The election of Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf to the Swiss Federal Council on 13 December 2007, where she secured 125 votes against Christoph Blocher, triggered a significant political realignment within the nation. As a jurist from Felsberg, her career trajectory moved from cantonal governance in Grisons to the highest levels of executive power in Bern.
Legal Education and Early Career
Born in 1956, Widmer-Schlumpf pursued legal studies at the University of Zurich, earning her degree in 1981 and a doctorate in 1990 with a thesis titled Voraussetzungen der Konzession bei Radio und Fernsehen. She practiced as a lawyer between 1987 and 1998. Her judicial experience included serving on the district court of Trin starting in 1985, later presiding over the body from 1991 until 1997.
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Her political service began with the Swiss People's Party, representing the Grand Council of Grisons from 1994 to 1998. Following this, she entered the cantonal government as its first female member. During her tenure at the cantonal level, she held the presidency in 2001 and 2005, establishing a reputation that eventually led to her national candidacy.
Federal Council Transition
Upon her acceptance of the Federal Council seat in 2007, she faced intense resistance from the national leadership of the Swiss People's Party. The conflict escalated when the Grisons section refused to expel her, leading to their subsequent departure from the national party. This schism resulted in the formation of the Conservative Democratic Party, which she joined and maintained affiliation with until its 2021 merger into The Centre.
Executive Roles and Presidency
Widmer-Schlumpf initially managed the Federal Department of Justice and Police. Following a 2010 portfolio reshuffle, she transitioned to the Federal Department of Finance. Her time in office culminated in her service as the President of the Swiss Confederation in 2012. After the 2015 general election, she concluded her federal career and was succeeded by Guy Parmelin.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, Felsberg
- Education: University of Zurich
- Profession: Lawyer, politician, jurist
- Federal Council Service: 2008-2015
- President of the Swiss Confederation: 2012
- Party History: Swiss People's Party, Conservative Democratic Party
- Father: Leon Schlumpf
Questions readers ask
What portfolios did she hold in the Federal Council?
She served as head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police from 2008 to 2010 and as head of the Federal Department of Finance from 2010 to 2015.
Was she the first woman to hold the presidency of the Swiss Confederation?
No. She was the fourth woman to hold the post, following Ruth Dreifuss, Micheline Calmy-Rey, and Doris Leuthard.
Achievements
- Member of the Swiss Federal Council (2008–2015)
- President of the Swiss Confederation (2012–2012)
- Member of the Grand Council of Grisons (1994–1998)
- Councillor of State of Grisons (1999–2007)
- Educated at University of Zurich
