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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.

Statement as Swiss President in the General Debate of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, 19 September 2023. Photo: Keystone

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

With Swiss alpine ski champion Marco Odermatt at the mythical Lauberhorn race. Photo: FDHA

Meeting the population during an excursion by the Swiss Federal Council to Fribourg. Photo: Keystone

Meeting the population during an excursion by the Swiss government. Photo: Keystone

Meeting the population during an excursion by the Swiss Federal Council to Fribourg. Photo: Keystone

In parliament, in the midst of legislative work. Photo: Keystone

On the athletics track of my youth. Photo: Laurent Crottet