Political system
Switzerland and the World. Switzerland takes a proactive approach in its foreign policy, particularly towards the EU. Switzerland''s neutrality and humanitarian tradition allow it to host numerous international organisations and undertake protecting power mandates.
List of members of the Swiss Federal Council
The seven members of the Swiss Federal Council (German: Schweizerischer Bundesrat; French: Conseil fédéral suisse; Italian: Consiglio federale svizzero; Romansh: Cussegl federal svizzer) constitute the federal government of Switzerland and collectively serve as
How Switzerland''s cabinet works
Instead of executive power being vested in an individual, it is held by a committee. Unlike other countries, there is no prime minister or head of state. Since 1848, the Swiss cabinet, known as the Federal Council, has consisted of seven members. The Federal Council has been composed of the same political parties for more than 60 years.
List of members of the Swiss Federal Council
The seven members of the Swiss Federal Council (German: Schweizerischer Bundesrat; French: Conseil fédéral suisse; Italian: Consiglio federale svizzero; Romansh: Cussegl federal svizzer) constitute the federal government of Switzerland and collectively serve as the country''s head of state. Each of the seven Federal Councillors heads a department of the Swiss federal administration. The current Swiss Federal Councillors are: Guy Parmelin (first elected in 2015), Ignazio Cassis (fir
THE FEDERAL COUNCIL
As in Parliament, a concentration of power is avoided in the government; the members of the Federal Council are currently drawn from four political parties. Four members come from the German-speaking part of the country, two from
THE FEDERAL COUNCIL
As in Parliament, a concentration of power is avoided in the government; the members of the Federal Council are currently drawn from four political parties. Four members come from the German-speaking part of the country, two from the French-speaking part and one from the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.
The seven members of the Federal Council
The Swiss government comprises the seven members of the Federal Council. The president is elected for a one-year term of office and is regarded during that time as ''Primus inter pares'', or first among equals.
6 FAQs about [Power cabinet Switzerland]
Does Switzerland have a bicameral parliament?
Switzerland has a bicameral parliament, the Federal Assembly, which is composed of: The Federal Assembly convenes to elect the members of the Federal Council. The two chambers are equal (perfect bicameralism).
How are cabinet seats divided in Switzerland?
By common agreement Switzerland's four main parties divide the seven cabinet seats according to a set formula determined ultimately by their strength at the ballot box. The Federal Council follows an unwritten principle of "collegiality". Once its differences are settled and decisions taken, all cabinet ministers defend them.
Does Switzerland have a stable government?
Switzerland has a stable government, with democratic power sharing through consociationalism. Most voters support the government in its philosophy of armed neutrality underlying its foreign and defense policies.
What are the main political parties in Switzerland?
Switzerland has a rich party landscape. The four parties represented in the Federal Council are generally called the government parties: The Liberals (FDP/PLR), the Social Democratic Party (SP/PS), The Centre (DM/LC) and the Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC).
Is the President a head of State in Switzerland?
The president is not the Swiss head of state; this function is carried out by the council in corpore, that is, in its entirety. However, in recent practice the president acts and is recognised as head of state while conducting official visits abroad, as the Council (also by convention) does not leave the country in corpore.
Does Switzerland have a Constitutional Court?
Switzerland does not have a Constitutional Court, and the Supreme Court cannot comment on law put forward by the parliament. This role is assumed by the people, which acts as a guardian and can repeal any legislation or constitutional change. There are 26 cantons in Switzerland.