Alain Berset: key dates

1972

Born in Fribourg on 9 April.

1989

Western Switzerland athletics champion, 800 metres (U18).

1991

Classical baccalaureate (maturité) at Collège Sainte-Croix, Fribourg. Sets off on a long journey through Latin America.

1992

Returns from Latin America and begins his studies at the University of Neuchâtel.

1996

Master’s degree in political science, University of Neuchâtel.

2000

Elected to the Constituent Assembly of the Canton of Fribourg.

2001

Offshore sailing licence. Elected to the municipal parliament of Belfaux.

2002

Marries Muriel Zeender.

2003

Birth of Antoine. Elected to the Council of States for the Canton of Fribourg.

2005

Birth of Achille. PhD in economics, University of Neuchâtel.

2007

Birth of Apolline. Re-elected to the Council of States.

2008

Elected President of the Council of States for the 2008-2009 parliamentary year.

2010

Private pilot licence.

2011

Re-elected to the Council of States in the first round, on 23 October. Elected to the Swiss Federal Council on 14 December.

2012

Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs.

2018

President of the Swiss Confederation.

2020

As health minister, in charge of managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

2023

President of the Swiss Confederation for the second time. Leaves the Federal Council at the end of the legislative term (31 December).

2024

Elected Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Launches work on a New Democratic Pact for Europe.

2025

Signs in Strasbourg, with President Zelenskyy, the agreement establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.