The President of Switzerland is not actually the head of this state, since these functions are collectively performed by all members of the federal government. But the president’s voice becomes decisive when it comes to discussing current affairs. The period during which the President of Switzerland fulfills his duties is quite short - only one year. In 2014, Didier Burkhalter took over.
Didier Burkhalter - President of Switzerland for 2014
According to tradition, the President of Switzerland is elected from the government of the country for a period of one year. During this time, he fulfills his duties without leaving his previous position. The functions of the president are usually representative. He addresses the country on holidays, attends the opening of official events, and visits foreign countries.
In early January 2014, Didier Burkhalter took over as President of Switzerland. The elections that took place in December of the previous year provided the new president with almost ninety percent of the votes of the members of parliament. Prior to this, the president was the Minister of Defense of Switzerland, Uli Maurer, who represented the right-wing Swiss people's party.
Didier Burkhalter was born in 1960, and entered politics in the early 90s, becoming a member of the parliament of one of the cantons of Switzerland. Ten years later, he joined the National Council of the country, and then the Council of Cantons of Switzerland. Since January 2013, Burkhalter served as vice president, combining this post with the leadership of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The new president of Switzerland is married, he is the father of three children. By education, Burkhalter is an economist.
