Swiss President Guy Parmelin Announces Resignation at Year's End
Guy Parmelin, Switzerland's president and economy minister, announced his resignation effective December 31 after 11 years in office. The 66-year-old member of the Swiss People's Party stated he wishes to make way for new energy, denying that health problems influenced his decision. Parliament will elect his successor on December 9.
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Guy Parmelin announced on Friday that he will resign from Switzerland's Federal Council, the country's seven-member executive government, on December 31. The 66-year-old politician from the right-wing Swiss People's Party spoke at a press conference in Bern, explaining that he feels "a certain weariness" but clearly denying that health concerns, particularly reports about back problems, played any role in his departure.
As the country's economy minister, Parmelin recently gained international prominence through negotiations with the United States. After the US imposed 39% tariffs on Swiss goods in August 2025, he helped negotiate a reduction to 15%, and Switzerland committed to investing $200 billion in the United States. The nomination period for his successor will close on October 23, with parliament scheduled to elect the new president on December 9.
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