GENEVA — Guy Parmelin, Switzerland’s economy minister known for his diplomatic efforts to ease steep US tariffs on Swiss goods, was elected as the country’s president for 2026 on December 10. He secured overwhelming support from the Federal Assembly with 203 out of 210 valid votes.
In his acceptance speech, Parmelin acknowledged the challenging global landscape, stating, “These are difficult times… Our times demand determination, foresight, courage, and hope.”
Parmelin played a key role in reducing the US tariffs imposed in August 2025 by then-President Donald Trump, who had set duties as high as 39 percent on Swiss imports. After several trips to Washington, Parmelin helped negotiate a deal lowering the tariffs to 15 percent, accompanied by Switzerland’s commitment to invest US$200 billion in the US.
Switzerland’s presidency rotates annually among the seven-member Federal Council, with Parmelin, who previously served as president in 2021, set to succeed Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter. Parmelin will retain his role as economy minister while serving as president.
A member of the hard-right Swiss People’s Party, Parmelin, 66, hails from Vaud canton and brings his background as a winegrower and former defence minister to his leadership position. His re-election underscores Switzerland’s focus on steady governance amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty.