1 January 2019	31 December 2019	Social Democratic Party	Bern
172	Karin Keller-Sutter	Karin Keller-Sutter (born 1963)	1 January 2020	31 December 2020	Christian Democratic People's Party	St. Gallen
173	Guy Parmelin	Guy Parmelin (born 1959)	1 January 2021	31 December 2021	Free Democratic Party	Vaud
174	Alain Berset	Alain Berset (born 1972)	1 January 2022	31 December 2022	Social Democratic Party	Fribourg
175	Alain Berset	Alain Berset (born 1972)	1 January 2023	31 December 2023	Christian Democratic People's Party	Fribourg
176	Karin Keller-Sutter	Karin Keller-Sutter (born 1963)	1 January 2024	31 December 2024	Free Democratic Party	St. Gallen
177	Beat Jans	Beat Jans (born 1964)	1 January 2025	31 December 2025	Social Democratic Party	Basel-Stadt

Key Political Parties

Free Democratic Party (FDP)

Historically dominant, the FDP (FDP.Die Liberalen) advocates for liberal policies, fiscal conservatism, and free markets. It has consistently provided a significant number of presidents.

Christian Democratic People's Party (CVP)

The CVP (Die Mitte) represents centrist and Christian democratic values, focusing on social welfare, family policies, and moderate economic approaches. It has also been a frequent source of presidential leadership.

Social Democratic Party (SP)

The SP (Sozialdemokratische Partei der Schweiz) champions social justice, workers' rights, and a strong welfare state. Its representation among presidents has grown over time, reflecting its electoral strength.

Swiss People's Party (SVP)

The SVP (Schweizerische Volkspartei) is a conservative and nationalist party, emphasizing national sovereignty, immigration control, and economic protectionism. Its presence in the presidency has also increased in recent decades.

Liberal Party (LPS)

While less prominent in recent history, the Liberal Party historically contributed to the presidency, advocating for classical liberal principles.

Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents (BGB/BGB)

This agrarian-centric party, a precursor to the SVP, represented rural interests and played a role in the early to mid-20th century presidencies.

Cantonal Representation

The office of President reflects the federal structure of Switzerland, with presidents drawn from various cantons across the country. This diversity underscores the federal nature of Swiss governance.

Zürich

A historically significant canton, Zürich has provided numerous presidents, reflecting its status as Switzerland's largest canton and economic hub.

Bern

As the political capital, Bern has also been a consistent source of presidential leadership, representing a broad spectrum of Swiss political thought.

Vaud

The French-speaking canton of Vaud has also contributed significantly to the presidency, highlighting Switzerland's linguistic diversity.

Lucerne

This central Swiss canton has provided several presidents, demonstrating representation from the heart of the country.

Aargau

The canton of Aargau, located in northern Switzerland, has also been represented multiple times in the presidency.

St. Gallen

From Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen has also contributed to the presidential lineage.

Solothurn

This canton in northwestern Switzerland has also seen its representatives serve as President.

Thurgau

Located in northeastern Switzerland, Thurgau has also provided presidents, contributing to the federal representation.

Neuchâtel

This French-speaking canton has also had its citizens serve as President, reflecting the nation's multilingual character.

Ticino

The Italian-speaking canton of Ticino has also been represented, showcasing the linguistic diversity of the presidency.

Grisons

The trilingual canton of Grisons has also contributed to the presidential office.

Basel-Stadt

The urban canton of Basel-Stadt has also seen its politicians serve as President.

Fribourg

This bilingual canton has also provided presidents, contributing to the federal balance.

Appenzell Innerrhoden

One of the smaller cantons, Appenzell Innerrhoden has also had representation in the presidency.

Valais

The canton of Valais, known for its alpine landscape, has also contributed presidents.

Obwalden

This central Swiss canton has also seen its citizens serve as President.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "List Of Presidents Of The Swiss Confederation" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about list_of_presidents_of_the_swiss_confederation while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

video games in germany

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the List of presidents of the Swiss Confederation Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document provides an overview of the Presidents of the Swiss Confederation, compiled from publicly available data. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, this content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute official government information or political advice.

This is not political advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional political analysis or consultation with governmental bodies. Always refer to official Swiss government sources for definitive information and context.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Swiss Presidency

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Role of the President 🏛️

👑 Primus Inter Pares

📅 Annual Term

⚖️ Representational Duties

Historical Leadership 📜

1848–1899

1900–1999

2000–Present

Key Political Parties 🤝

🔵 Free Democratic Party (FDP)

🟠 Christian Democratic People's Party (CVP)

🔴 Social Democratic Party (SP)

🟢 Swiss People's Party (SVP)

🔵 Liberal Party (LPS)

🌳 Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents (BGB/BGB)

Cantonal Representation 🗺️

🔵 Zürich

🔵 Bern

🔵 Vaud

🟠 Lucerne

🔵 Aargau

🔵 St. Gallen

🔵 Solothurn

🔵 Thurgau

🔵 Neuchâtel

🟠 Ticino

🟢 Grisons

🔵 Basel-Stadt

🟠 Fribourg

🔵 Appenzell Innerrhoden

🔵 Valais

🟢 Obwalden

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Role of the President

Primus Inter Pares

Annual Term

Representational Duties

Historical Leadership

Key Political Parties

Free Democratic Party (FDP)

Christian Democratic People's Party (CVP)

Social Democratic Party (SP)

Swiss People's Party (SVP)

Liberal Party (LPS)

Party of Farmers, Traders and Independents (BGB/BGB)

Cantonal Representation

Zürich

Bern

Vaud

Lucerne

Aargau

St. Gallen

Solothurn

Thurgau

Neuchâtel

Ticino

Grisons

Basel-Stadt

Fribourg

Appenzell Innerrhoden

Valais

Obwalden

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice