Resigned after six years –
The most formative moments – Viola Amherd’s term in office in pictures
After six years as head of the DDPS, Switzerland’s first female defense minister surprisingly announced her resignation. We look back.
Published today at 4:02 p.m
On December 5, 2018 the time has come: Viola Amherd will be elected to the Federal Council together with Karin Keller-Sutter. She received the necessary majority of 148 votes in the first round of voting. She takes over the vacant Federal Council seat held by Doris Leuthard, who resigned.
Photo: Keystone
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Valais has another Federal Councilor: Amherd will be welcomed in her home town of Brig after her election.
Photo: Keystone
Amherd took over from Guy Parmelin the Defense Department, which was considered unpopular and insignificant at the time and was often assigned to newly elected Federal Councilors.
Photo: Keystone
Power couple: Together with her newly appointed army chief Thomas Süssli, Amherd manages to set an example in the VBS, which is considered to be sluggish.
Photo: Keystone
First mobilization since World War II: Because of the corona pandemic, soldiers have to report for duty in Switzerland for the first time in over 70 years. It affects the hospital soldiers who are called in to support the health workers.
Photo: Keystone
A Federal Council photo of a different kind: Amherd visited the Rhine Falls with the entire Federal Council as part of the Federal Council trip in June 2022.
Photo: Keystone
Amherd has always supported women’s concerns and took part in the women’s strike on the Bundesplatz on June 24, 2019.
Photo: Keystone
She steps out of line: Amherd leans forward during the group photo with the world’s powerful at the Bürgenstück Summit for Peace in Ukraine and creates a photo for the front pages.
Photo: Keystone
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Simon Angelo Meier has been an editor at Tamedia’s news desk since 2023. More info
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