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Maurer to leave Federal Council

Monday, 3 October 2022 06:30

Political jostling has begun to replace the Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer who announced his resignation on Friday.

Maurer is a member of the Swiss People’s Party, which now has to select candidates to fill the vacant seat. The final decision will be by a parliamentary vote. 

55-year-old Albert Rösti from Bern is the favourite - he’s a former party leader and popular with his colleagues. He speaks French, which seen as an advantage. 

But others point out that the party have never had a woman on the Council. 

Relative newcomer, 45-year-old Esther Friedli is being touted as a contender. She’s from Sankt Gallen and has impressed in her three years in parliament. 

It’s likely the party will offer up 2 candidates for parliament to choose from – but there’s some speculation it could be three. The vote will be next month.

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