The president of Switzerland’s Center Party, Gerhard Pfister, will step down from office in the summer. He announced this last week. Will he now take over from Viola Amherd?
Benedikt Würth has been in the Council of States since 2019. He previously held various political offices in the canton of St. Gallen, including mayor of Rapperswil-Jona and he was on the government council. He primarily deals with topics such as financial policy, foreign policy, education and strengthening the regional economy.
Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger has been the Center Councilor of the Canton of Lucerne since 2019. From 2015 to 2019 she worked in the National Council. In its political work, it particularly advocates for a comprehensive education system, a sustainable tax policy, the strengthening of the welfare state and a balanced asylum and migration policy.
Martin Candinas has been in the National Council since 2011. In 2022 and 2023 he was President of the National Council. In his political work, he is particularly committed to promoting linguistic diversity, a sustainable energy policy, the development of peripheral regions, family policy with a focus on paternity leave, and a strong cultural and media policy.
Heidi Z’graggen has been a member of the state council since 2019, and from 2004 to 2020 she was a government councilor in the canton of Uri. In its political work, it is particularly committed to the sovereignty of the cantons, sustainable spatial development, environmental and nature protection as well as a future-oriented energy and health policy.
Pirmin Bischof has been a member of the Council of States since 2011. He particularly deals with economic and foreign policy issues.
Philipp Matthias Bregy has been a member of the National Council since 2019, where he is actively involved in the accommodation industry and ensuring the special VAT rate.
Isabelle Chassot has been a member of the Council of States since 2021. She previously worked as director of the Federal Office of Culture from 2012 to 2021. In her political work she is particularly committed to cultural policy, education and social integration. She has now announced that she will not be running.
Are these the successors of Viola Amherd?
The president of Switzerland’s Center Party, Gerhard Pfister, will step down from office in the summer. He announced this last week. Will he now take over from Viola Amherd?
Benedikt Würth has been in the Council of States since 2019. He previously held various political offices in the canton of St. Gallen, including mayor of Rapperswil-Jona and he was on the government council. He primarily deals with topics such as financial policy, foreign policy, education and strengthening the regional economy.
Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger has been the Center Councilor of the Canton of Lucerne since 2019. From 2015 to 2019 she worked in the National Council. In its political work, it particularly advocates for a comprehensive education system, a sustainable tax policy, the strengthening of the welfare state and a balanced asylum and migration policy.
Martin Candinas has been in the National Council since 2011. In 2022 and 2023 he was President of the National Council. In his political work, he is particularly committed to promoting linguistic diversity, a sustainable energy policy, the development of peripheral regions, family policy with a focus on paternity leave, and a strong cultural and media policy.
Heidi Z’graggen has been a member of the state council since 2019, and from 2004 to 2020 she was a government councilor in the canton of Uri. In its political work, it is particularly committed to the sovereignty of the cantons, sustainable spatial development, environmental and nature protection as well as a future-oriented energy and health policy.
Pirmin Bischof has been a member of the Council of States since 2011. He particularly deals with economic and foreign policy issues.
Philipp Matthias Bregy has been a member of the National Council since 2019, where he is actively involved in the accommodation industry and ensuring the special VAT rate.
Isabelle Chassot has been a member of the Council of States since 2021. She previously worked as director of the Federal Office of Culture from 2012 to 2021. In her political work she is particularly committed to cultural policy, education and social integration. She has now announced that she will not be running.
After Viola Amherd’s resignation announcement at the end, the candidate carousel is turning. These politicians could take office.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- Viola Amherd surprisingly announced her resignation from the Federal Council at the end of March 2025.
- Now the question arises: Who could be her successor?
- Political scientist Sarah Bütikofer explains to blue News who could be considered.
Bang in Federal Bern: Viola Amherd has surprisingly announced her resignation. The middle Federal Councilor will step down from her position at the end of March 2025. Who could be her successor?
Eight people are at the forefront: Gerhard Pfister (62), Benedikt Würth (56), Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger (60), Martin Candinas (44), Heidi Z’graggen (58), Pirmin Bischof (65), Isabelle Chassot (59) and Philipp Matthias Bregy (46).
Gerhard Pfister announced his resignation as center party president at the beginning of the year. It is an open secret that he has ambitions for a Federal Council seat.
When asked by blue News, political scientist Sarah Bütikofer explains that Isabelle Chassot would also be a candidate because she “made a name for herself as PUK president.” However, Chassot has now canceled. Andrea Gmür also brings the political scientist into play.
Bütikofer further explains: “Heidi Z’graggen would have very good qualifications because she was already a government councilor.” Z’graggen wanted to become Federal Councilor six years ago, but then lost to Viola Amherd. This is not an obstacle for Bütikofer: “Karin Keller-Sutter was only elected at the second attempt.”
“He stands for a new generation”
There are several gentlemen in the Council of States who “would not hold back,” says Bütikofer. “For example, Benedikt Würth. It has long been rumored that he has the ambition to do so. He is also a former government councilor and is therefore well positioned.” Pirmin Bischoff would also be an option. In terms of age, however, he is at the upper limit.
Martin Candinas and Philipp Matthias Bregy are options in the National Council. Bütikofer says about Candinas: “He is interested in the Federal Council office. With him there would be a change, someone younger. He would be interesting for the middle because he would represent a new generation. He has good qualifications, is very popular, was President of the National Council and has a good reputation,” explains Bütikofer. Also
