Full Breakdown
SVP Nominates Eight Candidates for Federal Council Seat Vacated by Guy Parmelin
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Candidate Nominations and Upcoming Election
The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has put forward seven men and one woman as candidates to succeed Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, whose resignation creates a vacancy on the Federal Council. The eight nominees will be considered by the United Federal Assembly in the election scheduled for December 9, 2026.
Background: Parmelin’s Resignation and SVP Selection Process
Guy Parmelin announced his departure from the Federal Council, prompting the SVP’s nomination committee to open a selection process. The committee, chaired by former SVP parliamentary group leader Caspar Baader, will conduct hearings with all candidates in the weeks ahead. The committee retains the right to approach additional individuals if necessary.
Candidate Roster and Regional Representation
The SVP’s list comprises the following individuals:
- Thomas Aeschi – National Council member from Zug (ZG)
- Michael Graber – National Council member from Valais (VS)
- Rémy Wyssmann – National Council member from Solothurn (SO)
- Céline Amaudruz – National Councilwoman from Geneva (GE)
- Marco Chiesa – Council of States member from Ticino (TI)
- Jean-Pierre Gallati – Cantonal government member from Aargau (AG)
- Franz Ruppen – Cantonal councilor from Valais (VS)
- Pierre Alain Schnegg – Cantonal government member from Bern (BE)
The slate includes two candidates from French-speaking cantons (Geneva and Bern), one from the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, and five from German-speaking cantons.
Timeline of the Nomination Process
- October 23 – Deadline for submitting candidacies to the SVP selection committee.
- Following weeks – Hearings with all eight candidates under the leadership of Caspar Baader.
- November 20 – The SVP parliamentary group will vote on the motion that will be forwarded to the United Federal Assembly.
- December 9, 2026 – Election by the United Federal Assembly to fill the Federal Council seat.
Assessment Criteria and Official Statements
The SVP has stated that the evaluation will focus on each candidate’s positions on the party’s core issues: armed neutrality and Swiss self-determination, the EU treaty package, asylum and migration policy, the armed forces and internal security, financial relief for the middle class and businesses, and a secure, affordable energy supply. Leadership experience and suitability for the Justice and Defence ministries (FDJP and DDPS) are also highlighted as central factors.
The SVP Aargau chapter announced the unanimous nomination of Jean-Pierre Gallati, emphasizing his support for an independent Switzerland, limited immigration, and a strong military. The Upper Valais SVP presented Franz Ruppen and Michael Graber as candidates, noting their municipal, cantonal, and national experience and describing them as “outstanding individuals” offering a broad range of choices.
Data & Statistics
- 8 candidates total (7 men, 1 woman)
- 2 French-speaking, 1 Italian-speaking, 5 German-speaking candidates
- 4 candidates from the German-speaking cantons of Valais and Zug and Bern
- 1 candidate each from Geneva, Ticino, and Aargau
What’s Next: Hearings, Parliamentary Vote, and Election
The SVP selection committee will interview each nominee in the coming weeks, after which the parliamentary group’s decision on November 20 will determine the official list presented to the United Federal Assembly. The Assembly’s vote on December 9, 2026 will decide which of the eight SVP candidates assumes the Federal Council seat formerly held by Guy Parmelin.