Wie Sie garantiert nicht Bundesrat werden – und warum das vielleicht besser so ist

Next month, the Federal Assembly will choose the successor to Bundesrat Guy Parmelin. For many politicians, this role represents the pinnacle of achievement. However, they may wonder: can I allow my fame and honor to be stolen? Then read on. Here are three reliable ways to avoid being elected to the Federal Council. The Swiss newspaper NZZ.ch requires JavaScript for essential functions, which your browser or ad blocker may be blocking at the moment.

Let us begin with interpersonal interactions. The first rule for a disgraced Federal Council election is to "don't greet." Use a gruff tone instead. Cultivate an unfriendly demeanor at the weekly market and in the changing room in general. Political scientists have recently examined the personalities of roughly a hundred Federal Council candidates from 1982 to 2020.

Their conclusion: while extroverts, sometimes even narcissists, often prevail abroad, approachable individuals tend to have the upper hand in Switzerland. If you are already well-mannered, focus on the second rule: "You must be an ideologue." Represent a party line without compromise. This earns you points among party supporters and may even secure a place on the ticket.

Yet, you are unlikely to be elected, as you need the majority of all 246 members of the Federal Assembly to do so. To avoid ascending to the political pinnacle of the country, remember the third and final rule: "You must not rush." If a seat becomes vacant, declare your interest immediately – vehemently and loudly. Yes, a healthy dose of ambition still has its place in Switzerland.

Several candidates declared "great interest" in the 2025 election, but it was only Martin Pfister who managed to secure the position after slipping in just before the deadline. Showing clear dominance, appearing dominant, and being ambitious may seem paradoxical for someone seeking a leadership position. However, looking abroad shows that Switzerland's electoral system might not be as flawed as it appears.

Ultimately, the selection process for the Federal Council reflects our understanding of a liberal society. Power is consciously distributed widely in this country, with decisions not made solely in Bern, but primarily by citizens themselves – in businesses, associations, and communities. The state sets the framework, rather than determining everything itself.

Exaggerating, we could say that the Swiss want their leaders to be gray mice so that the governed can be colorful dogs. Is everything absolutely perfect? Not quite. After all, power limitation does not mean leadership is unnecessary. A Federal Council must make major political decisions and lead a self-assured administration. A person who is only friendly and nice is guided by their officials, rather than steering the country thoughtfully – a task that has become increasingly difficult recently due to incidents abroad.

After all, the liberal societal model is under pressure at home. The number of motions submitted to the National Council has soared from just under 90 in the legislative period 1963–67 to around 1,800 in the legislative period 2019–23. Behind every initiative lies the expectation that Bern will resolve a problem. The zeitgeist has changed: the colorful dogs no longer want to be as colorful as before, they prefer to be nurtured and pampered by the gray mice (the) instead.

Does this not please you? You are now ready to break all three rules, seize the free seat, and steer the country in response? Such an endeavor deserves respect. The country needs people like you who champion the common good. So, go ahead bravely. If the election does not go your way, there is a comforting consolation at the end.

With the evolving zeitgeist, the importance of Federal Councilors is also likely to be exaggerated. And where the spotlight shines brightly, the shadow darkens correspondingly. The Swiss Federal Police investigated 246 threats against individuals under federal protection, including Federal Council members, in 2019; by 2025, that number had risen to 645 – even Alain Berset received around-the-clock personal protection during the pandemic, even during his vacation hikes.

Not being elected could turn out to be a personal stroke of luck – at least your general practitioner will be pleased. A study in the "British Medical Journal" examined elections in 17 countries since 1722. The result: elected government leaders typically die 2.7 years earlier than their defeated opponents. Therefore, missing a Federal Council election may grant you ample time – the time you can still enjoy as a colorful dog in Switzerland (still).

Jürg Müller is the director of the think tank Avenir Suisse. Historically, Céline Amaudruz was the only female Federal Council candidate. Then came Friday morning, bringing a wave of additional candidates. Looking back at a memorable candidate search, tactical considerations and the possibility factor remain crucial selection criteria for a Federal Council.

This is a challenge Switzerland cannot afford to ignore any longer. The country has failed to reform the antiquated structures of the Federal Council since 1848. In response to changing pressures, informal rules have continued to evolve. A successful story? Or a dangerous slide?