Guy Parmelin

Guy Parmelin is a Swiss politician who has served as a member of the Federal Council since 2016. A member of the Swiss People's Party, he headed the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport before assuming leadership of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research in 2019. Parmelin served as Vice President of Switzerland in 2020 and President of Switzerland for the 2021 term, a largely ceremonial role rotated annually among the Federal Councillors.

Early life and education

Guy Parmelin was born on 9 November 1959 in the village of Bursins, located in the canton of Vaud. He grew up on his family's wine-growing estate in the La Côte region, an experience that deeply influenced his connection to Swiss agriculture and rural life. After completing his compulsory education, Parmelin attended the University of Lausanne, where he studied history and Germanic studies. His academic background provided a foundation for his later political career, which has often focused on economic and cultural policies affecting Switzerland.

Political career

Parmelin's political career began at the municipal level in Bursins, where he served on the local council. He was elected to the Cantonal Council of Vaud in 1997, representing the Swiss People's Party. In 2003, he was elected to the National Council, the lower house of the Federal Assembly, where he served for over a decade. During his tenure in Bern, he sat on important committees including the Security Policy Committee and the Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation, focusing on issues of national security, fiscal policy, and support for Swiss SMEs. His pragmatic and consensus-oriented style earned him respect across the political spectrum, paving the way for his election to the Federal Council.

Federal Council (2016–present)

Parmelin was elected to the Federal Council on 9 December 2015, succeeding Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf. He assumed office on 1 January 2016 and was initially assigned to lead the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). In this role, he oversaw the Swiss Armed Forces and managed major procurement programs, while also dealing with the aftermath of events like the 2017 Bondo landslide. Following the 2018 federal election, he was reassigned to lead the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) in 2019, succeeding Johann Schneider-Ammann. As head of the EAER, his portfolio includes promoting Swiss economic growth, overseeing vocational education and training, and managing international trade relations, including those with the European Union and through agreements like the European Free Trade Association. He served as Vice President of Switzerland in 2020 under President Simonetta Sommaruga, and then as President of Switzerland for the 2021 calendar year, presiding over meetings of the Federal Council and representing Switzerland internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland.

Personal life

Parmelin is married to Jacqueline Parmelin, and the couple has two adult children. He remains actively involved in managing his family's vineyard in Bursins, maintaining a direct link to the Vaud wine industry. His hobbies include hiking in the Swiss Alps and studying military history. Parmelin is known for his unassuming and direct manner, often described as a "farmer-politician," which has contributed to his popularity, particularly in rural regions of Switzerland.

See also

* List of members of the Swiss Federal Council * Politics of Switzerland * Swiss wine

Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the Swiss Federal Council Category:Swiss People's Party politicians Category:Presidents of Switzerland Category:People from the canton of Vaud Category:University of Lausanne alumni