GENEVA: In an unexpected move, Swiss President Alain Berset announced on Wednesday that he would be stepping down from the government at the end of 2023, bringing an end to his more than a decade-long ministerial service.
The 51-year-old Berset revealed his decision during a hastily arranged press conference in Bern, the capital, stating that it was “the right time to leave.” The presidency of the wealthy Alpine nation rotates annually among the seven members of the Federal Council government.
Having joined the government in 2012, Berset is not only the youngest member but also the longest-serving minister. This is his second term as president, following his previous role in 2018. “I have the feeling that I’ve accomplished what is possible. I have given everything,” he expressed.
Berset, who also serves as Switzerland’s interior minister, played a crucial role in facilitating the emergency takeover of troubled bank Credit Suisse by its larger counterpart UBS earlier this year. He believed that the second-largest Swiss bank was on the brink of collapse, which could have led to domestic turmoil and potentially triggered a global banking crisis.
Furthermore, as the health minister, Berset played a significant part in Switzerland’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic. In December 2020, he acknowledged that the government had erred in easing restrictions too extensively, resulting in some of Europe’s highest infection rates during the pandemic’s second wave. This led to him facing death threats and requiring police protection, an uncommon occurrence in Switzerland.
Swiss President’s Neutrality Amid Ukraine-Russia War
While facing a parliamentary investigation into alleged leaks of confidential government plans during the pandemic, Berset stated that it played no role in his decision to step down.
Berset’s tenure also involved handling Switzerland’s strict military neutrality amid the conflict in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. Switzerland has thus far refused to allow countries possessing Swiss-made weaponry to re-export it to Ukraine.
During his time in office, Berset chaired meetings of the United Nations Security Council in New York in May, representing Switzerland’s presidency.
Among his accomplishments, Berset successfully raised the retirement age for women to 65. As for his future plans post-government, he revealed that he has yet to decide.
Vacancies on the Federal Council are rare, as they are divided among the main political parties based on a longstanding agreement known as “the magic formula.” This agreement remains largely unaffected by shifts in parliamentary power and reflects the spirit of compromise that characterizes Swiss democracy. Berset is a member of the Socialist Party.
Vice President Viola Amherd, who serves as the defense minister, will assume the presidency in 2024. She hails from the center-right Centre party.
