Switzerland: SVP candidates emerge following Guy Parmelin's resignation announcement

Guy Parmelin, a member of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and the 2026 rotating president, has announced his resignation from the Federal Council, effective December 31, 2026.

Following the application deadline on October 23, approximately eight SVP politicians have applied to succeed him. The SVP parliamentary group is scheduled to select its candidates on November 20, 2026, ahead of the Federal Assembly's election on December 9, 2026. Notable applicants include Céline Amaudruz, an SVP vice president and National Councillor from Geneva, and Thomas Aeschi.

Switzerland's government is composed of seven federal councillors who govern as a team, with the presidency rotating annually. Under the informal ‘magic formula,’ the four largest parties share these seats, with the SVP currently holding two.