Guy Parmelin Becomes President of Switzerland (1 Jan 2026), Succeeding Karin Keller-Sutter

On 1 January 2026, Guy Parmelin assumed office as President of the Swiss Confederation for 2026, succeeding Karin Keller-Sutter. In Switzerland’s system, the federal presidency is a one-year, rotating role held by a member of the seven-person Federal Council; the president is “first among equals,” chairs Federal Council meetings, and represents the country in key official duties. • Election Results: Parmelin was elected by the United Federal Assembly on December 10, 2025, with a record-breaking 203 out of 210 valid votes, the highest result for a presidential election in this millennium. • Vice President: Ignazio Cassis, the current Foreign Minister, was elected as Vice President for 2026 and is expected to succeed Parmelin in 2027. • Dual Roles: In accordance with the Swiss rotating presidency system, Parmelin remains the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research while serving as President. • Background: This marks Parmelin’s second term as president, having previously held the position in 2021. He is a member of the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and a trained winegrower from the French-speaking canton of Vaud. As President for 2026, Parmelin acts as "first among equals" (primus inter pares) within the seven-member Federal Council, chairing government meetings and representing Switzerland at international events, such as the World Economic Forum in Davos. On December 10, 2025, Guy Parmelin was elected by the United Federal Assembly as the President of the Swiss Confederation for 2026. He assumed the office on January 1, 2026, succeeding Karin Keller-Sutter. Key details of his election and presidency include: • Record Result: Parmelin secured 203 votes out of 210 valid ballots (228 total cast), marking the highest vote count for a presidential election in Switzerland this century. • Second Term: This is his second time serving in this rotating role, having previously held the presidency in 2021. • Continuing Department Role: While serving as President, he remains the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), a position he has held since 2019. • Vice President: Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis was elected to serve as the Vice President of the Federal Council for 2026.