Swiss president announces surprise decision to step down

Swiss President and Economic Affairs Minister Guy Parmelin announced his decision to resign from the seven-member Federal Council and step down at the end of December 2026.

Parmelin will officially conclude his tenure on December 31, 2026. His departure marks the end of 11 years in Switzerland's executive government, alongside the completion of his second term as President. Speaking at a press conference in Bern, Parmelin noted a desire to make room for new leadership.

He added that "the passion for the job is no longer as strong as it was at the start" while explicitly ruling out health issues as a factor. Representing the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, Parmelin has served in the cabinet since 2016. Prior to leading the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, he served as head of the Department of Defense.