The election of Doris Leuthard to the Swiss Federal Council on 14 June 2006 broke with the established precedent of linguistic representation in Bern. Securing 133 out of 234 valid votes, the German speaker became the 109th Federal Councillor, stepping into a vacancy created by the resignation of Joseph Deiss.
Early Career and Legislative Service
Born in 1963 in Merenschwand, Leuthard pursued a career in law before entering national politics. Educated at the University of Zurich, she eventually represented the canton of Aargau in the Swiss National Council from 1999 to 2006. During this period of legislative service, she also presided over the Christian Democratic People's Party between 2004 and 2006.
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Take the IQ test →Tenure on the Federal Council
Leuthard served as a Member of the Swiss Federal Council for twelve years, starting in 2006. Her initial cabinet role involved heading the Federal Department of Economic Affairs. In 2010, she transitioned to lead the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, a position she held until 2018. She was the fifth woman elected to the Federal Council.
Presidential Terms
The Swiss Confederation presidency was held by Leuthard on two separate occasions, in 2010 and 2017. She acted as vice president in both 2009 and 2016. As president, she presided over council meetings and performed representative functions, though she remained a primus inter pares among her six colleagues. She was the third woman to occupy the office.
International Engagements and Post-Political Life
Following her government service, Leuthard continued to engage in professional and advisory capacities. In 2018, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres appointed her to the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation. She currently serves on the board of both Stadler Rail and the Kofi Annan Foundation. In 2022, news outlets reported an incident involving her spouse at their vacation home in Ticino.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Merenschwand
- Education: University of Zurich
- Political Party: Christian Democratic People's Party
- Federal Council Service: 2006-2018
- President of the Swiss Confederation: 2010, 2017
- Languages: German, Swiss German
- Religion: Catholicism
Questions readers ask
What departments did Doris Leuthard lead as a Federal Councillor?
She led the Federal Department of Economic Affairs from 2006 to 2010 and the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications from 2010 to 2018.
Which international organizations has she been associated with since leaving office?
She joined the boards of the Kofi Annan Foundation and Stadler Rail, and was appointed to a UN High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation.
Achievements
- President of the Swiss Confederation (2010–2010)
- Member of the Swiss Federal Council (2006–2018)
- Member of the Swiss National Council (1999–2006)
- Vice president of the Swiss Confederation (2016–2016)
- Educated at University of Zurich
