Esther Friedli declines run for Swiss Federal Council seat

Esther Friedli, a St. Gallen councillor for the Swiss People's Party (SVP), has announced she will not run for a seat on the Swiss Federal Council. Friedli was considered a leading candidate to succeed the departing Federal Councillor and current President, Guy Parmelin.

Friedli stated her intention to focus on her current mandate in the Council of States and represent the interests of the St. Gallen canton. She expressed a desire to seek re-election next year, noting that she does not wish to leave her parliamentary duties after only three and a half years. Additionally, her decision allows her to maintain her responsibilities as a hospitality entrepreneur in the Toggenburg region, where she operates the Haus der Freiheit in Ebnat-Kappel.

Her withdrawal shifts the succession race for the upcoming December election. Other prominent figures remaining in consideration for the seat include Céline Amaudruz of Geneva and Natalie Rickli of Zurich.