Swiss army colonel secures position in Federal Council, becoming latest member of executive body in Switzerland.
Fresh Tack on the Swiss Federal Council's "Magic Formula"
The newly elected Federal Councillor, Martin Pfister, a man of 61, formerly an army colonel, took office this week in a historic move. He joined the other Council members following elections in both the National Council and the Council of States.
Like Amherd, Pfister hails from the Centre party, a strategic move to preserve the diverse political representation that has graced the Federal Council for decades.
The Federal Council reflects Parliament's composition, adhering to what is known as the 'magic formula.' This formula assigns two seats each to the Liberal-Radicals, the Social Democrats, and the Swiss People's Party, and one seat to the Centre. The term "magic" stems from the division of power among seven individuals, ensuring that no single person has excessive power, fostering fair representation.
Who is Pfister?
Sixty-one-year-old Pfister is the health minister for his native Zug canton in central Switzerland. A rare figure in the Swiss government, Pfister has never served in the national parliament. He noted, "I know the barracks better than the Federal Palace."
He acknowledged the recent turmoil, stating, "Switzerland's foundations - trust, cooperation, and stability - have undergone some upheavals, both at home and abroad." He further warned of potential geopolitical changes that could pose significant challenges, particularly in security policy, for Switzerland in the coming years.
Pfister's Role
Pfister is set to lead the Defense Department, marking a challenging start for the newly appointed minister. The department has recently been embroiled in controversy, involving fraud, leaks, allegations of backstabbing, and the resignations of two top officials.
Insight: The "magic formula" in the Federal Council, established in 1959, ensures political stability by distributing power proportionally, facilitating collaboration across party lines and maintaining a fair balance between linguistic and regional interests. [1][5]
Smashing the Status Quo
Though the parliament selects ministers without specific field expertise, personal preferences can guide the allocation, and seniority is taken into account. Nonetheless, no one can claim a specific department. [2]
The Federal Council comprises seven ministries:
- Interior Ministry: Elisabeth Baume-Schneider
- Foreign Affairs Ministry: Ignazio Cassis
- Justice and Police: Beat Jans
- Finance Ministry: Karin Keller-Sutter (this year's president of Switzerland)
- Economy Ministry: Guy Parmelin
- Defense Ministry: Martin Pfister (replacing Viola Adhered)
The ministries often have sub-departments, such as the Interior Ministry, which handles Public Health, the Social Insurance office, and more. [2]
So, What Exactly Does the Federal Council Do?
The Federal Council is responsible for implementing laws passed by the parliament and approved in a referendum; managing federal finances; and safeguarding Switzerland's security. [2] The Council seeks consensus during decision-making, and all members are required to support the government's decisions publicly, even if they personally disagree or the decisions contradict their party's position. [2]
Swiss government ministers earn an annual salary of 477,688 Swiss francs ($541,650), plus a yearly allowance of 30,000 francs. They also receive two vehicles, a first-class train pass, and a general pass for Switzerland's ski lifts. [2]
Insight: The "magic formula" has inflated and adapted as political dynamics have shifted, preserving cooperation among ideologically diverse members while adapting to new challenges. [1][5] As of 2025, the formula remains critical in navigating complex issues like EU relations and climate change policy. [1][5]
- Martin Pfister, the newly elected Federal Councillor and a Swiss national, entered office this week, joining the Council after elections in both the National Council and the Council of States.
- Apart from his role as the health minister for Zug canton, Pfister is set to lead the Defense Department, a challenging position due to the department's recent controversies.
- Pfister's appointment comes at a time when he acknowledged the recent turmoil, stating that Switzerland's foundations - trust, cooperation, and stability - have faced upheavals, both domestically and internationally.
- The Federal Council, with its 'magic formula' of power distribution within the Swiss politics, has been instrumental in fostering policy-and-legislation, general news, and maintaining stability in the country, especially amid geopolitical changes that could pose significant challenges for Switzerland.
