Biography | Guy Parmelin – President of Switzerland

Guy Bernard Parmelin

From Bursins to the Federal Palace

Born on 9 November 1959 in Bursins, a small commune in the canton of Vaud nestled above the shores of Lake Geneva, Guy Bernard Parmelin grew up immersed in the rhythms of Swiss viticulture and rural life. His family's deep roots in the Vaudois countryside instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work, community, and the land.

After completing his education, Parmelin became a qualified agricultural engineer and took over the family vineyard, cultivating wine grapes while building a reputation as a pragmatic, community-minded figure in his region. His agricultural background would later inform his policy expertise in rural economics, food security, and environmental stewardship.

It was this combination of agrarian pragmatism and public-spiritedness that drew him into politics—first at the local level, then cantonal, and ultimately onto the national stage where he would shape Switzerland's economic and security landscape for a generation.

Career Timeline

Milestones of Leadership

1959

Birth & Early Years

Born on 9 November 1959 in Bursins, Vaud. Raised in a family of winemakers in the picturesque vineyards above Lake Geneva, developing a lifelong connection to the Swiss agricultural landscape.

1980s

Education & Agriculture

Completed studies in agricultural engineering. Took over the family vineyard and established himself as a respected viticulturist in the Vaud region, gaining expertise in rural economics and sustainable land management.

1993

Entry into Cantonal Politics

Elected to the Grand Council of the Canton of Vaud as a member of the Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC), marking the beginning of his formal political career at the cantonal level.

2003

National Council Member

Elected to the Swiss National Council, representing the Canton of Vaud on the federal stage. Served on key committees related to economic affairs, agriculture, and national defence over more than a decade of parliamentary service.

2015

Election to the Federal Council

Elected by the United Federal Assembly to the Swiss Federal Council on 9 December 2015, succeeding Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf. Became the first Vaudois member of the Federal Council since 1848.

2016–2018

Head of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

Took office on 1 January 2016 as head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), overseeing military modernisation, civil emergency preparedness, and national sports policy.

2019–Present

Head of Economic Affairs, Education & Research

Transferred to lead the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), driving policy on innovation, trade, vocational training, and Switzerland's economic competitiveness on the world stage.

2020

Vice President of Switzerland

Served as Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, supporting the presidency during a challenging year of global health crisis and economic uncertainty.

2021

First Presidential Term

Served as President of the Swiss Confederation for the first time, leading the nation through economic recovery, international diplomacy, and domestic policy reform during a pivotal year in Swiss governance.

2025

Vice President (Second Term)

Elected Vice President of the Swiss Confederation for a second time, reinforcing his central role in the Federal Council's leadership structure and his continued influence on economic and education policy.

2026

President of Switzerland (Second Term)

Assumed the presidency for his second term, bringing unparalleled experience and a clear vision for Switzerland's future: innovation, stability, prosperity, and a deepened commitment to global cooperation and democratic values.

Character & Values

The Man Behind the Office

Rooted in the Land

As a winemaker and agricultural engineer, Parmelin brings an authenticity and pragmatism to governance that is grounded in the realities of Swiss rural life and the cycles of nature.

Democratic Conviction

A staunch believer in Switzerland's unique system of direct democracy, consensus politics, and federalism. He champions transparent governance and citizen participation at every level.

Service Above Self

From his village council to the Federal Palace, Parmelin's career has been defined by a sense of duty—a conviction that leadership is about serving community, not personal ambition.