SVP Leader Thomas Aeschi Enters Race for Swiss Federal Council

Thomas Aeschi, parliamentary group leader of the Swiss People's Party (SVP), has officially declared his candidacy for the Swiss Federal Council to succeed retiring member Guy Parmelin. In interviews published in Sonntagsblick and Schweiz heute, the 47-year-old National Councillor from the canton of Zug confirmed his intention to seek the executive office.

Aeschi indicated a preference to target the Federal Department of Justice and Police, which is presently headed by Social Democratic Councillor Beat Jans. In his statements, Aeschi cited significant unaddressed problems within Swiss asylum and migration policy as his primary rationale, pointing to concerns raised by several cantons. He stated that his delayed decision was due to personal consultations with family, colleagues, and politicians across multiple parties, adding that he had not discussed the step with former party figure Christoph Blocher.

With Aeschi's formal declaration, eight candidates within the SVP are now officially contending for nomination. The field includes Geneva National Councillor Céline Amaudruz, Ticino Councillor of States and former party president Marco Chiesa, and Solothurn National Councillor Rémy Wyssmann. Additionally, Valais National Councillor Michael Graber, Valais State Councillor Franz Ruppen, Bernese Executive Council President Pierre Alain Schnegg, and Aargau Executive Councillor Jean-Pierre Gallati have entered the internal contest.

Aeschi had already been nominated by the Zug cantonal branch of the SVP prior to the initial interest deadline in October, but he postponed a firm commitment until now. Regional political dynamics may play a role in the selection, given that Federal Councillor Martin Pfister of The Centre party also originates from Zug. A dedicated assessment commission within the SVP is currently evaluating all eight candidates.

The SVP parliamentary group is scheduled to meet on November 20 to select its official candidate ticket. The United Federal Assembly will subsequently conduct the election to fill the vacant seat in the Swiss government on December 9, 2026.

Written by Andreas Hofer andreas.hofer@alpineweekly.com