About
Alain Berset was a member of Parliament for 8 years, and served 12 years as a minister and two terms as President of the Swiss Confederation. His proven track record at the helm of government and extensive global network of high-level contacts are essential to bolstering the political stature, visibility and international influence of the Council of Europe.
He is firmly committed to social and societal progress. Formerly a Social Democratic Party upper-chamber MP and minister responsible for culture, youth, health and social affairs, equality between women and men, anti-discrimination and anti-racism, Alain Berset has always placed human rights, democracy and the rule of law at the heart of his work.
Alain Berset has a wealth of experience in managing complex organisations and facilitating change, and is a talented negotiator and communicator with a keen grasp of tactics. He has proven his distinctive ability in forming sensible compromises that are key to further strengthening the Council of Europe.
With British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the margins of the European Political Community summit in Granada. Photo: FDHA
With Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during a visit to the WTO in Geneva. Photo: WTO
Chairing the open debate of the UN Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, 23 May 2023. Photo: Keystone
Visiting Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar during a four days official visit to Bangladesh as Swiss President in 2018. Photo: Keystone
Meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the European Political Community summit in Moldova. Photo: Keystone
Personal details
- 9 April 1972, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Married, 3 children (20, 18, 16)
- PhD in economics and M. Sc. in political science
Political career
2023 | President of the Swiss Confederation |
2018 | President of the Swiss Confederation |
2012–2023 | Member of the Government (Federal Council), Head of the FDHA |
2009 | President of the Senate (Council of States) |
2007–2011 | Member of the parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE |
2005–2011 | Member of the parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie |
2005–2011 | Vice president of the parliamentary Social Democratic group |
2003–2011 | Member of the Senate (Council of States) |
Professional activity
2006–2011 | Independent strategy and communications advisor |
2001–2004 | Strategic advisor, Department of Economic Affairs of canton Neuchâtel |
2000–2001 | Guest researcher, Hamburg Institute of International Economics |
1996–2000 | Assistant lecturer, University of Neuchâtel |
Education
2005 | PhD in Economics, University of Neuchâtel |
1996 | Ms. Sc. in Political Science, University of Neuchâtel |
With Swiss alpine ski champion Marco Odermatt at the mythical Lauberhorn race. Photo: FDHA
Meeting the population during an excursion by the Swiss government. Photo: Keystone
In parliament, in the midst of legislative work. Photo: Keystone
On the athletics track of my youth. Photo: Laurent Crottet