# SVP Swiss Federal Council succession

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/svp-swiss-federal-council-succession
> Updated: 2026-10-10T09:19:58.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Following the announced resignation of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, the Swiss People's Party (SVP) explored the possibility of fielding an all-female ticket for the upcoming Federal Council elections. Initial discussions highlighted Senator Esther Friedli and government councillor Natalie Rickli as top candidates, with the party aiming to secure two German-speaking seats.

However, the succession race shifted after Esther Friedli announced she would not run for a seat on the Federal Council. Friedli stated she intends to focus on her current mandate in the Council of States and her responsibilities as a hospitality entrepreneur. Following her withdrawal, other figures including Natalie Rickli and Céline Amaudruz remain prominent in the consideration for the seat.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Esther Friedli declines run for Swiss Federal Council seat

SVP councillor Esther Friedli has declined to run for the Swiss Federal Council, opting to remain in the Council of States and continue her business in Toggenburg.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esther-friedli-declines-run-for-swiss-federal-council-seat

### 2026-10-03: SVP considers all-female ticket for Swiss Federal Council

The Swiss People's Party (SVP) is considering a historic all-female ticket for the Federal Council, with Esther Friedli and Natalie Rickli emerging as leading candidates following Guy Parmelin's resignation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/svp-considers-all-female-ticket-for-swiss-federal-council

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Cite as: SVP Swiss Federal Council succession. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/svp-swiss-federal-council-succession